WRA Partners with Collin College’s "College for Kids" Design Program
WRA partnered with Mohawk, Daltile, and Furniture Marketing Group to bring an exciting educational experience to middle school students through Collin College's "College for Kids" program. Held on the Wylie and Plano campuses, this initiative aims to inspire young minds with the principles of architecture and design.
In June, our team, including Jessi Gahl (Architectural Designer), Jennifer Spring (Sustainability Manager), and Diksha Pilani (Interior Designer), conducted and engaged each class of over 20 enthusiastic middle school students.
The first day kicked off with an exploration of nature, as students examine flowers and plants under magnifying glasses. Then they delve into the science of fractals and biophilic design, encouraging students to draw inspiration from nature. With material samples provided by Mohawk, Daltile, and FMG, students embarked on designing their own classrooms, focusing on sustainability and natural aesthetics.
Jessi Gahl piqued the students' interest in architecture by asking how many played Minecraft. When the majority of hands went up, she remarked, "We as architects get to do that in our jobs with the software we use to design buildings." This connection between their favorite game and a potential career captivated the room.
Jennifer Spring left a lasting impression, with one student saying, "I wish that lady was one of my real teachers." Meanwhile, Diksha Pilani engaged deeply with a group of girls, offering input and affirmation on their thoughts and ideas, fostering a supportive and encouraging environment.
By the end of the week, the students presented their designs, explaining how nature influenced their concepts. This interactive approach not only fosters creativity but also instills an appreciation for sustainable design practices.
Collin College Provost Dr. Mary McRae attended our Wylie session, expressing gratitude for our involvement. The success of this pilot program has set the stage for future collaborations, with WRA eager to participate again next year.
We're excited to continue inspiring the next generation of designers and architects through this enriching program.