In the summer of 2014, Sam Leung stepped into a classroom at the University of Washington, unsure of what to expect. His dad had signed him up for the UW Youth & Teen Programs’ Architectural Studies 1 course on a whim, one of many summer activities squeezed between cartoon drawing courses and sports camps. But what began as a casual exploration became a defining moment in Sam’s life. One that would ignite his imagination and chart the course of his future.
To his surprise, Sam didn’t just enjoy architecture; he loved it. That spark grew into a passion, and eventually, a profession. Today, he’s an architectural designer working in San Francisco and focuses on public projects, like libraries and community centers. He emphasizes community engagement and inclusive design, ensuring that the spaces he creates reflect the needs and values of the people who use them.
“A lot of what I've learned and the work I do has built upon my experience with the course back in 2014,” Sam says. “I still carry the values and concepts instilled in me from that class as a working professional.”
Now, after a few years in the field, Sam’s giving back to his community in an even bigger way. In a full-circle moment, he’s returning to the very program that first sparked his passion, this time as an assistant instructor. Through his work with UW Youth & Teen Programs, he’s not just teaching architecture — Sam’s helping students discover their paths, just as he once did.
A Spark Ignited Early
For Sam, the Architectural Studies 1 course was more than a way to pass the summer. It was a revelation. Simply being on a university campus and sitting in real classrooms opened his eyes to new possibilities. “I thought, ‘Wow, if I were a university student, I’d be here studying this,’” he says. “It gave me the impression that this is in my future.”
Under the guidance of design studio instructor Matt Fujimoto, the course introduced him to the world of design in a way that felt more like play than pressure. For one project, the students were given 12-by-12-inch by 24-inch plots to design and build models, which eventually came together like a patchwork quilt, each piece unique, yet part of a larger whole. It was then that Sam first saw how architecture could be about more than just buildings; it could be about people, communities and connection.
“The course felt like a playground, a testing ground,” Sam says. “It was informative and fun to be in a cohort of people thinking about architecture and building this town together.”
That experience planted the seeds for Sam’s academic and professional journey. “I didn’t even know I was interested in architecture, I think I wanted to be a baker before that,” he recalls. “But I was excited that there was a profession out there that brought together design and art thinking with building more permanent or lasting effects in communities.”
Fueled by early inspiration, Sam began to think seriously about his future. He nurtured his passion for design through high school programs, such as the ACE Mentor Program, which paired students with professionals in architecture, construction and engineering. But it was the confidence and curiosity sparked by Youth & Teen Programs that helped Sam ask better questions, seek out opportunities and eventually pursue a degree in architecture at the Rhode Island School of Design, with minors in sustainability and art history.
“There are very few spaces in high school to learn about architecture,” he explains. “Having that experience and talking to someone who's in the profession and teaching it at a university level gave me the tools to be able to know what things to think about throughout high school and what to look at when deciding between colleges.”
Reconnection and Rediscovery
Matt Fujimoto at an event.
Years later, while researching his thesis at the historic Panama Hotel in Seattle’s Japantown, Sam crossed paths with Matt again. Their shared interest in community-centered design led to a collaboration on a proposal for the Japantown Alley restoration project.
“When I first met Sam, he must have been around 14 years old. Like all students in UW Youth & Teen Programs, I was struck by his early-age interest in architectural design and was happy to be reintroduced to him 10 years later.” says Matt. “It was deeply meaningful to see how UW Youth & Teen Programs has helped students, like Sam, be drawn back to the study and support of BIPOC spaces like the Panama Hotel. The field of architecture needs more students like him to advocate for, represent and support these spaces when they enter the profession.”
Though they didn’t win the design contract, the experience rekindled their connection and laid the groundwork for Sam’s return to Youth & Teen Programs.
“It was exciting to reconnect with the UW and Matt,” Sam says. “And have the opportunity to continue doing work aligned with ideas born in my school self, where architecture isn’t just about building buildings, but building communities, creating spaces for people to enjoy and making the process inviting and welcoming.”
Eager to encourage others to think about seeing the world in a broader, richer way, Sam has come back to where his journey began. This time, not as a student, but as a guide for the next generation of students entering the world of design. He’s helping students unlock their potential, dream bigger and take their first steps toward a future they may not have yet imagined.
“That's why I've been so passionate about teaching and being involved in opportunities to be able to give guidance to other students. Doing this type of mentorship helps me pay it forward.”
“I think it’s important for high schoolers to explore their interests early,” Sam says. “That’s the bigger goal of Youth & Teen Programs. To give youth exposure to career opportunities, to university education and to help them start thinking about what paths they’re interested in. That’s not easy if you’ve never been in that position.”
Knowing firsthand how a summer course can make the world of design feel a little less intimidating and a lot more exciting, Sam brings more than technical expertise to the classroom. He brings empathy and insight. And a deep understanding of how powerful early exposure and mentorship can be, and the difference it can make in students’ lives.
“That's why I've been so passionate about teaching and being involved in opportunities to be able to give that kind of guidance to other students,” he says. “Doing this type of mentorship helps me pay it forward.”
In many ways, the course has become a pipeline to college or the larger architecture school and community. It’s planting seeds early, nurturing talent and creating meaningful connections that last well beyond the classroom. And watching those students grow into confident, creative contributors to the field? That’s the most rewarding part of all.
“We’re so excited to see graduates of UW Youth & Teen Programs applying to undergraduate programs at the University of Washington and elsewhere,” instructor Matt Fujimoto explains. “The course is feeding our design community with people who have these early starts and it's amazing.”