Hi there! I’m Mark Moreno, and I'm thrilled to welcome you to Renaissance Kids. I’m a professor of Architecture with a passion for sparking creativity and curiosity in young minds.

Education

I was born in 1961, and even now, one of my greatest aspirations is to stay curious. My journey in architecture began with degrees from Harvard University and the University of Texas at Arlington. I've had the privilege of teaching at four universities and working in various architectural offices. Along the way, I’ve shared my insights through lectures on creativity, hands-on education, urban design, and placemaking. In 2011, I was honored with the Daniel A. Augsburger Excellence in Teaching Award at Andrews University.

Growing up in a big family with eight children in Arlington, Texas taught me the value of community and collaboration. I’m married to Laurie Stockton Moreno, the love of my life and a Montessori expert, and together we have three brilliant and wonderful daughters.

Founding Renaissance Kids

In 2007, I founded the Renaissance Kids Architecture Camp, blending my love for architecture and children's education. Since then, over 1,000 kids, aged 5 to 16, have participated in our creative, hands-on learning experiences. We’ve built sitting spaces, playhouses, doghouses, and even lemonade stands as part of our community-based projects. During the pandemic, we introduced the “Household Edition” to continue our mission at home.

About my Book

I’m also the author of "Architecture for Kids: Skill-Building Activities for Future Architects," a book I co-wrote with my daughter Siena. This book is a labor of love, filled with activities designed to make architecture accessible and fun for kids.

My Philosophy

I’m deeply committed to promoting walkability, accessibility, and a quality sense of place within my community. My academic scholarship focuses on design, person-environment relationships, and kitchen and bath design, but my heart belongs to nurturing the next generation of architects through Renaissance Kids and teaching as a university professor.

Thank you for visiting, and I hope to inspire a lifelong love of architecture and creativity in your child!