31.5 credits towards the ICAA Certificate in Classical Architecture | Submitted for AIA Approval
The ICAA’s Christopher H. Browne Drawing Tours are a reimagining of the long tradition of designers traveling—both domestically and abroad—to study and document precedents in order to inform and inspire the design of new buildings and places. The Drawing Tours aim to enhance practitioners’ knowledge and skills in creative and informed applications of the classical tradition. Each program is guided by leading architects in classical design. Instructors will explore a carefully-curated itinerary of drawing and study sites that introduce participants to the unique design characteristics of the city.
These programs are especially designed for emerging practitioners who have some prior experience working in traditional design, and are looking to expand the breadth of precedents that they can utilize in practice throughout their careers. The Drawing Tours are also frequently attended by established designers, artists, and all those looking to generally broaden their knowledge of classical design precedents.
One of the most captivating and colorful destinations in North America, Mexico City’s expansive landscape holds nuance and diversity in its people, architecture, food and cultural arts. The largest and oldest capital city in the Americas, its architectural heritage ranges from the pre-Hispanic Mexica Aztec, Colonial Spain, Baroque, Art Deco and modern. Its iconic Catedral Metropolitana, Palacio de Bellas Artes and Academia Nacional rival Europe’s architecture. Contemporarily, Mexico City has become a well-known and celebrated model for thoughtful interior design, urbanism and abundant civic parks.
In the ICAA’s first Drawing Tour to Mexico City, we will be looking closely at the range of architectural expression and the use of local building material throughout its history. The Drawing tour will include study of the city’s Historic Center and its iconic Beaux Arts buildings, the original and enduring pre-Columbian architecture of Teotihuacan, and the alluring urbanism and Art Deco architecture of the Condesa neighborhood. In addition to Mexico City’s architectural detailing, we will also consider the use of architecture as a backdrop for the artistry of Diego Rivera’s Murals and Alfonso Cuaron’s films. The Drawing Tour will include instruction in a range of field drawing techniques, with a strong focus on measured drawing and urbanism study, and in a variety of media.
After completing her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the University of Colorado, Serena Ettelson joined Harrison Design’s Santa Barbara office. In her current role as a Studio Director, her work focuses primarily on rehabilitation of historic residences and new construction in the Classical and Spanish Colonial Revival traditions. In addition to instruction with the Institute for Classical Architecture & Art, Ms. Ettleson volunteers with the Architectural Foundation of Santa Barbara, the California Preservation Foundation’s Education Board, and is a docent for the Santa Barbara Courthouse and the Casa del Herrero in Montecito. A daughter of travel agents, and granddaughter of an architect, it is no surprise Ms. Ettleson’s passions lie in the intersection of culture and the built world: creating a sense of home while responding to local climates, traditions and timeless principles.
Click here to see a draft itinerary of the Mexico City Drawing Tour. For more information about this program, please contact [email protected].
It is recommended that participants have experience with architectural field drawing, or have taken a Measured Drawing and/or Analytical Drawing skills class with the ICAA, prior to attending a Drawing Tour. Instructors will provide an introduction to each site and demonstrations of relevant drawing techniques, as well as informally assist with participant questions throughout the program. However, the Drawing Tour is intended as an advanced study of precedents rather than a formal course in fundamental field drawing or plein air watercolor techniques.
The Christopher H. Browne Drawing Tours honor the generosity, leadership, and legacy of the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art’s late Trustee, Mr. Christopher H. Browne. The ICAA is pleased to award four scholarships to drawing tour students or emerging professionals annually in the name of Mr. Browne, a long-time supporter and champion of classicism. Scholarship recipients will receive the moniker “Christopher H. Browne Scholars.”Additional scholarships for emerging professionals and students are generously made available through the Benton Family Foundation to support the growth and development of the ICAA's Teaching Assistant program. Recipients learn drawing skills from precedents during the Drawing Tours, and later apply these skills as Teaching Assistants--and potential instructors--in ICAA programs.The following materials are required for consideration for a scholarship:
The final deadline for these scholarship applications is Monday, February 22, 2027. All applicants will receive a decision notification via email within three weeks after the application deadline.
Questions regarding the ICAA's courses may be directed via email to [email protected]; via phone to 212-730-9646 ext. 112; or via mail to our National Office at 20 West 44th Street, Suite 310, New York, NY 10036.
The price is only for the course instruction. You will need to make and pay for your own flights and accommodation.
The ICAA has a Classroom Code of Conduct in place for all of our educational programs, which can be found by clicking here. Participants in all of our classes (both online and in-person) are expected to follow this code.
Typically a combination of students and professionals attend.
Yes, absolutely. Most evenings can be spent exploring on your own or with fellow participants.
Some meals are included, which will be spent together as a group. Otherwise you are free to eat where and with whom you please.
The ICAA does not provide materials, but will provide a full materials list at least one month before the course. Typically, the cost of materials is between $100 and $200.
No. Programs are designed to introduce a broad range of skills and experiences which is only possible through full participation.
You may refer to the ICAA's cancellation policy [here.]