The process of design/build depends upon the relationship between desires and constraints, and the creative navigation of the tension between the two. This two week offering is the opportunity to take advantage of the extensive skills, resources, tools, equipment and knowledge of the Yestermorrow instructors and wood shop as you delve into designing and building your own custom piece. Through drawing, model making and full-scale construction, each student will develop a design of their choosing, taking it from concept to finished project. Along the way, we'll learn basic design techniques as well as a variety of conventional and not-so-conventional construction techniques, with the goal of developing a set of skills that can be applied to projects at any scale, and with any materials.

The course will start off in the design studio with sketching and planning before moving onto the prototyping phase. Students will take a trip to the lumber yard where they will learn about sourcing materials.* With materials and prototypes in hand, students will head to the wood shop as they transform their concept into a fully realized project. By the end of the course, students can expect to leave with one substantial piece of furniture - like a chair or table - or several smaller pieces - like boxes and cutting boards. This is an excellent opportunity to workshop a design you've been thinking up or to engage in active skill building. 

Please expect that your instructors may have to limit the size and scope of your project so that is achievable during the course. Students are required to have experience with basic wood shop skills and tools including using the jointer, planer, bandsaw and table saw. 

*Students are responsible for purchasing their own materials for this course.