Design Directions is a series of free design-education programs for New York City high-school students, developed to introduce them to collegiate and career opportunities in design. Programs include design studios with professional designers, college visits, studio visits, and portfolio workshops.

Fall 2009 Programs

• Design School Visit: Parsons
  Thursday, November 5

  Join us for a special visit to Parsons The New School for Design. Speak directly with admission counselors about ParsonsÕ rich academic offerings and financial aid availability. Learn from students what the Parsons experience is truly like and what kinds of professional opportunities are available to graduates. Registration Limit: 20. Register now

• Design Studio: Portfolio Workshop
  Thursday and Friday, November 12 and 13

  Stressed out about getting your portfolio ready for design school? Design school graduates will share their experiences with you and will look at your work to help you choose your best submission pieces. Preference will be given to juniors and seniors. DonÕt forget to bring your portfolio! Registration Limit: 20. Register now

• Studio Visit: Freestyle Collective
  Tuesday, November 17

  Co-founder and creative director Victor Newman will take you on special tour of Freestyle Collective, a collaborative design and production studio that specializes in creative advertising and branding solutions. This is your opportunity to learn firsthand what a designer truly does and how a design studio works. Registration Limit: 15. Register now

• Studio Visit: Perkins Eastman
  Thursday, November 19

  Join us for a special behind-the-scenes tour of Perkins Eastman, an award-winning architecture firm that specializes in progressive and innovative sustainable design. Learn from professionals what a regular work day is like at leading international firm and what it takes to be an architect. Registration Limit: 18. Register now

• Design Studio: Green Design Challenge
  Thursday, December 3

  What is the connection between design and the environment? Explore design with us through close study of our Design for a Living World exhibit and participate in a fun green design challenge using sustainable and recyclable materials. Registration Limit: 16. Register now

• Design Studio: The Fabric of Fashion
  Monday, Wednesday, Friday, December 7, 9, 11

  How do we design for the body? Join us on a three-day journey of fun and learning as we explore traditional and experimental techniques to sculpt different materials into unique garments. Instructor: Rachel Miller. Registration Limit: 16. Register now

Please check out our online events calendar for more information and registration instructions.

 

Design Directions is made possible through the generous support of the Altman Foundation, Deutsche Bank, the Richard & Jean Coyne Family Foundation, and the Milton & Sally Avery Arts Foundation.

Education programs at Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum are made possible in part by The Edith and Frances Mulhall Achilles Memorial Fund, the Jean and Louis Dreyfus Foundation, and the Alan and Katherine Stroock Fund.