Business Details
35 Years
experience
K-12 Architecture & Design Workshops
Founded in 1991, the Architecture Resource Center (ARC) has dedicated over three decades to cultivating critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills in K-12 students through architecture, design, and STEM education. Our programs bridge academic concepts with real-world applications, fostering partnerships between schools, communities, and industry professionals. Collaborating with accredited educators and award-winning design experts, we develop hands-on workshops that integrate science, technology, engineering, mathematics, social studies, and the arts. Since our incorporation as an independent nonprofit in 2005, we have delivered 2,000+ workshops to 65,000+ participants across the Northeast. Our flagship Design Connections Partnership Program, implemented in New Haven public schools, demonstrates our commitment to curriculum-aligned, interdisciplinary learning.Following the passing of founder Anna Sanko in 2024, ARC entered a new chapter under the leadership of AIA Connecticut, with a renewed focus on expanding programs for libraries, museums, and after-school settings. Our team combines deep educational expertise with architectural innovation, evidenced by our collaborations with Yale University and national professional development institutes. We measure impact through independent evaluations, ensuring our methodologies meet rigorous educational standards while maintaining accessibility for diverse student populations. With a 30-year track record of grant funding and program success, ARC remains a thought leader in design education, shaping national conversations about STEM integration and 21st-century learning skills.
Services
K-12 Workshops
Design Connections Program
Community Outreach
Teacher Training
STEM Integration
After-School Programs
Museum Programs
Summer Camp Programs
Professional Development
Curriculum Development
Details
- Year established: 1991
Highlights and features
- We have delivered 2,000+ workshops to 65,000+ K-12 participants since 1991
- Our programs are developed with accredited educators and award-winning design professionals
- We implement curriculum-aligned STEM integration with measurable learning outcomes
- Our methodology combines architecture, urban design, and 21st-century skills development
- We maintain partnerships with Yale University and AIA Connecticut for program excellence
What people say
Excited to use new understanding
Motivational activity students loved
Proud of their work
Quality work on challenging projects
Improved measurement retention
Services
K-12 Workshops
Our hands-on workshops engage K-12 students in architecture and design challenges that reinforce STEM concepts. Programs last 2 hours to full days, adapting to grade-specific curricula. Students collaborate on building projects that develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills through real-world applications.
Design Connections Program
This multi-year program integrates architecture and design into New Haven public school math curricula for grades 1-5. Students apply STEM concepts through hands-on projects that build collaboration, creativity, and community awareness. The program serves 600+ students annually with professional evaluations ensuring educational effectiveness.
Teacher Training
We provide professional development for educators on implementing design thinking in classrooms. Training includes curriculum integration techniques and hands-on experience with our architectural design methodologies. Participants gain tools to enhance STEM instruction through creative problem-solving approaches.
Community Outreach
Our community programs bring design education to libraries, museums, and after-school settings. These sessions introduce architecture and urban planning concepts through interactive activities suitable for elementary and high school students. Programs emphasize accessibility and community engagement through hands-on learning experiences.
Curriculum Development
We create textbooks and learning materials that integrate architecture with core academic subjects. Our resources align with state and national education standards while promoting creative problem-solving. Materials include project-based learning guides and assessment tools for measuring student progress in STEM and design thinking.
People
Gina Calabro
Executive Director
With over 25 years in executive leadership, Gina Calabro directs ARC's strategic vision while serving as AIA Connecticut's CEO. She brings expertise in architectural education partnerships and has shaped construction trade programs at Platt Technical High School.
Jay Jacot
President/Treasurer
A retired Navy Captain with 31 years of service, Jay Jacot provides financial leadership to ARC. His naval supply corps experience and current role as construction manager at Thompson|Edwards Architects informs strategic fiscal management for the organization.
Tanya Cutolo
Board Member
A licensed architect with 30+ years in design and construction, Tanya Cutolo leads Silver Petrucelli's New London studio. Her LEED certification and AIA membership strengthen ARC's architectural education programs and sustainability initiatives.
Samuel Gardner
Advisor
With 30+ years in transportation infrastructure and historic preservation, Samuel Gardner shaped ARC's New Haven Public Schools alliance. His Yale architecture degree and AIA award-winning work inform the organization's educational approach to urban design.
Tricia McDermott
Board Member
An educator with degrees from Manhattan College and City College of New York, Tricia McDermott bridges K-12 education with architectural practice. Her teaching license and AIA membership strengthen curriculum development for diverse learning environments.
Questions
What age groups do ARC programs serve?
Our programs cater to K-12 students, with specialized workshops for elementary, middle, and high school levels.
How are programs adapted for different school subjects?
We integrate architecture with STEM, social studies, and arts through curriculum-aligned projects developed with educators.
Do you offer programs outside traditional schools?
Yes, we provide workshops at libraries, museums, after-school programs, and summer camps across Connecticut.
How are program outcomes measured?
Each program undergoes independent evaluation to ensure educational effectiveness and alignment with learning standards.
Can schools request customized programs?
Contact us to discuss specific educational goals and we'll develop tailored design-thinking workshops for your institution.
