Design workshop
A design workshop is a meeting of two or more individuals who collaborate to either start or finalise a design or to make progress on overcoming an obstacle on an existing design. The outcome should be progress made and decisions taken. Alternatively, it may be a structured session that aims to impart knowledge regarding some specific aspect of design to the participants.
Design workshops are usually based on the concept that finding the best possible creative solutions can result from bringing people together. Involving various parties in a workshop can be a useful tool to further collaboration within the design team and increase stakeholder participation.
On a building project, the participants may be from a single team e.g an architectural practice or may be from a diverse range of professions such as architect, engineer, surveyor, cladding manufacturer, and other construction disciplines.
The design workshop may either be formally structured and involve the participants working through a set of pre-determined exercises, or it may be unstructured and allowed to develop in the manner of a free-flowing brainstorming session. Whichever is selected, the flow of creative ideas should be encouraged, with the outcome being some advance in the design being discussed to the satisfaction of most of the participants.
[edit] Setting up a design workshop
When setting a design workshop, the following may be considered:
- What is the theme or title of the workshop? Define the problem?
- What outcomes are desired? Ensure invitees know the aim of the workshop.
- Establish a meeting plan, which may mean dividing the time into distinct parts.
- How long is the workshop intended to last?
- Who and how many people are to be invited?
- Who will be leading the workshop?
- Who will be recording what happens?
- How to ensure all attendees contribute, rather than just the most confident / loudest.
- How to develop a consensus.
- Ensure the necessary tools are available – e.g laptops, projection devices, flip-charts, post-it notes, paper, pens etc. Make slides of the main themes/activities to be discussed.
- Invite participants, communicating the above points, sending the agenda and informing them of the time, place and expected duration of the workshop, plus any arrangements for refreshments, lunch etc.
- What are the next steps.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Appointing consultants.
- Collaborative practices.
- Consultant team start-up meeting.
- Design co-ordination.
- Design management plan.
- Design management.
- Design manager.
- Design methodology.
- Design responsibility matrix.
- Design review.
- Design review panels.
- Design team.
- Information manager.
- Lead designer.
- Specialist contractors start-up meeting.
- Team behavioural roles.
- Team management.
Featured articles and news
The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy: A 10 year plan
Previous consultation criticism, current key elements and general support with some persisting reservations.
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.
Architectural Technologist CPDs and Communications
CIAT CPD… and how you can do it!
Cooling centres and cool spaces
Managing extreme heat in cities by directing the public to places for heat stress relief and water sources.
Winter gardens: A brief history and warm variations
Extending the season with glass in different forms and terms.
Restoring Great Yarmouth's Winter Gardens
Transforming one of the least sustainable constructions imaginable.
Construction Skills Mission Board launch sector drive
Newly formed government and industry collaboration set strategy for recruiting an additional 100,000 construction workers a year.
New Architects Code comes into effect in September 2025
ARB Architects Code of Conduct and Practice available with ongoing consultation regarding guidance.
Welsh Skills Body (Medr) launches ambitious plan
The new skills body brings together funding and regulation of tertiary education and research for the devolved nation.
Paul Gandy FCIOB announced as next CIOB President
Former Tilbury Douglas CEO takes helm.
UK Infrastructure: A 10 Year Strategy. In brief with reactions
With the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA).
Ebenezer Howard: inventor of the garden city. Book review.
The Grenfell Tower fire, eight years on
A time to pause and reflect as Dubai tower block fire reported just before anniversary.
Airtightness Topic Guide BSRIA TG 27/2025
Explaining the basics of airtightness, what it is, why it's important, when it's required and how it's carried out.
Construction contract awards hit lowest point of 2025
Plummeting for second consecutive month, intensifying concerns for housing and infrastructure goals.
Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025
Examining the state of mental health in construction, shedding light on levels of stress, anxiety and depression.
The benefits of engaging with insulation manufacturers
When considering ground floor constructions.
Lighting Industry endorses Blueprint for Electrification
The Lighting Industry Association fully supports the ECA Blueprint as a timely, urgent call to action.