Are you fascinated by architecture, landscape architecture, or urban planning and design? Do you envision a career where you can shape the built environment and make a tangible impact on the world? The Harvard Career Discovery Program, also known as Design Discovery at Harvard’s Graduate School of Design (GSD), offers an immersive, three-week, in-person experience designed to help individuals like you explore these exciting design fields. Located in Cambridge, MA, this program provides a unique opportunity to delve into a single design discipline – Architecture, Landscape Architecture, or Urban Planning + Design – through hands-on learning and engagement with Harvard GSD faculty and resources.
Overview of the Harvard Career Discovery Program
The Harvard Career Discovery Program (Design Discovery) is an intensive, three-week summer program hosted at the prestigious Harvard Graduate School of Design. This in-person academic experience is tailored for a diverse audience, from individuals aged 18 and up, including college students, recent graduates, and mid-career professionals contemplating a career change or seeking to enhance their design knowledge.
Participants in the Harvard Career Discovery Program choose to concentrate on one design discipline: Architecture, Landscape Architecture, or Urban Planning + Design. The program’s core philosophy centers on the transformative power of design and its profound influence on shaping the built environment and the human experiences within it. A key feature of the program is its emphasis on practical application through hands-on physical modeling, material exploration, fabrication techniques, and assembly processes. This approach complements the digital media focus of the Design Discovery Virtual program, offering a well-rounded learning experience.
Instruction is led by distinguished Harvard GSD faculty members and graduates from master’s and doctoral programs. Participants also benefit from interactions with a broad network of design professionals who are invited as guest lecturers and critics, enriching the learning environment with diverse perspectives and real-world insights.
Successful completion of the Harvard Career Discovery Program provides participants with valuable credentials, including a program certificate and a student evaluation. Furthermore, participants will develop a draft portfolio of design work, a crucial asset for those considering applying to design programs, seeking employment in design fields, or showcasing their skills to clients and collaborators. This portfolio can also be beneficial for students seeking course credit from their home institutions.
Apply Here to start your design career exploration journey with the Harvard Career Discovery Program.
Program Highlights: Your Path to Design Discovery
The Harvard Career Discovery Program stands out as a premier program for exploring design careers due to its unique features:
- Immersive In-Person Format: Experience campus life at Harvard GSD in Cambridge, MA, for three weeks of focused learning.
- Broad Audience Appeal: Welcoming participants from age 18 to mid-career professionals, fostering a diverse and enriching learning environment.
- Discipline-Specific Focus: Choose to specialize in Architecture, Landscape Architecture, or Urban Planning + Design for in-depth study.
- Hands-On Learning Approach: Emphasizing fabrication and physical model making to solidify design concepts and skills.
- Expert Instruction: Learn from Harvard GSD faculty and advanced master’s and doctoral students, ensuring high-quality education and mentorship.
GSD Design Discovery 2025 Dates
Mark your calendars! The Harvard Career Discovery Program in 2025 will be held from July 7 – July 25, 2025. The online application portal will open on January 10, 2025, at the link provided above.
Choosing Between In-Person and Virtual Design Discovery
Navigating the choice between the in-person Harvard Career Discovery Program and the Design Discovery Virtual (DDV) program? Here’s a guide to help you decide:
Q: In-Person vs. Virtual: Which Program Suits Me Best?
A: If you are new to design and seeking a broad introduction to the disciplines of Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and Urban Planning + Design, the Design Discovery Virtual (DDV) program might be an ideal starting point. DDV provides an overview of each field, highlighting their unique materials, design approaches, and methodologies.
However, if you already possess some foundational knowledge of these design disciplines and wish to delve deeper into a specific area, the in-person Harvard Career Discovery Program (DD) is highly recommended. DD allows you to concentrate on a single discipline of your choice for a more focused and intensive learning experience.
Consider your learning objectives and media preferences when making your decision. Are you more interested in digital or physical design media? DDV emphasizes digital tools, while DD focuses on physical model making.
Q: Can I Participate in Both Programs?
A: Yes! You are welcome to enroll in both the in-person Harvard Career Discovery Program and the virtual program. These programs are designed to be complementary, offering distinct learning experiences with minimal overlap. Note that international participants of the in-person program must possess a valid U.S. study visa. Application and tuition processes are separate for each program.
Q: Is There a Recommended Order for Taking the Programs?
A: No specific sequence is required. You can participate in either program independently or in combination, depending on your individual learning goals and preferences. The programs are structured to complement each other, ensuring a comprehensive design education without redundancy.
Q: What are the Format Differences Between the Programs?
A: The Design Discovery Virtual (DDV) program offers global accessibility, allowing participants to join from anywhere in the world. In contrast, the in-person Harvard Career Discovery Program (DD) requires participants to be physically present in Cambridge, MA, at Harvard GSD’s Gund Hall. International participants for the in-person program must hold a valid U.S. study visa. The in-person program fosters a collaborative studio environment with face-to-face lectures, discussions, and reviews, while the virtual program leverages digital software to connect a global community.
Q: What If I’m an International Student Without a U.S. Visa?
A: The Design Discovery Virtual (DDV) program is an excellent option for international students without a U.S. visa. DDV is designed to be globally inclusive and offers a rigorous and inspiring design education online.
Q: Does the In-Person Program Include Housing Costs?
A: No, housing is not included in the tuition for the in-person Harvard Career Discovery Program. Participants are responsible for arranging and covering their housing expenses in the Boston area. The virtual program eliminates housing costs, as participants can join from their current location.
Q: How Does the Design Content Differ Between Programs?
A: The Design Discovery Virtual (DDV) program explores how all three disciplines—Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and Urban Planning + Design—address global issues collaboratively. The in-person Harvard Career Discovery Program (DD) encourages participants to choose one discipline and investigate specific design questions within that field in depth.
Q: What Materials Will I Work With in Each Program?
A: Design Discovery Virtual (DDV) utilizes digital media, including Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Rhino 3D modeling software, to explore the relationship between 2D images and 3D forms across all three design disciplines. The in-person Harvard Career Discovery Program (DD) emphasizes physical modeling and material exploration within a chosen discipline to teach design methods through hands-on assignments.
Who Should Attend the Harvard Career Discovery Program?
The Harvard Career Discovery Program attracts a diverse group of individuals, ranging in age, background, and experience. While most participants have no prior design experience, the program’s inclusive environment fosters a stimulating exchange of ideas and perspectives. Ideal participants include:
- College students and recent graduates exploring career options in design.
- Professionals in their 30s, 40s, and beyond considering a career change into a design-related field.
- Anyone with a strong interest in learning about design thinking and its application in shaping the built environment.
Each year, the program welcomes approximately 225 participants. In 2023, participants came from 19 countries and 33 U.S. states, creating a truly global and diverse learning community.
International participants for the in-person program must possess a valid U.S. study visa. For those without the necessary visa, the Design Discovery Virtual program offers an equally enriching experience. Learn more about the virtual program here!
Alumni Success Stories: Harvard Career Discovery Program in Action
Discover how the Harvard Career Discovery Program has shaped the career paths of our alumni:
Anjerikka Bean
“We all came to the studio at Design Discovery with such different perspectives. We only see what we know as individuals, so our viewpoints enriched one another. In the end, we were all richer for sharing the experience together. In addition to working with a diverse group of students, it was amazing to interact with many great instructors and have access to stakeholders, including local city officials, to whom we presented our final projects.”
- Attended: After first year of doctoral studies
- Design background: None
- Interest: Urban Planning + Design
- Today: Research Assistant, Howard University Department of Sociology and Criminology; community builder and co-founder of an organization to help rebuild inner-city neighborhoods in Baltimore, MD.
Marcus Mello
“Design Discovery is intense — and completely worthwhile! Its structure and options appealed to me, and the projects were very challenging, but in a good way. I had to stay focused. I learned about design and the grad school experience, and it opened my eyes. Sketching at my desk and out in the field, near Fenway, I started seeing Boston and Cambridge with an entirely new perspective, through the lens of design. Design Discovery also revealed a broader spectrum of design careers. The experience helped me start a portfolio and build a network that advised me when I applied to design schools and pursued a career in architecture. I highly recommend the program.”
- Attended: After sophomore year in college
- Design background: None
- Interest: Architecture
- Today: GSD graduate with dual Master degrees in architecture and urban planning; works as an architect at Boston Planning and Development Association; has taught at Design Discovery
Svafa Gronfeldt
“When I was young, I wanted to be an architect, and when I turned 50, I revisited this idea through Harvard GSD’s Design Discovery. The experience was even better than I had imagined. Design Discovery promotes design as a way of thinking, a way of approaching decisions, that’s applicable to all aspects of a design-centered career. I’m not aiming to become an architect in a firm, but I don’t have to — I can still be engaged in design. As an instructor at MIT, I help innovators launch and grow their ventures by combining business principles with the principles of design and planning. This new journey integrates my educational background and career experience with the design mentality, which is about problem solving and the constant search for improvement through iteration. This approach is applicable to just about any profession or field.”
- Attended: Mid-career
- Design background: None
- Interest: Architecture
- Previous career: Education and university leadership
- Today: EVP at Alvogen and Entrepreneur-in-residence at MIT’s designX innovation accelerator
Jiayu Zhou
“From Design Discovery, I learned that design is not only about drawing or making beautiful models but more about thinking. Studio art involves the exchange of cultures, values, and concepts, which takes design far beyond what we see on floor plans and textbooks. Design is everywhere, and it is influenced by government, law, businesses, and NGOs. Design Discovery helped me understand that architects, landscape architects, and urban planners are leaders in society who cooperate and innovate to improve or even revolutionize that society. As participants in this program, we learned how to design things that are “good” — things that support positive changes in the way people interact, think, and live.”
- Attended: After junior year in college
- Design background: None
- Interest: Architecture
- Today: College graduate, working in the design sector.
Christian Long
“The ideal Design Discovery candidate is someone who seeks an intense experience exploring how the design mindset can apply to all fields and challenges. The program gave me a tangible opportunity to intensely explore the field of architecture as I was contemplating a career shift. While it helped me realize that I actually didn’t want to become a traditional architect, it did lead me toward significant strategy and visioning roles in the field of school design and architecture. Since then, I’ve started four design studios and have been designing schools and universities around the world.”
- Attended: Mid-career, after graduate school
- Design background: None
- Interest: Architecture
- Previous career: Education
- Today: Co-founder at Wonder and founder of a national design camp for young creatives
Learning Format: Immersive Studio Experience
The Harvard Career Discovery Program offers a deeply immersive learning experience within the studio environment of Gund Hall at Harvard GSD. Participants are fully engaged in a rigorous process of “thinking through making.” The program structure combines studio design time with lectures and workshops focusing on design processes, representation techniques, and fabrication and modeling demonstrations.
This intensive and rewarding environment mirrors the demands of design education and professional practice. Participants gain valuable insights into the design and planning professions, often leaving inspired and with a clearer understanding of their design interests and career paths.
For participants requiring accommodations due to disabilities or medical conditions, please contact [email protected] at least two weeks before the program starts to ensure timely arrangements.
Studio-Based Learning
The studio format of the Harvard Career Discovery Program revolves around short, intensive design projects, similar to those encountered in the first year of graduate design programs. These projects are focused within one of the three concentrations: Architecture, Landscape Architecture, or Urban Planning + Design. Studio learning includes:
- Individualized guidance from design instructors.
- Group discussions and critiques of design work.
- Skill-building sessions in graphics and model making.
- Individual project presentations to instructors and guest professionals.
- Access to select resources within the GSD Fabrication Lab and the Frances Loeb Library, a leading design and planning library.
Concentrations Offered
As a participant in the Harvard Career Discovery Program, you will actively engage in an iterative design process involving drawing, fabrication, and model making within your chosen studio concentration. This process is designed to enhance your ability to translate observations into visual and spatial design language. Participants select one concentration upon enrollment, and changes cannot be made within three weeks of the program start date. The program provides foundational instruction in design methodologies specific to each discipline:
- Architecture: Focuses on the design of buildings and their immediate context, understanding buildings as dynamic elements shaping both interior and exterior environments.
- Landscape Architecture: Addresses the design and preservation of landscapes, ranging from rural settings to urban parks and infrastructural projects.
- Urban Planning + Design: Centers on the analysis and design of urban environments at the city scale, emphasizing the creation of spaces that meet diverse societal needs.
For more examples of student work and program life, follow @designdiscoveryharvardgsd on Instagram.
Program Schedule: A Week in the Life
The Harvard Career Discovery Program schedule is intensive, designed to maximize learning and studio time. Below is a sample weekly schedule:
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday + Sunday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10:00-11:00am Lecture by design or planning professional | 10:00-11:00am Lecture by design or planning professional | 10:00-11:00am Lecture by design or planning professional | 10:00-11:00am Lecture by design or planning professional | 10:00-11:00am Work time in studio | Studios open during weekend |
| 11:15am-NoonIntroduction to studio problem | 11:15am-NoonDesign Seminar | 11:15am-NoonMaking techniques wkshp | 11:15am-NoonMaking techniques wkshp | 11:15am-NoonMaking techniques wkshp | |
| Noon-1:00pmLunch | Noon-1:00pmLunch | Noon-1:00pmLunch | Noon-1:00pmLunch | Noon-1:00pmLunch | |
| 1:00-6:00pmReview of studio problem | 1:00-6:00pmStudio | 1:00-6:00pmStudio | 1:00-6:00pmStudio | 1:00-6:00pmStudio | |
| Studios open until 12:00am | Studios open until 12:00am | Studios open until 12:00am | 6:30pmMovie screening | Studios open until 12:00am |
Most students dedicate evenings and weekends to studio work, fully immersing themselves in the design process.
Evaluation and Certificate: Recognizing Your Achievement
Upon successful completion of the Harvard Career Discovery Program, participants receive a comprehensive written evaluation from their instructor and an official certificate from Harvard University Graduate School of Design. While the GSD does not grant undergraduate academic credit directly, many colleges and universities may award academic credit for program participation.
Requesting Your Evaluation
Participants will receive a digital copy of their written evaluation after the program concludes.
To request a letter explaining the program for academic credit purposes (not an official transcript), please email [email protected] with the following details:
- Full Name
- Email Address
- Year attended CD/DD
- Documents requested: written explanation of program
- Brief description of intended use of documents
Faculty and Staff: Learn from Design Leaders
The Harvard Career Discovery Program is led by experienced and dedicated faculty and staff:
Section Instructors
Sections are led by advanced GSD students and recent graduates with expertise in their respective design disciplines, maintaining a student-to-instructor ratio of no more than ten students per instructor. Each section is coordinated by current Harvard GSD faculty members.
2022 Coordinating Faculty / 2025 Faculty Coming Soon…
The 2025 faculty details are forthcoming. The 2022 coordinating faculty included experts in Architecture, Urban Planning + Design, and Landscape Architecture.
Program Directors
The program is directed by:
Jenny French
Assistant Professor in Practice of Architecture
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Yun Fu
Design Critic in Urban Planning and Design
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Kira Clingen
2023-2024 Daniel Urban Kiley Fellow and Lecturer in Landscape Architecture
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Megan Panzano
Senior Director of Early Design Education, Lecturer in Architecture
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Guest Lecturers
The program regularly invites leading professionals and academics to deliver lectures and participate in career panels, offering participants valuable insights into design practice, theory, and history. Past speakers have included prominent figures in the design world.
Tuition and Financial Aid: Investing in Your Future
Tuition for the 2025 Harvard Career Discovery Program is $2,800. Participants should budget for approximately $250 in additional materials and supplies for project work, depending on individual project choices.
Payment Policy
A nonrefundable application fee of $85 is required for each application. Payment must be made by the application deadline to be considered for admission.
Financial Assistance
Need-based financial aid is available to eligible U.S. citizens and permanent residents. While financial aid consideration involves multiple factors, applicants with a combined gross income exceeding $40,000 are unlikely to receive aid.
To apply for financial aid, submit the Financial Aid Application Form along with required documentation by the program application deadline. The form is available within the online program application.
Note: Financial aid is not federally subsidized and is exclusively for U.S. citizens and permanent residents. International students are not eligible. A completed program application is required for financial aid consideration, and late applications will not be reviewed.
Tuition and Financial Aid FAQs
Q: Can I pay tuition in installments?
A: Yes. Payment details are included in the admittance letter. Tuition payments are due online by May 2, 2025.
Q: Are parent tax forms required for financial aid applications?
A: Yes, tax forms from parents are required for all applicants under 30 years of age.
Q: Can the application fee be waived?
A: No, the application fee cannot be waived.
Q: Is financial aid available for international students?
A: No, financial aid is exclusively for U.S. citizens and permanent residents.
Q: How do I apply for financial aid for the virtual program?
A: The Design Discovery Virtual program financial aid application is integrated into the online application. Indicate your interest in aid to access the form.
Q: What are the criteria for financial aid awards?
A: Financial aid is need-based. Applicants with a combined adjusted gross income exceeding $40,000 are unlikely to receive aid.
Q: Do I need to complete the program application before applying for financial aid?
A: Yes, the program application is necessary to access the financial aid application. Submit the financial aid application before the admissions decision.
Q: When will I be notified about financial aid decisions?
A: Aid applicants will be notified of their admission and aid award decisions via email by April 28, 2025.
Q: Can I apply for financial aid after the application deadline?
A: No, financial aid applications are not accepted after the program application deadline.
Q: What does financial aid cover?
A: Awards cover tuition and may include support for a computer device. For the in-person program, aid does not cover housing costs.
COVID-19 Health and Safety Information
Participants in the in-person Harvard Career Discovery Program will be required to adhere to Harvard University health and safety protocols related to COVID-19. Health insurance covering major illnesses and accidents within the U.S. is mandatory. Please check the program website for the most current health and safety guidelines as updates are made regularly.
Housing Resources: Finding Your Cambridge Home
Housing for the in-person Harvard Career Discovery Program is the responsibility of each participant. Neither Harvard nor GSD provides dormitories for program participants. Upon acceptance, participants are encouraged to utilize provided housing resources and make arrangements early.
Key housing considerations:
- Location: Consider proximity to the GSD studio and transportation options, as studio work extends into evenings.
- Budget: Cambridge area housing can be expensive. Prioritize essential amenities.
- Roommates: Explore roommate options through the GSD Housing Facebook Group to connect with other Harvard students and program participants.
Housing Resources Link
Housing Resources
Apply Now: Start Your Design Career Journey
To apply to the Harvard Career Discovery Program (Design Discovery Virtual), submit the following materials via the online application:
- Application Fee: $85 non-refundable fee.
- Statement of Intent: (250 words max) Describe your goals for attending the program.
- Resume or CV (PDF): Include employment, education, activities, honors, publications, and relevant background.
- Academic History
- University Transcripts: Scanned copies are acceptable for application.
- Optional Design Work Samples: .jpg, .tiff, or PDF images of original design work or photography.
- Financial Aid Application (Optional, U.S. applicants only)
Application Deadlines: Key Dates for 2025
| Design Discovery Deadline | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Opens | January 2025 |
| Application Deadline (including Financial Aid Applications) | April 21, 2025 |
| Admission + Aid Decisions Sent to Applicants | April 28, 2025 |
| Registration/Tuition Payment Deadline | May 2, 2025 |
| Cancellation Deadline for Full (100%) Refund* | June 30, 2025 |
| Withdrawal Deadline for Partial Refund** | July 11, 2025 |
*Full refund for cancellations by June 30, 2025.
**Partial refund for withdrawals by July 11, 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions: Your Program Queries Answered
Q: When will admission decisions be released?
A: Admission decisions will be emailed on April 28, 2025.
Q: Can I defer admission?
A: No, deferrals are not offered. Reapply in a subsequent year if unable to attend.
Q: Do I need to resubmit materials if reapplying?
A: Yes, all applicants must resubmit all forms and documentation for each application cycle.
Q: What are the age and education requirements?
A: Applicants must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or equivalent and possess strong academic skills.
Q: What are the visa requirements for international students?
A: A valid U.S. study visa is required for the in-person program. Harvard does not sponsor visas. The virtual program is recommended for international students without U.S. visas.
Q: How should transcripts be submitted?
A: Upload scanned transcripts through the online application. Official transcripts are not required for application.
Q: Are unofficial transcripts acceptable?
A: Yes, scanned transcripts can be unofficial or official for the application process.
Q: Who should I contact for questions?
A: Contact the Design Discovery office at [email protected].
Q: Is prior design experience required?
A: No, the program is designed for individuals with little to no prior design experience.
Q: Can I study all three concentrations?
A: Program lectures cover all three, but studio work focuses on one chosen concentration. Concentration changes are not possible within 3 weeks of the start date.
Q: Will I learn design software and tools?
A: Yes, the program teaches both the “mindset” and “toolset” of designers, including design thinking principles applicable across fields.
Q: Is housing provided?
A: No, participants arrange their own housing using provided resources.
Q: Will I have access to computers and internet?
A: Participants have access to GSD network programs and wireless internet. Bringing a laptop is required.
Q: How do I request my evaluation?
A: Follow the instructions here.
Q: How do I unsubscribe from the mailing list?
A: Email [email protected] with your name and address.
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