Arch Studies

Architectural Studies

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create the future

The major in Architectural Studies takes a holistic approach, inviting students to study art, design, theory and history. The major is based on the belief that roundly educated individuals make the best architects and designers, while developing the critical analysis skills needed to solve the most pressing issues of the 21st century. Students become visual communicators, creative problem solvers, non-linear thinkers and collaborative learners. Completion of the program creates clear career opportunities in many fields, including architecture, landscape architecture, product design, urban design, graphic design, interior design and historic preservation.

Architectural Studies News Art & Architecture Events

 

Student SpotlightTim Trakhachov '26

majors: architectural studies
Minor: Management and entrepreneurship 

"I am very excited about my future career in architecture. I am also happy that we have reestablish the Arts & Design Collective, a student-led organization that is creating various art projects around campus. I am also working in Geneva with Associate Professor of Art and Architecture Gabriella D’Angelo on a mural, which promises to be an amazing opportunity."

 

 

Honors
Student Working

And Research

 

Pending the approval of faculty members, Architectural Studies students may be able to study and complete Honors and research projects in their chosen topic. 

Past examples of Honors projects include:

  • Konoko Tsubakiyama '23: In Search of Home
    Gabriella D'Angelo, Adviser 
  • Samuel Abraham Adcock ’22: The Library of the Future: Redesigning Geneva Public Library
    Stanley Mathews, Adviser
Learn More About Undergraduate Research

Experiential EducationConstructive Learning

Examine environmentally sustainable housing at the Finger Lakes Institute or understand the needs of business leaders at the Bozzuto Center for Entrepreneurship.

At Hobart and William Smith, learning goes beyond textbooks and classrooms. You’ll gain high-impact practical experience that deepens learning and opens doors.

Explore and Experience at the HWS Centers

 

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No Borders:Global Education

Study design in Germany or drawing in Italy.

Wherever you go, our top-ranked global education program will allow you to apply classroom knowledge, develop cultural understanding and build global connections that expand your personal capacity and sense of purpose. 

Study Abroad Options

 

Italy

 

 



  • Arc Studies
  • Arc Studies 2
  • Arc Studies 3
  • Arc Studies 4

Learn the theories, models and history of architecture.

Courses that exemplify this include, but are not limited to:

ArcH 110 - introduction to architectural studies

Learn the aims, methods, and issues of design and planning disciplines, with architecture at the core of your studies. 

ARCS 300 - Architecture design studio 

Acclimate yourself to using the design process as a method of inquiry through focused study and innovative problem solving. 

Arch 313 - History of Modern Landscape Architecture

Physically contextualize works of landscape design through consideration of contemporary and allied humanities, especially philosophy, literature, painting, and architecture.

Architectural Studies Courses and Curriculum Architectural Studies Faculty Directory

Critical Museum Studies

Investigate the histories of practices of museums from a decolonial perspective while building the skills necessary to work in the industry through the Critical Museum Studies minor. You'll get to follow tracks like history museums and art museums and galleries that will allow you to focus on the issues and practices most relevant to the type of cultural space that most interests you. Students in all tracks gain experience with installation techniques, designing, cataloging, collections management, and writing exhibit labels. You'll leave prepared to work in and think critically about a variety of fields.

FacilitiesSpaces to Learn

Houghton House
From a historic mansion to a modern art studio at the Colleges' arts campus, Architectural Studies students at HWS take advantage of tremendous spaces to learn, grow and follow their passions.  

 

 

 

Architectural Studies Facilities
 

Alum ImpactPreparingfor the Next Steps

Leslie

daniel sliney '22 

Current Position: 
Project Engineer, Gilbane Building Company
Current Location:
Utica, NY 
Majors:
Architectural Studies 

"HWS prepared me for the next step by expanding my leadership qualities through academics and athletics. I will forever be grateful for the professors I had and the coaching I received both on and off the ice these past four years."

Meet More Recent Grads

Companies That Employ Our graduates

  • Abbott Construction 
  • AmeriCorps
  • Ballinger
  • C&S Companies 
  • Gilbane 
  • Hempitecture
  • Perkins & Will
  • Shawmut Design and Construction
  • ShoP Architects
  • Skidmore Owings and Merrill
  • Studio Gang

universities where our graduates have studied

  • Columbia University
  • Cornell University
  • Fashion Institute of Technology
  • Harvard Graduate School of Design
  • Harvard University
  • Illinois Institute of Technology
  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology
  • North Carolina State University
  • Pratt Institute – New York City
  • Rhode Island School of Design
  • Roger Williams University
  • Sci-Arc (Southern California Institute of Architecture)
  • Syracuse University School of Architecture
  • The New School 
  • University at Buffalo
  • University of California Berkeley
  • University of California Los Angeles
  • University of Cincinnati College of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning
  • University of Colorado Denver
  • University of Maryland College Park
  • University of Massachusetts Amherst
  • University of Michigan Ann Arbor
  • University of Minnesota
  • University of North Carolina Charlotte
  • University of Oregon
  • University of Washington Seattle
  • Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University 
  • Yale University