Community Design Studio

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Winston-Salem, NC
Community Design Studio

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Community Design Studio is a not-for-profit collective of multidisciplinary designers who play a catalytic role in shaping W-S, NC, bringing people together through education & experimentation to creatively address systemic challenges via design thinking.

06/04/2026

This summer, CDS is partnering with SunnySide Freedom School to bring Leadership by Design to young people in Winston-Salem.

This isn't a new relationship, we've been building it. And this year, the program has grown. We're glad to be doing this work alongside a community partner who already knows what young people in this city need.

More details on LbD Freedom School are coming soon. In the meantime, follow SunnySide Freedom School to learn more about the work they're doing every day. https://www.facebook.com/APFreedomSchool

06/02/2026

We believe leadership isn't something you grow into, it's something you practice right now. When a young person learns to look at their community and ask 'what's missing here?', and then moves toward answering that question, something changes in them. That's the shift Leadership by Design aims to create.

05/31/2026

May has been about getting ready: getting families excited about our Leadership by Design program, recruiting volunteers, and preparing for students to step into a week of designing with our treasured community partners, Boston-Thurmond United and Sunnyside Freedom Schools.

We’re grateful for everyone helping make this summer possible. Follow along as we get closer to our summer programs.

05/29/2026

David West of Boston-Thurmond United learned that enthusiasm is contagious when working with our 2025 students. That's what makes volunteering for Leadership by Design so rewarding (and fun)!

We'll be posting more volunteer information for this summer's programs soon. Keep an eye out!

05/17/2026

Volunteering with Leadership by Design can look a few different ways.

You might help students think through an idea, support a build day, offer feedback during presentations, or help with setup, materials, and encouragement throughout the week.

What matters most is showing students that their ideas are worth taking seriously.

Want to learn more? Send us a message.

05/15/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for coffee this morning and spent time learning about Leadership by Design.

We’re grateful for every person who asks, “How can I help?” Programs like this work because neighbors, partners, designers, makers, and volunteers show up with care.

If you could not make it this morning but still want to volunteer, message us. We’d love to help you find a role that fits.

05/13/2026

Curious about volunteering with Leadership by Design this summer?

Join us for our May Coffee Meetup on Thursday, May 14, from 8:30 to 10:00 AM at SaySo Coffee. We’ll talk through what volunteers do, where help is needed, and how this program supports students as they learn about design, practice leadership, and engage in community connection.

You do not need to be a designer to help. Some volunteers offer feedback. Some help with logistics. Some bring encouragement and support.

Come by, ask questions, and learn where you might fit.

05/08/2026

A past Leadership by Design student shared that their favorite part of camp was the day they got to slow down, sit outside, and “be one with nature for a little bit.”

We love these moments.

Before students sketch, build, or present, they practice paying attention. They notice how a place feels. They listen to what is already there. They begin to understand that design is not just about making something. It is about caring enough to observe first.

05/06/2026

Leadership by Design is hands-on, but the deeper work is learning how to notice what a community needs.
During the week, students practice asking thoughtful questions, listening closely, sharing ideas, testing possibilities, and explaining their thinking. Those skills matter in design, and they also matter in school, work, leadership, and everyday community life.

For Boston-Thurmond residents, registration is free. Families can message us for the registration code before signing up.

05/04/2026

Leadership by Design High School is filling quickly, and right now we are focused on making sure Boston-Thurmond teens know this opportunity is still available to them.

For Boston-Thurmond residents, registration is free. Families just need to message us for the registration code before signing up.

Students do not need design experience to participate. During the week, they practice listening, teamwork, creative problem-solving, prototyping, and presenting ideas connected to real community needs.

If you know a Boston-Thurmond student or family, please share this with them.

Address

Winston-Salem, NC

Website

http://communitydesignstudio.org/

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