Design–Build for Community Impact
Classes run Monday, July 13 through Friday, July 31, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Creative Trades Lab is a paid, three-week summer experience at Otis College of Art
and Design for high school students who are ready to learn by building. Through hands-on
learning in woodworking, metal fabrication, and design thinking, students develop
technical skills while working with Otis instructors and industry mentors.
Participants will collaborate on a real-world project to design and build outdoor furniture for the TGR Learning Lab Los Angeles, a new education center and community space under development on the Lulu’s Place campus in Westchester.
Creative Trades Lab is a fully funded program. Instruction, course materials, workshop tools, and fabrication supplies, as well as lunch and snacks on program days, are fully covered. Students will also receive a stipend for their participation in the program. Students are responsible only for transportation to and from Otis College and for any housing arrangements, if needed.
Why Creative Trades Lab?
Because creativity isn’t just about ideas, it’s about making. In this program, you’ll transform concepts into physical work by learning how design, craftsmanship and problem-solving come together in real careers. You’ll build confidence using professional tools, collaborate with a team and create something that directly impacts a community space. Along the way, you’ll explore career paths in creative industries, which employ more than 700,000 workers in California and represent one in every ten jobs in the state. Many of these careers rely on skilled trades. At Creative Trades Lab, you’ll explore how creative thinking and technical skills work together to build meaningful projects and make a lasting impact.
What You’ll Do
Throughout the program, students work as part of a collaborative team to research, design and build furniture for the TGR Learning Lab. Participants will gain experience in:
- Design thinking and concept development
- Woodworking and metal fabrication techniques
- Material selection and sustainable practices
- Using tools and shops safely
- Teamwork and creative problem-solving
Students will also participate in guest lectures and site visits and receive mentorship from professionals working in fabrication, design, and the creative industries.
Program Structure
Students will meet with Lulu’s Place and TGR Learning Lab partners to learn about the unique community space and its needs. Working in teams, they will brainstorm ideas, develop design concepts and present proposals. Students will also begin training in Otis College’s professional wood and metal shops, where they’ll learn safety protocols and fundamental fabrication skills.
Students will move their designs from concept to creation. Using woodworking and metalworking techniques, teams construct their projects while learning how to translate design decisions into physical structures. Students will hear from guest speakers about their professional experiences in design and fabrication.
During the final week, students complete their projects and present their work to partners at the TGR Learning Lab and Lulu’s Place.
The program concludes with a community showcase where students present their work and reflect on the design and fabrication process.
Mentorship and Career Exploration
Creative Trades Lab is developed in partnership with the TGR Learning Lab, which provides mentorship and career guidance throughout the program. Students explore pathways that blend design, making, craftsmanship and professional opportunities through:
- Industry guest speakers
- Career mapping workshops
- Portfolio and résumé development
- Mentorship from creative professionals
Community Showcase
On Thursday, July 30 at 1:00 pm, students will unveil their completed projects to the staff of the Otis College, TGR Learning Lab and Lulu’s Place during a public celebration with friends, family members, community partners and mentors. Students will share their designs, discuss the fabrication process and reflect on what they learned during the program. Upon completion, students will earn a Digital Badge in Design–Build Collaboration, celebrating their technical skills and teamwork.
Frequently Asked Questions
Creative Trades Lab is held at Otis College of Art and Design’s Westchester campus in Los Angeles.
Students must be available to attend the full program duration from July 13–31, 2026. Classes meet Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.
No experience is required. Students only need an interest in creativity, design, or skilled trades.
Due to the intensive nature of the program, students may miss no more than one class session.
Students will work in teams to design and build outdoor furniture that will be installed at the TGR Learning Lab, located near Otis College’s Westchester campus.
Apply to Creative Trades Lab
Begin exploring careers that combine creativity, craftsmanship, and community impact.
Thank You to Our Partners
Otis College and TGR Learning Lab are partnering together to offer the Creative Trades Lab with support from Harbor Freight Tools for Schools.
