International Designer Maker Course | Now Enrolling For 2025 and 2026
Our International Designer Maker Course is the perfect opportunity for aspiring furniture makers from around the world. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to enhance existing skills, this 6-month intensive program will immerse you in the art and craft of fine furniture making and design. Open to students from diverse backgrounds and with varied levels of experience, the course provides an exceptional education.
No prior experience is needed—just a passion for learning and creativity. You’ll work with master craftsmen and renowned designer Will Acland, creating beautiful, bespoke furniture while learning professional-grade skills. By the end of the course, you’ll have designed and built stunning pieces that will last a lifetime.
Why Choose Our Designer Maker Course?
We are passionate about teaching and committed to producing skilled furniture makers. Whether you’re aiming for a professional career, looking to master a lifelong hobby, or want to set up your own business, our International Designer Maker Course is designed to give you the skills and confidence to succeed.
Our students come from all over the world, including the US, Canada, and Australia. Many have gone on to work in leading furniture workshops, set up successful businesses, or simply continue woodworking as a passion.
This course is ideal for students traveling to the UK on an international visa, including those from the US, Canada, Australia, and beyond. Our course schedule and student support are tailored to ensure that visa holders can fully enjoy their time at our workshop in the beautiful English Lake District while gaining professional-level skills. We’re here to assist with any questions regarding the visa process and ensure you get the most out of your study experience in the UK.
What You’ll Learn
Our course covers every aspect of fine furniture making. Under the guidance of our award-winning designer, Will Acland, and our expert tutors, you will:
• Master hand tools, power tools, and wood machinery.
• Build a solid foundation in cabinetmaking and joinery.
• Learn advanced techniques like veneering, inlay, carving, and marquetry.
• Develop skills in furniture design using SketchUp and Layout.
• Work on set projects and design your own furniture pieces.
• Create high-quality, finished pieces to take home.
International Designer Maker Course Structure
Term 1: Total Immersion
The first term is intense and focuses on building core skills. Over 14 weeks, you’ll learn:
• Hand tool preparation and use (sharpening, planing, chiseling).
• Wood machining and power tool operation.
• Traditional joinery techniques (mortise & tenon, dovetails, etc.).
• Specialist skills like carving, veneering, and jig-making.
During this phase, you’ll complete a series of set projects designed by Will Acland. These projects will build your competence and confidence, from crafting simple pieces to mastering more complex furniture.
Term 2: Building Confidence
In the second term, you will start working on self-designed projects. These are tailored to your interests and goals, allowing you to develop your own style as a designer and maker. Our tutors will guide you in designing, planning, and executing projects to professional standards. We’ll also help you explore how to set up your own business, with advice on everything from workshop setup to client management.
Why Study in the UK?
The UK has a rich heritage of furniture making, and our school is located in the stunning English Lake District, a UNESCO World Heritage site. By studying with us, you’ll immerse yourself in an inspiring environment where craftsmanship and creativity thrive. And with a limited intake of just six students per course, you’ll receive personalized, one-on-one instruction.
How to Apply
No previous woodworking experience or formal qualifications are needed. Just bring your passion for learning. To apply, contact us to check availability, and we’ll send you the application form.
For information on visas and traveling to the UK visit this page on the GOV.UK website
Join the Waters & Acland Family
If you’re serious about furniture making and ready to embark on a transformative journey, we’d love to have you join our Designer Maker family. Contact us today for more information or to schedule a visit, whether in person or via Zoom.
International Designer Maker Course Highlights
- Tool selection, preparation and use.
- Learn the Waters and Acland sharpening method.
- Create a series of small ‘skill building’ objects such as cutting board and Chinese puzzle.
- Gain control of chisels and planes.
- Accurate marking and measuring techniques.
- Understanding workshop drawings.
- Cut joints by hand and machine.
- Furniture Making Project 1 — Low Table with exposed joinery.
- Surface treatments and wood finishing.
- Adhesive selection and use.
- Project assembly.
- Dovetail masterclass.
- Furniture Making Project 2 — Dovetailed box with mitred lining.
- Hand shaping and relief carving.
- Veneering and marquetry fundamentals.
- Design and use of moulds and formers.
- Vacuum bags and membrane presses.
- Selection and cutting of laminates and veneers.
- Laminating components.
- Furniture Making Project 3 — Tri Table with circular marquetry top.
- Advanced veneering and marquetry.
- Advanced wood finishing techniques.
- Jig making for portable and machine tools.
- Full machine shop training.
- Selecting and purchasing timber.
- Furniture Making Project 4 — Wall hanging cabinet with sculpted shelves.
- Door fitting and hingeing.
- Edge profiling and shaping.
- French polishing.
- Wood turning.
- Self designed furniture making projects exploring advanced design and make techniques.
