FALL WORKSHOPS

There were four Exploring Post workshops in the fall of 2024. The Introduction to Architecture and Introduction to Engineering workshops featured presentations and activities led by SmithGroup professionals. Among the topics of discussion were daily workflow, expectations, collaboration, and design challenges. The Introduction to Architecture workshop contained an overview of Architecture, Interior Design, Planning, Building Technology, and Site Design, while the Introduction to Engineering workshop contained content relating to Civil, Structural, Electrical, Mechanical, and Plumbing Engineering. For a sense of the content discussed, the fall 2020 workshops were recorded and are posted below.

The third workshop, the College Information Session, featured representatives from universities that spoke about their architecture and engineering program offerings as well as about career preparation and planning opportunities for those heading into the design profession. The fall 2023 College Information Session workshop was recorded and is available as a reference below.

The final workshop, Sustainability in Design, provided context to the ways in which architects and engineers are designing in a changing environment using sophisticated analysis tools, advocacy, and improved, more efficient industry standards.

If you were unable to make it to any of the fall workshops, recorded content from past years’ presentations is available for viewing below. Viewing the recordings does not count towards attendance for seniors interested in the scholarship, but they are valuable resources and context for the spring workshops. 

SPRING WORKSHOPS

The spring season will continue with our traditional hands-on workshops in the SmithGroup Detroit office and will dive into greater detail about the architecture and engineering disciplines at SmithGroup. They will feature discussions about tools of the trade, developing technologies, design coordination, construction, and much more!

Below is some general information about what to anticipate from these specific workshops

CIVIL ENGINEERING AND LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

Just as important to us as the design of a building itself is where it’s located, the infrastructure that supports it, how we experience the land around a building, and how it local climate informs design. Learn more about Civil Engineering and Landscape Architecture in this workshop focusing on design beyond the building!

STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING

Have you ever looked at a building and wondered “How is it held up, and how does it stay up?”, “How can it stand that tall?”, or “How does a building hold all those people and heavy furniture?” This workshop is for you!

ARCHITECTURE: EXTERIOR

Buildings are exposed to a variety of external elements and function within larger contexts of other buildings, so it is important for architects to have an understanding  of the environment. This workshop will provide an understanding of how a building is enclosed, along with tools architects use to monitor the longevity of buildings.

MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Without the continued advancements of HVAC and plumbing in buildings, things would be rather uncomfortable and inconvenient for building occupants, to say the least! Find out why thermal comfort, airflow, and humidity control are critical to occupant comfort, and how plumbing is vital for occupant safety in this workshop.

ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING AND LIGHTING DESIGN 

Whenever we’re in a building, we’re surrounded by devices, lights, and appliances that empowers how we live, work, and play. If you’re curious about how electricity gets to a building and the many paths it takes when it gets there, consider joining this workshop! If you’d like to learn more about how lighting design goes beyond lamps and overhead lights to help evoke a strong sense of place, this workshop could be for you too!

ARCHITECTURE: INTERIORS AND PLANNING

We experience a building primarily on the inside, where choices made about the arrangement of spaces, furniture, and finishes are decisions made by architects, planners, and interior designers. If you want a glimpse into these careers or their roles in the design process, this workshop will be of interest to you.

SUMMER WORKSHOPS

The Exploring Post program may feature one or two additional summer workshops this year. Date(s) will be announced later in 2025, if applicable.

COLLEGE INFORMATION SESSION

INTRODUCTION TO ARCHITECTURE

INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING