Architects in Schools: Open Call for Architects 2026/27

The Irish Architecture Foundation invites applications from architects and architecture graduates to participate in the 14th annual cycle of the national Architects in Schools programme. This is a great opportunity to share your knowledge of architecture with young people in a fun and engaging way. If you have good communication skills and are looking for exciting ways to expand your practice, we would love to hear from you!

You will work directly with Transition Year students in their school, supporting them as they learn how to explore, research, design and communicate their ideas about architecture and the built environment. You will also collaborate with students and teachers to select work for the annual Architects in Schools exhibition and exchange event in May 2027.

Architects in Schools is the IAF’s flagship youth programme, running in 50 schools all over Ireland. Now entering into its 14th annual cycle, Architects in Schools gives young people in Transition Year a unique opportunity to work directly with architects, not just to learn about the design process and architecture, but to experience how architects think, create, and problem solve. Students are empowered to look at their local built environment differently, to ask questions and to imagine new design solutions to shape the future with purpose and vision.

Architects in Schools is funded by the Arts Council / An Comhairle Ealaíon, the Department of Education and Youth and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. The Irish Architecture Foundation is principally funded by the Arts Council / An Comhairle Ealaíon.

Why participate?

Architects in Schools offers many benefits to architects, including:

• Structured CPD certification of 20 hours per school.

• Paid training opportunities, building transferrable skills and experience. 

• Becoming part of a community of practice engaged in empowering young people across Ireland.

• Sharing your own creativity, experience and unique perspective with young people!

How it works

• The time commitment is 20 hours per school, per academic year. This includes 12 hours of in-school workshops and 8 hours of preparation time.

• Architects can work with up to 4 schools.

• We will match you with schools in the counties you request.

• Flexible schedule, agreed directly between you and your assigned school(s).

Payment

Training: Fee of €210 (€60 per hour, incl. VAT): 3.5 hours per architect, consisting of 1 hour Child Protection Training (online, Children First, Tusla) and 2.5 hours in-person training.

School Workshops: Fee of €1200 (€60 per hour, incl. VAT) for each school: 20 hours per school (consisting of 12 hours of in-school workshop facilitation and 8 hours of preparation time). This can be divided into 4 x 3 hours, 3 x 4 hours, 2 x 6 hours etc. of workshop delivery time. 

Invoices can be submitted after completion of all work and are payable by IAF within 30-45 days.

How to apply

Please complete the online application form by clicking the Take Part button at the top of this page.

We welcome applications from architects at every career stage and from all locations — especially those available to work with schools in Cork, Clare, Donegal, Galway, Kerry, Kildare, Laois, Leitrim, Limerick, Mayo, Tipperary, Wexford and Wicklow.

Key dates

31 July 2026, 18:00: Closing date for applications.

Late August 2026: Offer of places.

September 2026: Training Session (2.5 hours, afternoon, in-person in Dublin, date TBC).

Programme Delivery: Workshops can take place anytime between October 2026 and April 2027. Dates, times and workshop duration will be arranged directly between the designated teacher / TY coordinator and the assigned architect.

April 2027: Submission of exhibition material (5 photographs, short text) by architects via an online portal.

May 2027: Architects in Schools one-day exhibition event for students and teachers.

Photos: Architects in Schools workshops at Drumshanbo Vocational School, Co. Leitrim (photos by Luke Brabazon) and at Blessington Community College, Co. Wicklow (photos by Myles Shelly).