At RAW Design, we believe that the future of architecture and design must reflect the diversity of the communities it serves. The Diversity in Design Summer Camp was created to help bridge this gap – offering a free, immersive program that introduces students to the world of architecture, design, and the creative industries.
Designed for students in grades 6-12, the camp provides a meaningful first step into the profession. Many participants come from communities where exposure to architecture is limited, and this program helps reframe design as something accessible, relevant, and within reach. Through hands-on learning and mentorship, students begin to see their own perspectives as valuable contributions to the built environment.
The camp runs as a week-long experience, blending creative exploration with real-world exposure. Each day combines making, learning, and collaboration—encouraging students to think critically, work as a team, and express their ideas with confidence.
Participants engage in:
Together, these experiences demystify the profession and reveal the wide range of pathways within design.
A core part of the program is direct engagement with architects, designers, and artists. Mentors share their experiences, guide students through activities, and offer insight into the profession – creating a supportive environment where questions, curiosity, and new ideas are encouraged.
For many mentors, the camp is also an opportunity to give back – providing the kind of exposure and encouragement they themselves may not have had early on.
The Diversity in Design Summer Camp is made possible through the support of a network of organizations committed to equity and education. We are grateful for the ongoing contributions of the Ontario Association of Architects (OAA), the Toronto Society of Architects (TSA), and community partners including BAIDA (Black Architects and Interior Designers Association), the Laidlaw Foundation, and the Freedom School.
These collaborations ensure the program is not only well-resourced, but also grounded in the lived experiences and priorities of the communities we serve.
For many students, this camp is their first experience engaging with design in a tangible way—using professional tools, presenting ideas, and exploring how spaces are shaped. Participants leave with new skills, greater confidence, and an expanded sense of what is possible.
Families often share that the program has opened new pathways for their children, helping them envision futures they hadn’t previously considered.
Architecture has historically lacked representation. By introducing diverse students to design at an early stage, we are working to reshape the pipeline into the profession.
The Diversity in Design Summer Camp reflects RAW’s broader belief that design is strongest when it is inclusive, collaborative, and rooted in community. It is an investment not only in education, but in building a more representative and resilient future for architecture and the built environment.
Contact Suleman Khan at sk@rawdesign.ca to learn more!