Between Frank Lloyd Wright’s private homes, Louis Sullivan’s original skyscraper, and Henry Hobson Richardson’s asylum, Buffalo, New York has more famous and historically important architecture than most cities in the country.  Now Buffalo is working hard to churn out its own starchitects—starting in high school.  The new Architecture and Design Academy at the International Preparatory School at Grover celebrated its grand opening this week on Buffalo’s west side. The public school’s Discover Design Program, which commenced in the fall with 20 ninth-graders, aims to “engender architecture and design literacy and academic excellence through rigorous curriculum in an effort to prepare students for higher education.”  The Discover Design students will receive a basic liberal arts education and practice in the graphic arts, as well as opportunities for mentoring, internships and summer programs with several architecture groups.  Looks like we know where Cooper Union’s class of 2018 is right now.

University of Buffalo's Dean of Architecture and Planning, Brian Carter, with students.