from the classroom to the dream architecture practice: yacademy’s placement at chipperfield, BIG & snøhetta

YACADEMY BRIDGES EDUCATION WITH GLOBAL PROFESSIONAL PRACTICES

Stepping directly from university into world-class studios is every young designer’s dream. Bridging theory and practice, Yacademy’s Placement Program turns that ambition into reality by providing students with a direct pipeline into leading world-renowned firms like SANAA, BIG, Snøhetta, David Chipperfield Architects, Herzog & de Meuron, and Kengo Kuma & Associates. A total of 32 scholarships are available for applicants to the four courses running from November 2026 to February 2027.

Scholarships available for Yacademy’s 2026/2027 Educational Offer | all images courtesy of Yacademy

NURTUrING DESIGN TALENT THROUGH PROFESSIONAL ORIENTATION

Yacademy stands for practical empowerment, human connection, and a deep commitment to the next generation of spatial designers. Recognizing that systemic financial barriers often prevent brilliant minds from entering elite networks, the academy is significantly expanding its support infrastructure for the upcoming 2026/2027 educational cycle. This year marks a historic milestone for the institution, introducing its largest funding pool to date with a total of €400,000 in scholarships. Yacademy’s vast network of studios provides young designers with the financial, academic, and practical momentum required to confidently step into the global job market.

Yacademy provides a direct pipeline from the classroom to real practice

The success of Yacademy’s program is proven by its placement record: 100% of students receive a collaboration offer, with 84% accepting roles and 26% joining Pritzker Prize-winning practices such as David Chipperfield Architects, SANAA, Foster + Partners, Herzog & de Meuron, and Morphosis. Its broader hiring network includes leading global studios like BIG, Snøhetta, Kengo Kuma & Associates, ARUP, MAD Architects, and Jean Nouvel Design.

‘Off-site Technologies for Architecture’ trains architects to master the latest trends in the industry

A GATEWAY TO CONTEMPORARY ARCHITECTURE’S BIGGEST NAMES

Connections with the greatest players in contemporary architecture begin in the classroom, Yacademy courses all include a design workshop tutored by the most renowned firms worldwide. Andreas Fries and Tommaso Bernabò Silorata (Herzog & de Meuron) tutor the course in ‘Architecture for Exhibition’, focusing on how to create immersive cultural spaces through narrative, lighting, and perception psychology; Paolo Matteuzzi, Director at ZHA Architects, will supervise the design workshop of the course in ‘Off-site Technologies for Architecture’, a project by Manni, where designers master modern fabrication and dry-construction methods; the course in ‘Earth Architecture’, a project by wienerberger, includes a design workshop tutored by Benedetta Tagliabue and Simone Contini from Benedetta Tagliabue – EMBT Architects, which will focus on combining the knowledge of earth characteristics with the most modern architectural design languages; finally, Luca Bussolino, Partner-in-Charge and Head of Strategy + Innovation at Carlo Ratti Associati, will tutor the design workshop for the course in ‘AI for Urban Regeneration’, a project by Urban Up | Unipol, teaching students how to use artificial intelligence and machine learning to guide precise master planning.

The courses also include special lectures by Kazuyo Sejima (co-founder of SANAA), Nicola Scaranaro (Partner at Foster + Partners), Arne Emerson (Principal at Morphosis), Giuseppe Zampieri (founder of David Chipperfield Architects Milan), and many more.

‘Earth Architecture’ explores sustainable brick design for lower carbon construction

The entire experience is designed to be deeply immersive and highly collaborative. Classes take place from November 2026 to February 2027 and can be attended either online or in person within a medieval campus located in the historical center of Bologna. To ensure a smooth community experience, the academy offers on-campus accommodation, allowing students from around the world to build lasting human relationships with peers who share their passions. Courses are conducted in Italian or English, with live translation available. Following the educational phase, the placement will be activated, steering graduates directly into practices of Yacademy’s network, including Kengo Kuma & Associates, Aires Mateus and MAD Architects.

Applications for the upcoming term remain open until 4 September. A total of 32 scholarships are available across the four specialized programs with 8 scholarships assigned to each course: 3 covering 90% and 5 covering 50% of the tuition fee. Additional funding options are also available for students who are not awarded a scholarship. Young architects and designers ready to elevate their practice can learn more and apply directly through Yacademy’s platform.

‘Architecture for Exhibition’ equips students to design high-impact cultural and exhibition spaces