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Join Thrive’s hands-on, professional design workshops in Philadelphia for practical training in rare and valuable skills, classical and sacred architecture, and construction.
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Upcoming Events
We are excited to introduce
Design Saturday Workshop Series
In partnership with Flourish Foundation of PA.
Have you ever admired classical or traditional buildings and wondered how to design them? You might or might not know what their details are called, what their style or history is, but you may wonder: how have generations of designers and builders in the real world actually arrived at these fantastic designs, from the scale of a room to the majesty of a city?
The secret linch-pins of timeless architecture have been obscure for millenia.
Until now.
Just imagine what you could do if you knew these design secrets and could skillfully use them in your own work.
Your Invitation: How do I design that?
Every Saturday
2:30pm - 5pm
Learn classical & traditional architecture and interior design methods, techniques and skills taught by living members of this ancient building lineage
Come as you are, all materials provided. All are welcome.
Cost: Free / Pay What You Wish
All donations are 100% tax deductible
Where: 100 S Juniper St, #416, Philadelphia, PA, 19109
Sponsor: Thrive by Design + Flourish Foundation of PA
Limit: 4 sign-ups per session
Our Continuous Curriculum
The following four sections occur on repeat, each month. These sessions are designed so that you can learn at your own pace and sign up for sessions that fit your schedule.
First Saturday
How do I create those Curves?
Learn to accurately and easily draw the entire family of Classical Curves / Molding Profiles used across traditional and classical architecture using the ancient transenna method.
Like a real family tree, you will see how these curves form a family that fits together and "gives birth" to their relatives in specific ways as part of a design progression.
Session Schedule:
Draw the transenna module
Layout the linear, convex, concave, and composite curve families
Draw the curve from each family
Poche and render shadows using drawing techniques
Label drawings
Second Saturday
How do I proportion the Five Orders?
Learn to accurately and easily draw the Tuscan, Doric, Ionic, Corinthian, and Composite classical block-orders as derrived from the ancient Macedonian "ideal": a single, universal order archytype.
You will learn how the five orders share an underlying grandmother that both gives them their similarities and individual personalities.
Session Schedule:
Create the ideal order geometry
Layout 5 geometric copies on a single sheet
Draw the unique geometry of each order, including entasis and diminuation lines over each copy
Label drawings
Third Saturday
How do I draw that Order's details?
On a rotating basis, learn to draw either the complete Tuscan, Doric, Ionic, Corinthian, or Composite Order. Only one order is taught per session.
You will learn to easily and accurately draw these fine details geometrically, instead of by numerical divisions (a modern invention), using the ancient norma method.
Session Schedule:
Create the order's module using the norma method
Draw the base in detail
Draw the capital in detail
Draw the entablature in detail
Render the final drawing using taught techniques
Label drawings
Fourth Saturday
Are you ready for The Aedicule Challenge?*
* Invitation Only
Step into a 2.5-hour design challenge (charette) where you learn to combine and omit elements covered in the previous three Saturdays into an Aedicule (literally a "miniture house", in practice: a nook or door surround about a celebrated threshold).
Session Schedule:
Esquisse 45 minutes (the feeling or essence created through interation)
Parti 15 minutes (the decision, the design you will refine)
Rendus 60 minutes (the final, detailed design you propose)
When Charette is called, all drawing stops
Questions & Answers (Q&A)
I'm new to this, how will sessions start?
All sessions begin with a 30-minute orientation so you can ease into the workshop session and know what to expect.
I don't have any background in design, is this for me?
Yes! All are welcome. We designed these workshops so anyone from any background can gain skills from participating. The only requirement is that you come with a desire to learn.
Can I bring people with me?
Yes! Bring anyone you like, so long as active participants RSVP so there are enough desks available for everyone.
Are sessions Free?
Yes! Sessions are free. We simply ask those who can to donate what they are able so we may continue providing this valuable programing to our Philadelphia communities.
How can I donate?
You can donate using cash, credit card, debit card, money orders, checks, or apps like venmo, cashapp, or zelle in any amount before or after a session. You will recieve a tax-deductable receipt for your donation. You can also create recurring donations each month, just ask a team member how. Simply make out checks and money orders to "Flourish Foundation of PA."
How many sessions can I attend?
As many as you want! Participants are welcome to attend as many sessions as they desire, there is no limit on attendance. You can take the same session several times, or take them as frequently or infrequently as you like. Learn at your own pace.
How can I keep track of my progress?
Participants who successfully attend a session will recieve a stamp on their "Flourish Card" as a way to keep track of progress and qualify for the Aedicule Challenge. The first time you attend, you'll be given a "Flourish Card."
Do you provide any examples or precedents?
Yes! Physical models are provided during each session for examination and reference, along with an extensive library of books with quality illustrations and photographs showing theoretical and real life examples.
How can I attend the Aedicule Challenge?
To attend the 4th Saturday Aedicule Challenge, simply stamp your provided Flourish Card for your attendance in the other three Saturday sessions. Once you have attended all 3 in any order, you qualify for the Aedicule Challenge!
Is there a prize for winning the Aedicule Challenge?
Yes! The winner of the Aedicule Challenge will be selected by our panel of judges the following week and awarded a cash gift card equivalent to 5% of the donations from the previous 3 Saturday Sessions. The best out of 4 Aedicule challenge sessions may even be 3D printed and displayed in our office.
Who teaches these classes?
A mix of professionals affiliated with Thrive by Design, Flourish Foundation of PA, and beyond who share in-common the generational classical lineage of architecture, engineering, and construction. See our calendar to learn more about our teachers. If you want to get involved with teaching these classes, reach out to our team!
Visit our Calendar Today
and Plan Your Next Session
Last Updated: July 18, 2026
Past Events
The Thrive Spring Workshop Series Presents
Learn to Read Buildings
Join us for a three‑part workshop series in perception, geometry, and vernacular literacy.
Pay What You Wish / All are welcome in our community!
Saturday, May 30
11:00 AM–12:30 PM
Learn to Read Small Vernacular Buildings in Seconds
Cost: Pay What You Wish
Where: 100 S Juniper St, #416, Philadelphia, PA, 19109
Sponsor: Thrive by Design + Flourish Foundation
Most people look at a building. Architects read it. Learn the fast, reliable way to understand any small Philadelphia building and the rules of thumb that shape rooms and the urban planning of entire neighborhoods.
Saturday, April 11
12:00 PM–1:30 PM
The Source Code: Learn the Geometry Behind Sacred Buildings
Cost: Pay What You Wish
Where: 100 S Juniper St, #416, Philadelphia, PA, 19109
Sponsor: Thrive by Design + Flourish Foundation
Easily construct the five Platonic solids using simple geometry and discover how they generate proportion, rhythm, and form. Once you see the underlying geometry, you can use it to improve your own designs.
Saturday, March 28
11:30 AM–1:00 PM
See Curves in Buildings? Start Understanding Them
Cost: Pay What You Wish
Where: 100 S Juniper St, #416, Philadelphia, PA, 19109
Sponsor: Thrive by Design + Flourish Foundation
Learn to draw the curves that quietly structure the built world using only a compass and straightedge. You’ll leave with a sharper eye and a rare skill you can use for life.
Continue your design education in our
Thrive Summer Studio
11 Week Class, Starting
Saturday, June 6
9:00AM - 1:00PM
Design Principles Revealed: The Hidden Logic of Architecture
Section 1 of 2 (Morning Section)
Where: 100 S Juniper St, #416, Philadelphia, PA, 19109
Sponsor: Thrive by Design + Flourish Foundation
Meeting Times: Saturdays and Sundays, June 6 - August 30
Curious why some buildings are special? Join our 88‑hour immersive design studio that teaches the underlying design logic that makes buildings coherent, alive, and timeless.
All are welcome.
11 Week Class, Starting
Saturday, June 6
2:00PM - 6:00PM
Design Principles Revealed: The Hidden Logic of Architecture
Section 2 of 2 (Afternoon Section)
Where: 100 S Juniper St, #416, Philadelphia, PA, 19109
Sponsor: Thrive by Design + Flourish Foundation
Meeting Times: Saturdays and Sundays, June 6 - August 30
Curious why some buildings are special? Join our 88‑hour immersive design studio that teaches the underlying design logic that makes buildings coherent, alive, and timeless.
All are welcome.
Friday, Oct. 24, 2025
Workshop: Secret Design Principles Revealed No More Seats Available
Cost: Free with light refreshments provided
When: 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Where: 6001 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19144
Sponsor: First United Methodist Church of Germantown (FUMCOG)
Join us for a rare glimpse into the hidden logic of architecture and design. These free, hands-on workshops introduce timeless principles of proportion, geometry, and spatial storytelling.
Open to all, no experience required.
Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025
Workshop: Secret Design Principles Revealed
Cost: Free with light refreshments provided
When: 5:30pm - 7pm
Where: 2101 S College Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19121
Sponsor: Girard College
Join us for a rare glimpse into the hidden logic of architecture and design. These free, hands-on workshops introduce timeless principles of proportion, geometry, and spatial storytelling.
Open to all, no experience required.
Special notes: Guests will need to check in with security before entering campus.
Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025
Cost: Free with light refreshments provided
When: 11 am - 2pm
Where: 100 South Juniper Street, Philadelphia, PA 19109
Sponsor: AIA Philadelphia
Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025
Cost: Free
When: 7pm - 9pm
Where: 4701 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA, 19144
Sponsor: Philly Office Retail
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