Concrete Design School

As the saying goes, "a rising tide lifts all boats." Which is why our mission is to elevate the level of design, craftsmanship and visibility of high-end concrete. In order for concrete to be recognized as a premier artisanal material, it should be fashioned at a master level. By training professionals and those just learning the craft, we help artisans reach their full potential and benefit the industry as a whole – increasing the value of finely produced concrete in the process. 

Since 2005, more than 1,400 artisans have attended training workshops at Concrete Design School (C.D.S.). During this time, we have built a reputation for excellence in the industry, which is why so many have trusted us to teach the art of high-end concrete design. What sets us apart is experience, and we invite you to experience the difference. Register for a hands-on workshop today. 

ABOUT C.D.S.


You'll learn from craftsmen who are currently creating custom concrete pieces for high-end clientele. People who practice their trade daily will teach you the same techniques used to operate successful, award-winning concrete businesses. These workshops offer instruction on the latest techniques and insights in concrete design.

C.D.S. IS A GORE DESIGN COMPANY


If you're going to spend money on a concrete class, shouldn't someone currently making a living in concrete design and fabrication teach it? It has always been our goal to offer our attendees "tried and true" skills from qualified instructors that successfully run their own businesses. Our instructors innovate and master unique approaches through years of trial and error - client project after client project. That is the value in what they bring to the table and teach to every attendee of our workshops.

What sets our training apart is the relevance of our information. The school's position under the GDCos. umbrella allows us to give you current, real-world knowledge of what it takes to make it in this profession today. 

Every day we …  


And we'll show you how we do it, using products and techniques proven to work. 

THE SKILLS


At C.D.S., our workshops focus on the following skills to help you reach the level of quality expected at the highest echelon of architecture and interior design: 





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2024

CONCRETE WORKSHOP SCHEDULE

NAPA, CA + GODDARD, KS

We've got several exciting hands-on concrete workshops lined up for 2024, designed to elevate your craft and unleash your creativity. Check out what we have in store: 

The Concrete Hero's Quest Workshop

When: May 1-3, 2024
Where: Napa, CA, USA
Embark on a 2.5-day journey with seasoned instructors Joe Bates, Jon Schuler, and Brandon Gore. Dive deep into advanced mold-making techniques, covering everything from design to sales and marketing.


Fabric-Forming Concrete Sink + GFRC Workshop

When: June 21-23, 2024
Where: Goddard, KS, USA
Delve into fabric-forming and GFRC techniques with an exclusive 36-page course guide. Learn to master custom creations like sinks and planters, crafting pieces of unparalleled strength and beauty.

Furniture Design Workshop

When: August 16-18, 2024
Where: Goddard, KS, USA
Join Brandon Gore for a 2.5-day exploration of concrete fundamentals and the art of furniture crafting. Embrace challenges, unlock creativity, and hone your skills at Brandon's exclusive studio in Goddard, Kansas.

The Basics: Fundamental Concrete Workshop

When: September 28-29, 2024
Where: Goddard, KS, USA
Join skilled artisans for a comprehensive 1.5-day workshop tailored for beginners. Learn essential skills like templating, form building, and casting methods, laying a strong foundation in the concrete industry.

Ready to elevate your concrete game? Secure your spot and dive into a world of creativity and craftsmanship. Learn more and register at Concrete Design School.







 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.



CONSULTING



Private consulting is available for customized training or assistance with a project you are working on. Consulting is a great option for individuals or companies that are unable to attend a Concrete Design School workshop or that require more advanced guidance. The information is geared specifically to the topic(s) that require attention.

Example subjects include but are not limited to: traditional fabric-forming, FLOW fabric-forming, inflated fabric-forming, GFRC, post-tensioned concrete, rubber mold making, furniture design, concrete floor and overlay polishing and sealing, concrete floor acid-staining, using pumps for large scale concrete production, crating, shop layout, and sales and marketing. 

Consulting can be conducted at our studio in Eureka Springs, AR, Hurricane Mills, TN, or Murphy's, CA, or we can travel to you. We offer consulting services all over the world, we will trek to any location.

C O S T

We tailor private consulting to meet your needs. Training is available at a daily rate of $1,950, per trainer, plus travel expenses if the training is conducted at your facility.

L E G A L

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 consultation may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in any form.

Concrete Design School

HISTORY

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. 







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, real world experience, and innovation. 

Concrete Design School class photo from a fabric forming and gfrc sink workshop
Mixing Buddy Rhodes ECC in a concrete countertop workshop
Dusty Baker torching concrete countertop
The Concrete Design School studio space
Concrete training class attendees hand packing concrete for a countertop
Post tensioned concrete and furniture design workshop class photo
Dusty Baker teaching how to seal concrete countertops with QUANTUM reactive sealer
Dusty Baker demonstrating how to create DustyCrete
Concrete Design School attendee learning the ultimate in gfrc countertops and sinks
Brandon Browning torching sealer on a concrete sink in a class
Concrete workshop attendee learning how to properly mix GFRC for concrete sinks and countertops
Sean Hunter at a Concrete Design School class in California

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