The Studio
(Design 2)
The Studio is an advanced, project-based course that transforms the classroom into a professional design studio. Building on foundational skills from Design 1, students work together to build a cohesive body of work driven by their own interests, design goals, and potential client opportunities. Throughout the course, students move through a cyclical design process that includes research, ideation, prototyping, feedback, and refinement.
Students develop a studio brand identity, create a portfolio of design projects, and complete a client proposal that connects their work to real-world applications. Students maintain process records through sketches, drafts, revisions, and reflections, which are ultimately presented alongside final work in a professional portfolio format. The final portfolio serves not only as a collection of finished work, but as evidence of growth, decision-making, and creative problem-solving.
Sections
Choice Board
Teacher Digital Resources
About
Emma is a designer and art teacher passionate about crafting a connection between classroom goals and post graduation skills. After graduating from the University of Washington with a Bachelor of Design, her career started in a furniture design studio founded by ex-Herman Miller design leaders. She continues working with independent clients through her freelance studio. Most recently, she has pursued her Masters in Teaching at Western Washington University with the goals of bringing her professional experience into the classroom alongside marrying her passion for creativity and working with youth.
With her background as a creative professional that encompasses photography, design (interior, graphic, web, and industrial), and social media strategy, she brings to the classroom an understanding of what skills are necessary to be a successful creative professional and adult.
Emma Switzer
Designer and Teacher