Join us for a FREE, hands-on program where 6th–8th grade students are introduced to architecture and design. This program will occur over 6 weeks on Sundays starting starting January 11.
We Build!
Designing in Community
Our Winter 2026 We Build! session invites youth to investigate the importance of engaging community members in the process of designing the spaces they will be using. Through a combination of field trips, professional guests and hands-on activities, participants will explore the meaning and impact of community-centered design and imagine a community space that reflects the needs and values of local residents.
We encourage students to attend all sessions to get the most insight from the program.
Grades: 6-8
Program dates:
- Sunday, January 11
- Sunday, January 18
- Sunday, January 25
- Sunday, February 1
- Sunday, February 8
- Sunday, February 15
Program time for all dates is 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
About We Build!
We Build! is an equity-driven architecture program designed to introduce Chicago area middle school students to the world of design and the built environment. Through hands-on projects, place-based learning and culturally responsive instruction, students explore architecture as a tool for community change and creative expression. By centering equity and access, We Build! empowers students of all identities to see themselves as future designers, leaders and problem-solvers.
Support
If you find our programs valuable, please consider donating to the CAC to help cover some or all of a program fee.
CAC's We Build! is a part of the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Youth Learning Programs.
Registration is now full. Subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to hear about future We Build! sessions.
Designing Access
Our Fall 2025 We Build! session invites youth to explore how buildings can break down barriers by investigating the elements and evolution of accessible architectural design. Participants will visit sites to observe accessible design in action, dialogue with professionals in the field of architecture and develop foundational drafting skills that they will then use to design and present a public space that intentionally centers accessibility for all.
We encourage students to attend all sessions to get the most insight from the program.
Grades: 6-8
Program dates:
- Sunday, September 7
- Sunday, September 14
- Sunday, September 21
- Sunday, September 28
- Sunday, October 5
- Sunday, October 12
Program time for all dates is 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
About We Build!
We Build! is an equity-driven architecture program designed to introduce Chicago area middle school students to the world of design and the built environment. Through hands-on projects, place-based learning and culturally responsive instruction, students explore architecture as a tool for community change and creative expression. By centering equity and access, We Build! empowers students of all identities to see themselves as future designers, leaders and problem-solvers.
Support
If you find our programs valuable, please consider donating to the CAC to help cover some or all of a program fee.
CAC's We Build! is a part of the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Youth Learning Programs.
Keynote speaker
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Phasellus leo nulla, porta a ligula ut, commodo ultrices quam. Suspendisse non mollis odio.
Sed vestibulum ut arcu vel feugiat. Morbi iaculis augue risus, at pharetra nibh blandit nec. Etiam feugiat volutpat nunc vel aliquet. Maecenas mollis turpis at odio fringilla, eget iaculis tortor congue.
Speakers:
###Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Phasellus leo nulla, porta a ligula ut, commodo ultrices quam. Suspendisse non mollis odio. Sed vestibulum ut arcu vel feugiat.
###Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Phasellus leo nulla, porta a ligula ut, commodo ultrices quam. Suspendisse non mollis odio. Sed vestibulum ut arcu vel feugiat.
##
###
