PRODUCT DESIGN AND PROTOTYPING

“Reimagining the familiar”

A New Take on Everyday objects

This is a Residency about design and ideas. Taking a fresh look at objects from our everyday experience is a great way to explore creative new designs in wood and other materials. This class challenges students to rethink and reimagine a familiar object in a new light.

Through individualised guidance tailored to each student's project, the focus will be on refining a design and determining the best approach for bringing their newly envisioned everyday object to life. Emphasis will be placed on simple and elegant solutions in wood.

Focusing on a product that can be made in multiple numbers, Aled will help you optimise the production process and identify key visual and aesthetic details while still focusing on high quality craftsmanship. Through group discussions and one-on-one time with the instructor, students will learn to work quickly through the design process to a resolved mock-up/prototype which can lead towards a finished product.

Aled will provide guidance, instruction and consultations each morning.

Students should be:

• Makers interested in challenging and strengthening their design approach.

• Craft practitioners interested in optimising their production process to produce multiples.

• Best suited for students who are not afraid to step out on a creative limb. This is foremost a challenging design class which requires a good attitude and willingness to play, experiment and take risks.

Techniques, exersises and explorations:

• developing an ideas from “napkin sketch”

• design challenge exercises

• sketching and drawing

• model making, technical drawing and mock ups

• steam bending small components

• curved laminating

• making jigs and templates for repeatable steps (multiples)

Class objectives:

• challenges students to think beyond conventional or expected norms by reimagining something familiar

• inspiration, design and techniques gained from these smaller studies can inform larger furniture design 
projects and creative work in other mediums

• guides students through configuring repeatable techniques for producing in multiples, allowing their work to 
be shared with a wider audience 


WHO CAN APPLY ?

This programme is open to any woodworkers and former students who are confident enough with basic woodworking machinery to prepare their own materials as they require. Please contact us for advice.

Please note that applications received from both professional and non-professional makers will be given equal consideration.

The closing date for all applications is 31st August 2025 and places will be offered mid September.  If you are offered and accept a place on the programme you will then be required to pay a 25% non refundable deposit which will hold your place until the balance of the course fee which  is due on 1st December 2024.

Please  submit the following documents with your application:-

• Completed application form

• A brief statement of why you wish to participate and what are you hoping to achieve out of it?

• A proposal / outline with your initial ideas as to your project.  Please note they do not have to be finalised at this stage.

• Images of work you have done that support your application.  This can include any written material supporting the work, if you so wish.

• A letter of recommendation from a person vouching for you as a maker/woodworker.

• Images of a minimum of three pieces of completed work to support your application which clearly demonstrate your skill level.  This can include any written material supporting the work if you so wish.

• Link to your Website/Instagram/Facebook or any other platform which promotes your work (if applicable).

• Any other material you feel is relevant to your application.

 Course Dates

12th January - 20th February 2025

Course Fee

$9500 plus materials

Tutor

Aled Lewis