Hear from attendees of Concrete Design School training workshops on why they chose to attend a class here. Our real-world EXPERIENCE operating successful high-end concrete companies sets us apart from our competition. The fact that we are innovators of the processes we teach and the developers of the products we use means no one has more insight or practical knowledge about them than we do. If you're interested in becoming a concrete professional, train with concrete professionals - Concrete Design School.
APEX Workshop Course Outline
I’ve received several emails inquiring about the specifics of what we’re going to cover in this class. I put together the following course outline detailing the topics:
Course Outline:
Day 1 A.M.:
Introduction to post-tensioning principles, and when to utilize the method
Creating the mold for the post-tensioned piece
How to properly place and orient the post-tensioning steel
GFRC Mix Design
Mix and cast the post-tensioned piece
Day 1 P.M.:
Introduction to rubber mold-making and types of rubber
Each participant will construct their own mold, the afternoon will be spent doing this
Day 2 A.M.:
Post-tensioned piece mold removal
Concrete processing
Business Discussion
Day 2 P.M.:
Rubber mold construction continues
Day 3 A.M.:
Concrete Sealers, what works in the real world and what doesn’t
How to properly seal concrete
Business Discussion
Day 3 P.M.:
Rubber mold reveal
Presentation of behind-the-scenes photos of complex forms
How to approach different pieces, from simple to complex
Final question and answer
Hugs and kisses goodbye
APEX Concrete Workshop, October 2019
We’ve been teaching concrete enthusiasts for a long time - nearly 15 years now, and that has resulted in a lot of conversations. The APEX Concrete Workshop is a result of those discussions. APEX is focused on the following most requested topics:
POST-TENSIONING CONCRETE
RUBBER MOLD MAKING
GFRC MIX DESIGN, CASTING, AND FINISHING
BEST BUSINESS PRACTICES FOR A CONCRETE COMPANY
If you’d like to finish 2019 on a high note and start 2020 with a fresh perspective and supercharged skillset, join us this October in Eureka Springs, AR! We look forward to meeting you.
APEX Concrete Workshop, Oct 2019, Eureka Springs, AR
from $1,920.00
We’ve taught a lot of concrete enthusiasts over the last 14 years, over 1,100 and counting, and we’ve been listening to what you’d like to learn next. This class is for everyone interested in post-tensioning concrete, rubber mold-making, and our GFRC concrete mix designs, casting techniques, and sealing processes. As always, we’ll have plenty of time for discussion on all things business relating including pricing, sales and marketing, and what not to do.
WHAT WE’LL FOCUS ON IN THIS WORKSHOP:
Post-Tensioned Concrete: Post-tensioning concrete is a great solution to concrete pieces that will have long unsupported spans - think massive dining tables and modern benches. We will work as a class to build a form for and cast a post-tensioned piece.
Rubber Mold-Making: Being able to create your own rubber molds is the Swiss Army Knife of concrete skills! We are constantly crafting custom rubber components, whether they be for drain or faucet knockouts, integral drainboards and soap-dishes, or custom objects such as planters. This is by far one of the most requested topics from workshop attendees, so if you want to learn how to make rubber molds for concrete applications, this is your class.
GFRC - Mix, Casting, and Finishing: We will share our GFRC mix design, blending protocol, casting processes, and how to properly finish your concrete masterpiece. 15 years of trials and tribulations distilled down to what works - we learned the hard way what not to do, so you don’t have to.
The Business of Running a Successful Concrete Business: If you do something that isn’t profitable it’s a hobby. You can’t pay your mortgage with a hobby. Knowing how to work with concrete is only half of the battle, we’ll share with you what has worked for us when it comes to selling and marketing high-end concrete. How to approach pricing, what you should do, and most importantly, how to avoid the pitfalls that will cost you money. Through your time at this workshop you will have access to Brandon Gore’s years of concrete fabrication and design experience, and his working knowledge as a professional self-supporting concrete artisan.
This will be the last workshop Brandon will conduct for 2019, so if you want to start 2020 with a fresh outlook and supercharged skillset, register today and we’ll see you in Eureka Springs!
WORKSHOP DATES
October 7 - 9, 2019
SESSION TIME AND CAPACITY
3 full days of training in the Concrete Design School Headquarters located in Eureka Springs, Arkansas
These sessions are limited to 20 participants to ensure hands-on learning and class participation
COST
First-time Students: $2400
Alumni: $1920
You may be asking yourself, which ticket type should I purchase? If this is your first time attending a Concrete Design School Workshop you should choose the 'First Time Student' ticket. If you have previously taken part in a Concrete Design School class you should choose the 'Alumni' ticket, as we offer special reduced pricing to returning attendees as way of saying thank you for your continued support.
THE FINE PRINT
If you need to cancel, the course fee will not be refunded but the amount can be used towards a future Concrete Design School workshop.
All participants will be required to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement with penalties for unauthorized disclosure of material. The methods and formulas taught during the class may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in any form.
Concrete Design School reserves the right to change, modify or cancel the class schedule at any time.
Registration is Now Open for the Spring 2019 Workshops, with Jon Schuler!
We’ve received a lot of emails from folks inquiring about the next workshop dates with Jon Schuler, and we’re pleased to announce the Spring 2019 Workshop are officially open for registration! Additionally, we are going to be offering the Furniture Design Workshop, which is rarely offered and always popular, so you’ll want to get in on that. Click here to sign-up for the ‘5-Day All-In Workshop’, or you can register a la carte via the links below. We look forward to seeing you late April/early May!
Review of the February 2019 Concrete Design School GFRC, ECC, Fabric-Forming, Post-Tensioning, DustyCrete, and Concrete Sink Workshops
Another series of Concrete Design School workshops has come and gone. It was a great week of training where we covered ECC, GFRC, SCC, UHPC, DustyCrete, Fabric-Forming, Concrete Sinks, and Concrete Countertops. We made a lot of awesome pieces, awesome friends, and even tested the strength of a sink with 8 rounds of 45-70 (spoiler, it held up great)! It’s time to rest for a minute and take a look at the production schedule for the next few months to see where we can work in another class. Keep an eye on the website, we’ll announce the dates shortly.
KodiakPRO is for those that know!
KodiakPRO Concrete Admixes and Sealer are the industry’s finest and most cutting-edge products available. The concrete craftspeople that are on the razors edge of what is possible use KodiakPRO on each and every piece that leave their studios. Click here to learn more!
The Concrete Design School Family is Preparing for the SOLD-OUT February 2019 Workshops!
It’s so great to walk into the studio to see the Concrete Design School family working hard prepping to ensure a successful workshop. That reminds me, yesterday we officially SOLD-OUT of the Dusty-Crete, Fabric-Forming, and All-In Workshops. There are a couple of seats left in the Post-Tensioned Concrete Workshop if you want to get into that!
New KODIAK PRO Concrete Admixtures Now Available
If you’re like me, you are constantly striving to create the absolute best product possible, from a materials viewpoint as well as design. KODIAK PRO just released 2 new concrete admixtures that will up your concrete game.
The first is ‘BOOST’ - this admixture, used at the upper end of the loading rate, allows you to de-mold your pieces the same day in addition to improving the overall performance of your concrete. Dosed at the low end of the loading rate will increase hydration of your mix which reduces shrinkage and lowers permeability - both good things. Needless to say, if you’re casting concrete you should be adding BOOST.
The second admix is simply named ‘THE BEST PLASTICIZER’, and for good reason, it is the best plasticizer we have ever used. It comes in a powder form, it is extremely potent without retarding the mix as many other plasticizers will when dosed at higher rate. If you want the best concrete then you need to use THE BEST PLASTICIZER!
The next workshops have been scheduled for February 4-8, 2019
Great news! The next workshops have been scheduled and will be held February 4-8, 2019! We are going to teach our three most popular workshops - they sold out last time, and we anticipate they will again for this event, so if you want to attend register today.
2 Day Fabric-Forming Concrete Sink + GFRC Workshop / February 6-7, 2019
1 Day Post-Tensioned Concrete + Current Techniques Workshop / February 8, 2019
The favored workshop for the majority of attendees is to attend all three workshops over the one week period, this is called the All-In Workshop. This route saves you money on travel expenses, time away from work and the family, and we offer a special reduced rate if you register for the All-In Workshop. We look forward to meeting you in February!
A recap of the September 2018 Workshops
We just finished conducting the September 2018 Concrete Design School Workshops and we had a great time getting to know an amazing group of people! We had several repeat attendees, which is always an honor, as well as new faces from all over the world, including India, Mexico, Finland, and Canada.
Several emails have come in asking when the next workshops will be scheduled, and we are working on setting the dates now. If you haven’t yet done so, sign up for email updates at the bottom of the homepage and you’ll be notified first. Now, without further ado, we present photos from the DustyCrete, Fabric-Forming + GFRC, and Post-Tensioned Concrete Workshops:
The September 2018 All-In Workshop & Fabric-Forming Workshop are SOLD OUT! You can still get into the Dusty-Crete and Post-Tensioning Workshop!
As anticipated the September 2018 'All-In Workshop' and 'Fabric-Forming Workshop' are officially SOLD-OUT! As of 8:00am this morning there is 1 seat available in the 'Dusty-Crete Workshop' and 'Post-Tensioning Workshop'. They won't last long so NOW is the time to register and book your travel arrangements, the class is in 1 week! See you in Eureka Springs.
Dusty-Crete Workshop is now scheduled for September 2018, and we have a special Reduced Rate Workshop Package for all three classes!
Well, we went and did it - we scheduled our THREE MOST POPULAR CLASSES IN A ONE WEEK PERIOD! Do you know what this means?! You can fly out to the beautiful Ozark Mountains and in one trip learn our best practices, techniques, and hard lessons gleaned from over 70,000 hours of success and failure. This is unprecedented, we've never offered these three workshops back-to-back, so if you want to get in, get to getting, it's time to register! You can register for the Dusty-Crete Workshop here, or you can register for the All-In Workshop here. We look forward to seeing you in September.
Looking back at the May 2018 Workshops, and looking FORWARD to the September 2018 Workshops!
The May 2018 concrete training classes wrapped up a few weeks ago, and WOW, what an amazing group of talented folks! We had a great time getting to know everyone and the pieces they made in the workshops were top notch. Now that the May classes are in the books we are getting emails asking about the next class dates. Unfortunately we have a lot of projects in the queue at the GDCo./Hard Goods Studio, so the soonest dates we could lock in are:
September 17-18 / 2-Day Dusty-Crete Workshop
September 19 / 1-Day Post-Tensioned Concrete Workshop
September 20-21 / 2-Day Fabric-Forming + GFRC Sink Workshop
or, take ALL THREE in ONE WEEK:
September 17-21 / All-In Workshop
All three of these classes are extremely popular, and based on the number of emails we've received the training events will fill-up quickly. If you want to get in you need to register TODAY, not tomorrow!
Over 1,000 Served!
“Best training I ever had!”
Since 2005 more than 1,000 Artisans have chosen to attend training workshops with Concrete Design School! There is a reason why so many have placed their trust in us when it comes to learning the Art of High-End Concrete. The Difference is Experience, Experience the Difference, register for a hands-on workshop today!
A recap of the March Workshops and looking towards the May Hands-On Workshops, which are Filling-Up Fast! Purchase Tickets Now!
We just wrapped training of the March Fabric-Forming + GFRC Workshop and the Post-Tensioned + Current Techniques Workshop. What an amazing group of people - we had attendees from all over the world including Venezuela, Guatemala, Indonesia, Kuwait, India, Dominican Republic, Canada, and from all around the United States! It is always an honor to have international attendees in our workshops, an investment we are humbled by. We conduct serious training events for folks that are serious about being the best in the concrete industry! Above are a few photos from the March classes.
We are currently slated to hold the following 3 workshops in May:
2.5 Day DUSTY-CRETE WORKSHOP, MAY 10-12, 2018
2.5 Day Fabric-Forming + GFRC Workshop, May 14-16, 2018
1.5 Day Furniture Design Workshop, May 17-18, 2018
The classes are starting to fill-up, so if you're thinking about attending you should purchase tickets soon, our last classes sold-out!
The March 'Dusty-Crete Workshop' and 'Fabric-Forming + GFRC Workshop' are SOLD-OUT! Tickets are on-sale for the May Workshops.
The March Dusty-Crete Workshop and Fabric-Forming + GFRC Workshop are officially SOLD-OUT! There are a few spots remaining in the March Post-Tensioned Concrete + Current Techniques Workshop, and tickets are on sale for the May Workshops!
2 New Concrete Workshops Scheduled for May 2018!
The March Workshops are nearly sold-out and we have been receiving inquiries as to the next workshop dates. We just scheduled the following two workshops this May at the Concrete Design School Headquarters in Eureka Springs, AR:
2.5 Day Fabric-Forming Concrete Sink + GFRC Workshop, May 14-16, 2018, Eureka Springs, AR
from $1,500.00
THIS IS IT, the World Famous Fabric-Forming Concrete Sink + GFRC Workshop! Over the last decade we have taught, asked and listened to students, then refined and repeated countless times. All of that experience has led to this, the absolute best Fabric-Forming + GFRC Workshop that has ever been offered in the history of man. We should know, we have been teaching both subjects longer than anyone else!
Every student will receive a full-color 36 page course guide, packed with invaluable information and never-seen-before photographs! This course guide is not available for purchase to the general public. It is only available to students who enroll in this workshop.
Fabric-forming is the future of concrete, now. It is an amazing method that can be employed in the creation of custom sinks, planters, wall panels, fireplace surrounds, etc. There is much rationale backing fabric as the optimal material for creating forms, with the primary being that it creates a natural shape, a form that cannot be created any other way. We spend the first two days of your workshop creating a fabric-form from scratch. All processes are covered with a concentration on the nuances that can only be gained from years of experience.
Once the form is completed, we continue on day two with GFRC (glass-fiber reinforced concrete). We cover GFRC tools and equipment, materials, mix design, proper mix protocol, and most importantly, how we cast GFRC. On day three the mould is removed and the piece created is revealed! At that point we finish the concrete, repair any imperfections, and discuss sealers and application methods.
GFRC (glass-fiber reinforced concrete) is the medium we choose to create our work with for several reasons. It is easier to manipulate than traditional concrete, it is lighter, and ultimately, GFRC creates a stronger finished piece. However, it is important to note that GFRC is not new, it has been used in exterior commercial pre-cast applications for more than 30 years in some of the harshest climates known to man. The material is sound. It is proven.
Anything can be made more difficult than it needs to be, and left up to engineers, it is. We have striven to reduce our mix designs and techniques to be simple, repeatable and reliable so you can focus on the heart of the matter, and the reason you are interested in concrete; art, design, expanding horizons, and to shape the world around us with our own two hands.
We were the first company to train both fabric-forming and GFRC and are the long-leading experts in this emerging market segment. Our training is often imitated, but never duplicated; the pieces our attendees create are in a league of their own. You will not find cliche college’esque course numbers, bloated egos or erroneous claims of practical knowledge here. What you will find is the most passionate, creative and thorough training of fabric-forming and GFRC available anywhere - if this is what you’re looking for, welcome to your workshop.
SESSION TIME AND CAPACITY
- 2.5 days of training in the Concrete Design School Headquarters located in Eureka Springs, Arkansas
- These sessions are limited to 15 participants to ensure hands-on learning and class participation
WORKSHOP DATES
- May 14, 2018 - May 16, 2018
COST
- First-time Students: $1875
- Alumni: $1500
You may be asking yourself, which ticket type should I purchase? If this is your first time attending a Concrete Design School Workshop you should choose the 'First Time Student' ticket. If you have previously taken part in a Concrete Design School class you should choose the 'Alumni' ticket, as we offer special reduced pricing to returning attendees as way of saying thank you for your continued support.
WORKSHOP LOCATION
Concrete Design School is located at:
45 Bear Ridge Rd., Eureka Springs, AR 72631
GPS Coordinates: 36.421726, -93.789226
THE FINE PRINT
If you need to cancel, the course fee will not be refunded but the amount can be used towards a future Concrete Design School workshop.
All participants will be required to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement with penalties for unauthorized disclosure of material. The methods and formulas taught during the class may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in any form.
Concrete Design School reserves the right to change, modify or cancel the class schedule at any time.
1 Day Furniture Design Workshop, Spring 2019, Eureka Springs, AR
from $975.00
We live in a world of imitation materials that are manufactured into disposable furniture by soulless machines. We have lost touch with what is real and long for furniture that bears the imperfections of the mortal hand, and ages as gracefully in time as we do. Furniture that is designed for humans living in a human world, and conceived with durability and longevity in mind. Furniture with the narrative that is was handmade by the owner. That is a rare thing in these modern times, and that is precisely the focus of this workshop.
IN THIS 1.5-DAY CLASS WE WILL WORK TOGETHER IN TEAMS TO DESIGN AND CAST A PIECE OF FURNITURE. WE WILL COVER DESIGN CRITERIA, THE BASICS OF CONCRETE, TOOLS AND MATERIALS, FORM BUILDING, AND HOW TO PROPERLY AND PROFESSIONALLY CAST, CURE AND FINISH CONCRETE.
IT IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT THIS CLASS IS AN EXPLORATORY EXERCISE. THE PURPOSE IS TO OPEN YOUR WAY OF THINKING IN ALL ASPECTS; FURNITURE DESIGN, MATERIALS, AND FABRICATION. EXPECT TO FAIL, FOR THROUGH FAILURE LIES THE ANSWER. FAILURE IS A FUNDAMENTAL ASPECT OF KNOWLEDGE, AND ONE THAT WE EMBRACE WHOLEHEARTEDLY. MANY OF THE WORKSHOP PIECES TURN OUT PERFECT, AND MANY DO NOT, BUT ALL HAVE A LESSON CONTAINED WITHIN.
This class will be taught by Brandon Gore, founder of Gore Design Co. and Hard Goods, and a judge on the hit furniture design competition 'Framework.' The class will be held at his private studio in the Ozark Mountains of Eureka Springs, AR.
When it comes to training, no one has been teaching cutting-edge concrete longer than Brandon Gore. As with all things in life, you get what you pay for - good training isn't cheap and cheap training isn't good. Invest in yourself, enroll in this workshop today before it is sold out and you spend the rest of your days lamenting what could've been had you only taken this class.
SESSION TIME AND CAPACITY
1 day of training at the Concrete Design School Headquarters located in Eureka Springs, Arkansas
These sessions are limited to 15 participants to ensure hands-on learning and class participation
COST
First-time Students: $1200
Alumni: $975
You may be asking yourself, which ticket type should I purchase? If this is your first time attending a Concrete Design School Workshop you should choose the 'First Time Student' ticket. If you have previously taken part in a Concrete Design School class you should choose the 'Alumni' ticket, as we offer special reduced pricing to returning attendees as way of saying thank you for your continued support.
WORKSHOP DATE
May 1, 2019
The March 2018 Concrete Workshops are CLOSE TO SELLING OUT!
As of the evening of Wednesday, February 14th, the following is the availability of the March Workshops:
DUSTYCRETE, March 8-10, Hurricane Mills, TN: 2 SEATS LEFT
FABRIC-FORMING + GFRC WORKSHOP, March 12-14, Eureka Springs, AR: 3 SEATS LEFT
POST-TENSION + CURRENT TECHNIQUES WORKSHOP, March 15-16, Eureka Springs, AR: 8 SEATS LEFT
Both Dusty and I have spoke with many folks that have said they are going to sign-up - the seats are on a first come, first served basis, so when they sell-out that is it until the next class. Don't miss your chance to get into the March classes, register today!
Camp during your next Concrete Design School Workshop in Eureka Springs
Are you the adventurous type that would prefer to sit by a campfire and sleep under the stars than stay in a motel? Great! There is a KOA Campground directly next door to Concrete Design School - you can literally walk through the woods to come to the workshop each day. They have tent sites, full hook-up RV sites, showers, laundry, and a swimming pool. You can bring your own camping gear, travel trailer, or RV, or you can rent basic camping gear from Concrete Design School.
- $25 CDS Camping Gear Package No. 1: (x1) 2-Person Camping Tent, (x1) Freshly laundered Sleeping Bag and Pillow, (x1) Camp Chair*
- $45 CDS Camping Gear Package No. 2: (x1) 2-Person Camping Tent, (x2) Freshly laundered Sleeping Bags and Pillows, (x2) Camp Chairs*
* The above pricing does not include the daily camping fee charged by the KOA, it is strictly gear rental. The Eureka Springs KOA offers special reduced rates for attendees of Concrete Design School workshops.
Eureka Springs KOA, 15020 Highway 187 South, Eureka Springs, AR 72631 / (479) 253-8036
Dusty-Crete 2018 Workshop Announced!
Dusty-Crete Concrete Workshop, March 8-10, 2018, Burns, TN
from $1,600.00
Students attending my workshop will gain extensive knowledge turning regular concrete into a beautifully marbleized natural piece of art. We will be demonstrating a casting technique I have developed and perfected over the last 7 years. Our custom look uses the imperfections as part of the details that we call “Dusty-Crete.” During the workshop students will learn in-depth instruction on how to marbleize and vein concrete. Instruction on how to form concrete for unique edgings including carved and tooled. In addition, we will be teaching various finishing techniques such as slurrying, scrubbing, and buffing. Last but not least, our latest uses for color enhancement using BLUE Concrete's 'Stainz' products and how to properly seal with the ICT sealing system.
With the techniques that are taught by our artisans, students will be able to create a uniquely custom concrete product with a modern or rustic look. If you want something different, unique, and individualized to each piece of concrete, look no further than attending a workshop with the artisans of Stone-Crete.
Session Time and Capacity
- 2.5 days of training in Dusty's Tennessee studio, located in Burns, TN
- These sessions are limited to 15 participants to ensure hands-on learning and class participation
Workshop Dates
Cost
- First-time Student: $1975
- Alumni: $1600
You may be asking yourself, which ticket type should I purchase? If this is your first time attending a Concrete Design School Workshop you should choose the 'First Time Student' ticket. If you have previously taken part in a Concrete Design School class you should choose the 'Alumni' ticket, as we offer special reduced pricing to returning attendees as way of saying thank you for your continued support.
WORKSHOP LOCATION AND TRAVEL DETAILS
Please note, this class is going to be held in Tennessee at Dusty Baker's shop, located at:
Stone-Crete Artistry
545 Haley Branch Rd.
Burns, TN 37029
Hotels in Burns, TN:
- Holiday Inn Express Dickson / (615) 446-2781
- Hampton Inn Dickson / (615) 446-1088
- Days Inn Dickson / (615) 740-7475
- Motel 6 / (615) 446-2423
- Comfort Inn / (615) 740-1000
Instructor
The Fine Print
If you need to cancel, the course fee will not be refunded but the amount can be used towards a future Concrete Design School workshop.
All participants will be required to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement with penalties for unauthorized disclosure of material. The methods and formulas taught during the class may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in any form.
Concrete Design School reserves the right to change, modify or cancel the class schedule at any time.