Each July, the Langford Architecture Center comes alive.
In one studio, high schoolers arrange triangles of chipboard into twisting architectural models, some shaped like dragons. Not far away, others in hard hats and safety vests review job site plans before heading out to real-world construction tours. Across campus, landscape designers imagine greener public spaces, while future planners pitch revitalization proposals at City Hall.
This is Camp ARCH: a weeklong immersion into design, planning and building that draws out big ideas from students already thinking like professionals.
Hosted by the Texas A&M College of Architecture, the camp welcomed about 100 rising juniors and seniors — its largest cohort yet — as demand continues to grow. Students explored four disciplines: architecture, landscape architecture, urban planning and construction science.
Campers came from across Texas and beyond. “They all came together with a common interest in our professional built environment fields,” said Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Shelley Holliday.
In each track, students tackled real-world projects under the guidance of Texas A&M faculty. Current Texas A&M students served as counselors, mentoring campers and offering a firsthand look at college life.
“They get to learn about these things, but they get to do those things just like an Aggie would,” said camp director Jordan Luna.
Exploring the Built World
Urban Planning
This year marked the first time Camp ARCH offered a dedicated urban planning track, and its students jumped into a real-world challenge: revitalizing Downtown Bryan. After touring the area and meeting local stakeholders, campers developed proposals to strengthen the area’s future.
By the week’s end, students presented their ideas to city staff at College Station City Hall. Officials praised the campers’ professionalism and creativity.
Architecture
In studio, campers explored digital modeling and AI tools to reimagine design possibilities. One project began with a snake-like chain of chipboard triangles. After scanning it into 3D software, students reshaped it into a mountainous cityscape, layered with pillars and digital textures.
“It’s so interesting to see how we all started with the same materials, but then everyone has different ideas completely … It just ties into our individual personalities,” said Adora Akiode, 17.
Construction Science
Campers traded models for hard hats to see how planning and building take shape on real job sites.
Skylar McFarland, 17, said her favorite part of camp was learning how architects, engineers, safety experts and even subcontractors come together to create. “I didn’t know anything about it before coming into the camp really.”
Campers also earned their OSHA 10 certification, a valuable credential for future jobs or internships, Luna said.
Landscape Architecture
In partnership with the Leach Teaching Gardens, landscape architecture students spent the week reimagining a real campus space with sustainability and community in mind.
But for some, the biggest transformation wasn’t in the garden — it was in how they saw the field itself.
Before camp, 17-year-old Brooks Parker said he initially thought landscape architecture was mostly about “the grass outside a house.” Parker said, “I’ve realized it’s more analytical. It’s about how people interact with the environment, which has made me love it.”
“I know that the campers are supposed to feel inspired, but honestly, as counselors, we’re inspired by them. I’m just in awe. I’m genuinely amazed with the hard work they’ve been putting in."
—Stacy Truong ’28,
Camp ARCH counselor
A Taste of the Aggie Life
Despite the packed schedule, Camp ARCH offered more than academics.
A mid-week game night in the Langford atrium gave students a break with cards, board games and puzzles. After wrapping up final projects, the camp celebrated with a night out at Grand Station.
Students also lived in campus dorms and toured the campus through an architecture-focused lens. They experienced a week immersed in Texas A&M traditions, and many students saw themselves as future Aggies.
Jocelyn Wooten, 17, said her sense of belonging will play a key role in her college decision, especially since she’s never moved before.
“The fact that there’s so much community, so much tradition, like that makes me feel like I could see myself here,” Wooten said.