Fast-paced, client focussed and team oriented.
Werkhouse is a weekend studio experience for young creatives. It’s designed as a deep dive into the creative and interpersonal skills you need to succeed in a design studio. With 20 design professionals involved, we show participants how to rapidly develop ideas and then communicate concepts to clients. We do this with a project brief, five teams and some real pressure - to be better prepared for what design businesses are really like.
"My University course didn't give me an idea of what working on a real studio brief would be like."
Maria Centola,
Werkhouse 2017 participant
"As studio owners, many of us felt that design students could benefit from an introduction to real studio life."
Tim Ward,
Head of Design
In the beginning:
putting an idea
into action.
In 2017 a small group of design professionals from Bristol and Bath got together to deliberate the changing needs of the commercial design industry. How can graduates avoid the shock of deadlines and client negotiation when they enter a real studio environment? Are there other pathways for those talented and creative thinkers for whom university is unaffordable or is just not part of their family’s — or their own — expectation?
What started as a small group of like-minded colleagues, grew to a team of 20 design professionals, and the idea of Werkhouse was born. Werkhouse would be a weekend workshop of studio-led design training; fast-paced, client focussed and team oriented.
"It was great getting the chance to lead a creative team."
David Gordon, Designer
"Werkhouse was brilliant, met some lovely people and learnt so much."
Felicity Burfoot, Graduate
30 young creatives,
20 design professionals,
1 weekend...
"Werkhouse had a huge impact on me. It has made me want to work more in teams. It was an amazing experience."
George, participant 2018.
Training new
creative leads. Learning together with peers.
Young participants at werkhouse are placed in teams, each led by a Senior Designer. Creative Directors rotate throughout to provide their input and guidance. This way of structuring the group gives Senior Designers an invaluable opportunity to lead a junior creative team. It gives everyone the chance to work amongst peers and support the next generation of talent.
