Getting started with computer-based design programs can be intimidating. This course is for amateur and professional furniture makers who want to become comfortable using the computer as a creative tool. In the first half of the course Paul offers instruction in Sketchup, a free, open-source, 3-D modeling program that is ideal for building basic geometric structures. In the second half, participants learn the essentials of Solid-works, a powerful solid-modeling program used for sculpting accurate three-dimensional forms and generating fully dimensioned working drawings.

Paul encourages participants to integrate the computer into their own design methodologies. His goal is to give students a foundational skill set that can be applied to any computer program. Participants bring their own laptop computers, for which the school provides demo software. (Windows operating system only!) Tuition: $650