The Architecture Experience
Walk into our studio and you’ll find more than drafting tables and models, you’ll find energy, conversation, and ideas taking shape. Studio is where late-night sketches turn into bold concepts, where critique becomes growth and where collaboration builds lasting friendships. It’s a space of creativity, challenge and shared ambition, and it forms the heart of the architecture experience at North Dakota State University.
Architecture education extends beyond the classroom. At NDSU, students engage in a collaborative studio culture, leadership opportunities, mentorship and an active alumni network, all designed to support personal growth and professional success.
Studio Culture
Studio-based learning is at the heart of architectural education. Our studio culture is grounded in the shared values of:
- Optimism
- Respect
- Collaboration
- Engagement
- Innovation
These principles guide interactions among students, faculty and staff, not only in the studio environment, but across all learning spaces. We foster a culture of constructive critique, shared ideas and mutual support, preparing students for the collaborative nature of professional practice.
Connected for Life
Architecture at North Dakota State University doesn’t end at graduation. Through mentorship and our active alumni network, students and graduates remain connected in a professional community that supports growth, leadership, and lifelong learning.
Mentorship Program
Our mentorship program connects current students with alumni working in the field. Each student is paired with a professional mentor, creating a valuable network for conversation, guidance, and career insight. The mentorship program provides: industry perspective, career navigation advice, professional development support and a trusted connection within the profession
Alumni Network
The NDSU Architecture Alumni Network is an engaged and supportive community committed to staying connected and giving back. We encourage all graduates to join and remain active through networking events, mentorship, and professional engagement.
Student Organizations
Student organizations in the Department of Architecture provide opportunities to:
- Explore creative and design interests
- Participate in service and outreach
- Build leadership skills
- Network with peers and professionals
- Engage with the broader community
Through these experiences, students expand their education beyond coursework while building lasting professional connections.
