Residency Programme
The Centre for Fine Woodworking offers the highest level of tuition in fine woodworking available in New Zealand. The school offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in the art and practice of fine woodworking, in a world–class facility under the guidance of highly experienced tutors and internationally renowned woodworkers.
Our ongoing commitment is to continue to offer Residency Programmes with invited eminent teachers & makers from other parts of the world.
Issue 107 of Australian Wood Review featured a fantastic article about the 2020 Michael Fortune 6 Week Residency through the eyes of those who took part in it. You can read the article by clicking on the link below.
2026 Residency Programme with Aled Lewis
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 Lewis 2025
2025 Residency Programme - Jan 13 - Feb 21 with Yuri Kobayashi & David Haig
“It’s not hyperbole to say this has to be one of the greatest experiences in my life and probably would be for anyone who is being honest. I am pleased and proud of what I produced.”