Brandon Gore on the far left, October 2005
Concrete Design School is the continuation and progression of training workshops that Brandon Gore of Gore Design Co. and Hard Goods begun in 2005. At that time GFRC (glass-fiber reinforced concrete) was in its infancy of being utilized in the application of concrete sinks and countertops. Training was not available then, it was all trial and error. In October of 2005, Brandon conducted the worlds first class on the subject of creating concrete sinks and countertops using GFRC.
An early marketing postcard for a Gore Design Co. GFRC Class, ca. 2007
In 2006, Brandon began experimenting with using fabric to form sinks. The photo below shows the first fabric-formed concrete sink he made for a client.
With the gaining integration of GFRC, concrete and its forming methods were quickly evolving. Fabric-forming is still cutting edge, but in 2008 it was unheard-of. Brandon Gore taught the earliest class on the subject in November of 2008. Below is a photo of the sink created by the class.
Photo of the first fabric-formed sink created by a class, November 2008
FLOW Fabric Formed Concrete Table
FLOW Fabric Forming gone awry, ca. 2011
Fabric-forming techniques continued evolving, and in August of 2011, Brandon Gore taught the first class on a new type of fabric-forming that he coined "FLOW Fabric-Forming." This method yielded free flowing shapes, as shown in the photo above left. And sometimes not so free-flowing shapes, as seen in the photo above right.
Our training has continued at a steady pace since 2005. Over that period of time the techniques, materials, tools and the methods of teaching them have been refined. With the launch of Concrete Design School we hope to continue to lead the advancement of the craft of concrete. We will do so with the help of our industry partners, associate trainers and the continual progression of excellence that can only be gained through sustained hard work and innovation.
What are past attendees saying about Concrete Design School?
“Brandon is a concrete sensei. Since my first workshop with him I have wanted to emulate him - cool, creative and sophisticated. Thats what I get up for in the morning.”
“After nine years in the industry I came away with new techniques that will change the way I work with concrete. I only wish I had attended years ago.
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“Out of the box! Out of the box! Please God let me out of the box! After over 30 years of structural concrete work which has kept me standing on top of the box that contains my artistic spirit the 2.5 day fabric forming course at Concrete Design School fed me the inspiration,techniques and motivation to finally step off the box and let that spirit out! Everything gained from the course absolutely valuable - worth every nickel to learn alongside a master in the business! All the folks in this fast paced experience made it fun and inspirational. Thanks again for one of the best experiences ever.”
“This knowledge has revitalized my creative side, unlocking possibilities that I thought were impossible even with over 30 years experience in concrete construction.”
“Honored to be a part of the most cutting edge workshop on planet Earth.”
“There are likely many ways I could tell you all how much I enjoyed the class and how much I learned and I think any way I state it will understate what I truly gained.
The first thing I look for in anyone I’d pay to train me in any part of my career past or present is passion. Secondly I need to know the trainer has spent real world time working in the field (or in this case the shop). The other aspect is truly intangible and encompasses the feeling you get while in the training.
What I found at your training fulfilled every aspect of what I hoped for and more. As a man who works hand in hand with his wife I personally find the way you and Erin gel only added to the class experience. You aren’t just a cold by the numbers guy who is trying to crank out cash, you are an artist, a fiancé and a serious craftsmen with respect for the process.
If I have one regret it is that I only had 2.5 days to spend with you folks. I left with a ton of info, ideas and inspiration and look forward to a future steeped in creativity, camaraderie and concrete!
Thank you all for an extremely worthwhile experience, I would not hesitate to recommend this to others interested in learning from such a gifted and dedicated team.”
“Cutting edge techniques, years of experience, and mind warping creativity are just the beginning. The investments are the relationships that are built, anointment into the concrete community, and the common goal in which everyone is pushing to achieve. The movement to rise above the mass produced plastic society in which we live and take pride in creating one-of-a-kind quality pieces of functional art. One word can describe the relationship between Concrete Design School workshops and the success of my business… Essential.”
“Having the opportunity to learn from Brandon was truly an honor - he was so forthcoming with his knowledge and techniques, something you rarely find in the industry.”
“I liked how relaxed the class was. I was able to really take my time and learn. I had a lot of fun!”
“I can’t say enough great things about this class. I have learned so many proper techniques and applications to improve my own work. After speaking with Brandon for just a few minutes it became clear just how knowledgeable he was. This 2.5 day class is far more valuable than I ever knew. I had no idea just how much has gone into this artistry. Brandon has like 15 years of experience, knowledge and tips summarized into a 2.5 days class. His tips and tricks alone are so freaking valuable and time saving!”
“I was very impressed with Brandon’s class and it exceeded all my expectations. It was truly remarkable how much I took away from a class that took place in less than three days, covered such a broad range of topics, and consisted of such a broad range of students. Students from all over the world, from all walks of life, and ranging from literally no previous experience all the way to Brandon’s colleagues with their own businesses in the field (who, while there to network, hone their skills, and stay current with technology, contributed to the class as well). As one of those in the middle, I believe I might have had the most to gain from this dynamic.
As a residential contractor I’ve always dabbled in concrete but never had the time to develop and expand upon the most basic skills, averaging only one concrete project a year or so. I was also behind the times by at least a decade. The class helped me make a quantum leap that I’d never had made no matter how much online research I did, or videos I watched. A concentration of energetic peers led by an enthusiastic instructor really left me with a degree of motivation I hadn’t expected and that trajectory has really changed by business. It really is a worthwhile experience at a great value. I can’t see myself having achieved in any other way”
“Concrete Design School (Brandon) has a lethal combination of skill, experience and instinct. If you are someone who is serious about taking concrete to a professional level, this class is invaluable.
I am grateful for Brandon sharing his dynamic approach and I came away with more than notes and an idea or two... The opportunity to peer in and see someone that far ahead was a blessing. It will continue to influence the trajectory of my endeavors.”
“All of the workshops I have attended over the years, by the last day you could leave by noon and not miss anything, it was a waste of time. With this in mind I booked a flight to leave at 2:00 pm. What a mistake! I will attend more workshops at Concrete Design School in the future, and I will not be leaving early on the last day. Everyday at this workshop was packed full of information and technique.
This was one of the BEST workshops I have attended, and I have been to a lot of workshops in the past 6 years. Thanks!”
“I would highly suggest this workshop to anyone interested in GFRC. I can’t imagine there is a better workshop available on this type of concrete fabrication. A must for anyone who’s into concrete!”
“A great experience for anyone who appreciates fine concrete, taught by true artists and craftsmen.”
“The professionalism, thoroughness, and quality of the course exceeded any expectations. All the necessary tools to becoming a successful artisan in concrete fabrication are provided; what is left is harnessing the explosion of creative possibilities.”
“I just wanted to thank you for conducting an excellent training course. Since I got back I’ve been in the shop making molds and tops non-stop. You brought life back to my company... I’ve been to about 10 other training workshops and yours was by far the best and most interesting... It wasn’t what I expected at all. Once I saw how you guys do this stuff I realized how easy concrete can be.”
“Everything was great, but something very important was that the workshop was really “hands on”, giving us the opportunity to really know the process and learn from our mistakes... I’ve worked with concrete before and never thought that we could use it this way. Based on what I learned in your workshop, I am pretty sure I can start working on projects where my imagination will be the only limit, putting into practice everything I’ve been taught by great instructors.”
“A down to earth journey into the world of decorative GFRC concrete. The workshop was taught so that it was easy to understand and digest. Now that I’ve returned home I have had a hard time sleeping considering all the possibilities GFRC has presented.”
“A candy store for adults who want to learn about fabric form molding & GFRC, Brandon’s 2.5 day workshop was an incredible learning experience. I had no idea what I didn’t know.
From day one, you could tell that Brandon puts as much thought, time and detail into preparing for these workshops as he does in making one of his pieces. His teaching style made it easy to really become invested in the class and his in depth knowledge about design, function & materials is impressive.
Each step of the process from concept to completion was explained in detail, from imagining & creating a design for a piece, creating the mold, casting a piece using the GFRC method, de-molding and finally sealing a piece and preparing it for delivery.
As we discussed various designs as a group, he would explain in detail the pros and cons of different ideas which really helped us understand how to make a piece that was not only beautiful to look at but would function properly.
The classes are purposely kept small and intimate so that each student is truly getting a hands-on experience. We were encouraged to jump in at each step along the way, not just stand back and watch, making the classes so much more interactive.
The mix of students was also very interesting, and although each of us had different levels of experience (from novice to professional in this industry) it seemed everyone had something interesting to add to the mix.
Best part… Brandon doesn’t skimp on information. He explains every move he makes during the process, but more importantly, why he’s doing it. You can tell he is so passionate about what he does and truly is trying to teach you the correct or best way to do each step. Although I’m sure there are many ways to do what we were taught, after years of experience he truly has mastered the process and tries to help shorten the learning curve.
Brandon does nothing half-assed! The devil is in the details. Try to cut corners and it will come back to bite you. It’s done right, or it’s not done at all. As a person that folds a bath towel 3 times to get it right, I truly appreciated that. Thanks for a truly eye-opening experience.”
“Truly Inspirational!”