Austin School of Furniture

3 Month Intensive

The Austin School of Furniture 3-Month Intensive Furniture Making course is designed for aspiring professionals and dedicated hobbyists seeking to fast-track their learning and experience within the craft of furniture making. Through this in-depth, fast paced, hands-on woodworking course, students will be guided through foundational skills and techniques to achieve a solid understanding of hand tools, machines, design, joinery, furniture methodologies and more.

DATE

COMING SOON SUMMER 2024

COST

$9500

INSTRUCTOR

Philip Morley

Please take the Am I Ready? self quiz before applying.

AM I READY?
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Austin School of Furniture

3 Month Intensive

A 12 week full-time furniture making intensive program for those looking to jump start their adventure into furniture making

Table of Contents

12 Week Intensive

COURSE OVERVIEW

The Austin School of Furniture 3-Month Intensive Furniture Making course is designed for mid to upper beginners seeking to fast-track their learning and experience within the craft of furniture making. Through this in-depth, fast paced, hands-on woodworking course, students will be guided through foundational skills and techniques to achieve a solid understanding of hand tools, machines, design, joinery, furniture methodologies and more.

Frank Strazza teaching sharpening

WHO

This program is for those with approximately a year of woodworking experience but wish to dive in deep to the amazing craft further. Every student will re-learn the fundamentals of furniture making while elevating their skill, knowledge, design and passion in a fast-paced learning environment. The 3 Month Intensive Program is well suited for those that wish to get into furniture making as a profession or wish to level up their techniques as a dedicated hobbyist. Take the Am I Ready Self Quiz before you apply.

WHAT

Intensive program students will learn both traditional and contemporary furniture making styles and techniques. Hand tools, machines, and modern technology will all be used through the duration of this course. Beginner to advanced techniques will be taught to give students the assets needed in order to design and construct furniture their own furniture as well as becoming a valuable asset in a potential employer’s woodshop.

HOW

A modern approach to education will be taken in this 12 week woodworking program. In-person, hands-on learning will be supplemented with digital textbooks, lectures, demonstrations and instructional videos. Skilled instructors, staff, and guest teachers will guide students through lessons and projects while sharing their stories and experiences. This program will also have an occasional field trip or extra curricular activity during the three months.

WHEN

Guided instruction will take place 9am to 5pm, Monday through Friday. Additional open shop time is available in the evenings and on the weekends as needed. Students should expect a few hours of homework each week to supplement the in class learning experience. This is a full-time program – We recommend that students devote themselves to this Intensive for the duration of the three months and do not hold a part-time job during the program. This program is difficult and will move quickly.

COURSE STRUCTURE & CURRICULUM

There are three modules that make up the structure of the Austin School of Furniture Intensive Program. Each module builds on the knowledge and experience acquired from the prior section. A module consists of required reading, lectures, demonstrations, exercises, field trips, minor projects and major projects. Each student will receive digital textbooks included as part of this course.

MODULE 1
  • Safety
  • Marking, Measuring, & Layout
  • Hand Tools
  • Sharpening
  • Hand-cut Joinery
  • Milling
  • Wood Science
  • Major Project 1
MODULE 2
  • Furniture Design History
  • Principles of Design
  • Drafting & 3D Modeling
  • Woodworking Machines
  • Prototyping
  • Joinery
  • Major Project 2
MODULE 3
  • Furniture Parts and Sizes
  • Doors & Drawers
  • Shaping
  • Templates & Jigs
  • Hardware
  • Finishing
  • Woodworking as a Business
  • Major Project 3
Student learning how to draft at Austin School of Furniture

By the conclusion of this course, students will have an in depth knowledge of furniture making and will have the ability and confidence to design and build their own basic furniture. The skills learned from this course can help students acquire a good job within the woodworking industry, set the foundation for further learning, jumpstart a lifelong passion or be the first steps in starting a furniture making business.

12 Week Intensive

COURSE OUTCOMES

DESIGN

Learn traditional drafting by hand and modern 3D modeling while gaining a better comprehension of the principles of design.

HANDTOOLS

Students will improve their hand tool & joinery skills as well as understanding their place within modern woodworking.

MACHINES

Machine saftey and maintenance will be taught while students learn how to use machines to create furniture.

JOINERY

Hand cut and machine cut joinery will be taught throughout the class to achieve the best and most efficient joint and furniture.

PROCESS

Students will understand the furniture making process from start to finish in order to design and build their own furniture.

BUSINESS

Gain insight into the woodworking industry and what a furniture making business looks like behind the curtain.

Philip Morley man in front of stack of wood
LEAD INSTRUCTOR

Philip Morley

professional

Philip Morley is a professional furniture maker with decades of experience in the industry.

experienced

Philip Morley has taught all kinds of furniture making classes around the US for many years.

award winning

Philip Morley is an award winning and published furniture maker and instructor.

STAFF & GUEST TEACHERS
Guest Instructor

Sarah Watlington

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GUEST TEACHER

Frank Strazza

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GUEST TEACHER

Mark Macek

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GUEST TEACHER

Adrienne Romine

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GUEST TEACHER

Mark Love

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GUEST TEACHER

Evan Court

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ASSISTANT

Amanda Russell

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ASSISTANT

Michelle Myers

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Assistant

Austin Waldo

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ENROLLMENT PROCESS

1. Application

October 1st, 2023 – Application period begins. Fill out the application and pay the application fee. Read all course information thoroughly.

2. Review

Application period closes April 1st, 2024. 

3. Notice

April 1st, 2024 – Students notified of acceptance or non-acceptance.

4. Deposit

Pay $1,000 non-refundable deposit if accepted.

5. Prepare

Additional information will be sent to students.

6. Payment

Remainder of tuition due by April 15th, 2024. Financing options currently unavailable. Veteran benefits currently in application stage.

7. Program Begins

May TBD, 2024 – Austin School of Furniture 3 Month Intensive program begins.

Let’s make some furniture!

8. Learn

Students learn to make furniture in 12 week program.

6. End

August TBD, 2023 – Program concludes. 

3 Month Intensive Program

TUITION
& COURSE EXPENSES

Total Tuition – $9,500

  • $15 Application Fee (Non-Refundable)
  • $1,000 Deposit (Non-refundable)
  • $8,485 Remaining Tuition

Materials Provided

~ All practice materials consumables are provided. All project materials are included at a set price. Students can pay nothing or will pay the difference above the set price for more expensive exotic woods if they choose.

Tools (A tools list will be shared with students)

~ Required tools – Estimated cost – $150

~ Optional tools – Estimated cost – $500

PROJECTS

Intensive Program Projects

Students in the Intensive program will complete several minor projects and 3 major projects: A Chisel Box, A Demilune Table and A Hanging Cabinet.

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APPLICATION
Applicants should set aside at least 30 minutes to complete the application. All applications are reviewed in the order they are received and selected based on a series of criteria. Applicants will be asked about their experience, desired outcomes, personal information, financial responsibility and photos of past projects. $15 application fee due at the end of the form.

- Take the Am I Ready Self Quiz before applying.
- Read the Code of Conduct before applying.
APPLY NOW