Did you know that a Master of Architecture professional degree is available to students with an undergraduate major in any field. We have developed a ‘bridge’ program called STUDIO FIRST, to help students who are interested in such a degree.

Studio First is a 5-week immersion design studio for participants with no formal academic
background in architecture, and is the first program of its kind in Canada. The main goal is
to prepare participants to apply to a three-year Master of Architecture accredited degree
program.

The design studio is the core of the program, and meets 16 hours per week for five weeks.
Instructors focus on conceptual thinking and multi-media techniques, with additional
time spent in workshops on digital skills, and lectures on design theory and practice.
Participants experience intensive studio culture, and have the opportunity to network
with like-minded colleagues and with experts in the fields of architecture, urban design,
digital fabrication, and heritage conservation.

Studio First is led by Zachary Colbert, a practicing architect and assistant professor at the
Azrieli School of Architecture and Urbanism, Carleton University. All studios and classes
are held in the School, with the advantages of being in Canada’s capital city, Ottawa. We
offer advice on finding housing in Ottawa, or in our campus residence halls.