Nurturing Your Child’s Interest in Architecture: Tips for Parents

A friend recently asked about encouraging kids in architecture. They asked: ‘Any advice for the dad of a 10yr old who currently thinks they’d like to be an architect?’

This is what I said:

Explore Architecture Through Observation

Look at stuff – Go on ‘architectural walks’ when you’re out and about or on holiday. Point out different types of buildings and discuss the materials used, age of the building, shapes, windows, doors, glass, metal, roof styles, colors, textures, and how the building fits into its surroundings. Encourage your child to share what they like or dislike about a building. Visit landmarks, famous buildings, museums, and galleries. 🏛️

Encourage Hands-On Building

Build stuff – Start with models like Lego, then progress to materials such as cardboard, paper, clay, and wood. Explore structural concepts like arches, bridges, and stability. Involve them in DIY projects or practical tasks to build their understanding of construction. 🧱

Foster Creativity Through Drawing

Draw stuff – Provide paper, pencils, pens, rulers, and erasers. Encourage your child to sketch buildings they admire, their own house, relatives’ houses, or imaginary dream homes and schools. Introduce them to floor plans, elevations, and 3D perspectives to develop their design skills. ✏️

Promote Problem-Solving with Repairs

Fix stuff – Explain how you or others fix things, like household repairs, and involve your child in the process when possible. Point out design flaws in places like your home, school, or restaurants, and ask them how they would improve it. 🛠️

Spark Curiosity About Design and History

Be curious – Watch documentaries about buildings, both new and historic. Study architectural drawings to understand how ideas are communicated to design and building teams. Emphasize geometry, physics, and material properties like weight and balance. Discuss how buildings improve the lives of their users. 💁‍♀️

Dive Into Architectural Literature

Read stuff – Visit libraries and bookstores to find books on architecture and famous architects. Look for children’s books that introduce architectural concepts in a fun, accessible way. 📚

Engage with Games and Puzzles

Play with stuff – Explore puzzles, logic games, and computer games like Minecraft to nurture problem-solving skills. These activities can serve as a playful introduction to design and spatial thinking. 🎮

Celebrate Their Creativity

Have fun and let them take the lead – This isn’t about launching their career now but about introducing them to design and building in an enjoyable way. Celebrate their sketches, models, and ideas to keep them motivated. 😄

Conclusion

We hope this helps all you parents encouraging your kids in architecture! From my experience, architecture is hard work but incredibly rewarding—especially when you see a client’s vision come to life. Keep nurturing your child’s curiosity, and they’ll discover the joy of creating spaces that inspire.