Two of our woodworking instructors have teamed up to teach a unique design-build workshop that challenges entry-level students to make something out of one sheet of plywood. Together, Kevin and Matt share their extensive design and fabrication expertise while encouraging self expression and exploration.

Kevin Hoelscher

Kevin completed his master’s of architecture degree in 2005 and joined the teaching faculty at the Crucible in 2007. Rather than practicing architecture, he prefers working on a smaller scale and has spent the last four years creating intricate sculpture and furniture in a variety of media, including steel, solid wood, laminated wood, and cast plastic resin. Inspired by sources ranging from graphic design to the standardized parts of the early industrial revolution, his aesthetic is further influenced by travels to Japan and throughout Scandinavia.

 

Matt Wolpe

Matt graduated from The Evergreen State College in 2005 with an emphasis in Urban Studies. Upon graduation he moved to New York City to work for an architecture firm that specialized in housing for refugees made out of recycled shipping pallets. From there, Matt went on to work with a variety of nonprofits whose goal was to link design, community and education. These included The Center for Urban Pedagogy, The Riverside Park Fund, as well as participating in a Post-Katrina Design/Build trip with Designcorps that provided experimental relief structures to refugees from the Hurricane. In the summer of ’08 Matt interned at Yestermorrow Design/Build School in Vermont where he studied woodworking, natural building, sustainable design and carpentry. Currently, Matt is a studio manager at The Crucible in Oakland as well as a teaching resident with San Francisco Public Schools teaching architecture to 5th graders. Matt is interested in engaging design on a variety of scales including urban planning, living structures and furniture.

Check out Matt and Kevin’s class:
One Sheet of Plywood: Design/Build