The Design Studio
The Design Studio
In collaboration with RSP Architects, a local architecture firm, the Best Buy Teen Tech Center at Summit Academy OIC has developed a program called Design Studio, where youth learn the in’s and out’s of Architecture as a career pathway, its history, important design concepts, and how it can affect our communities. Through hands-on exercises every week, members learn real-world tech skills such as how to create structures in a 3D modeling program, print prototypes on a 3D printer, and view their designs with a Virtual Reality Headset. Our hope is to spark an interest in design and architecture as a career for underserved youth, by introducing them to alternative pathways.
At the Design Studio, teens have an opportunity to experience:
- Field Trips
- Guest Speakers
- Virtual and Augmented Reality
- 3D Modeling and Printing
- Drone Mapping
- Competitions
- And more!
Location: Best Buy Teen Tech Center @ Summit Academy OIC (935 Olson Memorial HWY, Minneapolis MN 55405)
Time: Wednesdays from 1-3pm
Design Studio 101 - "3D Design Fundamentals"
Learn basic design concepts and introduction to 3D modeling software.
6/29-7/20
Design Studio 201 - "Advanced Community Project"
Dive deeper into Architecture and design a community based project.
8/3-8/31
*DS101 prerequisite required, or returning alumni
The Design Studio Partners - RSP Architects
Derek McCallum
AIA, LEED AP BD+C, NCARB Design Principal
Derek brings a global perspective to the design process. His award-winning work includes collaborations on diverse project types around the world. Educated in both Europe and the USA he established his global perspective early on and continues to work on a wide range of international opportunities with RSP.
A registered architect, he brings a unique perspective and experience to all projects that ensure a highly creative and relevant design solution. He is active in the profession as the past President of the AIA Minneapolis, Board Director of AIA Minnesota and Board Advisor on the University of Minnesota School of Architecture.
Sheldyn Merrel
RSP Architects Intern
Sheldyn, an Architectural Intern at RSP, holds a Master’s of Architecture degree from Hampton University. She is also a recent graduate of the University of Minnesota with a Master’s of Science in Research Practice, where her focus of study was Lean Design.
She is intrigued by the many opportunities to integrate lean thinking and design thinking.
Sean Higgins
ASSOC. AIA Architectural/Project Designer
Sean is passionate about humanistic architecture, focusing on collaborative, community-oriented projects that truly engage the user. He is a proponent of holistic design, which blends a strong understanding of site, context, user, light/shadow, materiality and spatial characteristics. This approach, along with his empathetic personality, results in meaningful conversations and lead to inspiring, life-changing designs.
With over 9 years of experience, Sean is involved in all levels of project design, from creating analytical and exploratory graphics to hand sketches, diagrams, and photorealistic computer renderings. In addition to his work at RSP, Sean is a regular guest juror at University of Minnesota graduate studio design presentations.
RSP Architects with Design Studio Students
Covid-19 update: We are taking precautions to guard against the Covid-19 virus at all of our STEM events. Masks must be worn at all times, equipment will be sanitized and hand sanitizer will be available. If you or a family member are ill, we ask that you do not participate in our event until you are well.