Do design studios play a big role in US design schools?

Planning to apply for design programs in the USA, and I'm curious about the role design studios play in these courses. How intensive are studio sessions, and are they essential for projects?

Design studios are a fundamental component of most if not all, design programs in the United States. They are essentially immersive learning environments where students receive hands-on experience, learning to apply design principles and theories in practice.

While studio length and intensity can depend on the specific program and institution, generally, studios are pretty intensive. They are often several hours long, given the need for in-depth work and feedback sessions. During studio classes, students often work on design assignments and projects under the guidance of professors, visiting professionals, and their peers.

As for their importance, studio experience plays a substantial role in shaping a design student's education. This is where students get to practically implement the principles they learn in classroom lectures, and work on real-life projects, making them very essential for practical learning. In a studio, students often go through iterative processes to refine their designs based on perspectives shared by professors and fellow students.

Furthermore, working in a design studio can be a collaborative endeavor where students can learn from each other's strengths and weaknesses, and foster a sense of camaraderie which can be beneficial in their future careers.

Career-wise, the projects completed in the studio often go into the students' portfolios, which are crucial when applying for jobs or internships. So yes, design studios play an essential role in molding the overall skills and career prospects of design students.

When applying for your design programs, keep an eye on the descriptions of the studio classes on the course syllabus or catalog!