We are seed @ WHI
A collective of designers and makers.
What is seed:
seed stands for Studio Experience for Emerging Designers. This program is crafted specifically for creative minds, providing an invaluable bridge between theoretical design and real-world applications. Leveraging college resources, industry partnerships, and faculty mentorship, seed offers a comprehensive educational environment.
The seed program empowers students to develop essential fabrication skills, engage deeply with their peers, build impressive portfolios, and foster meaningful relationships. As students tackle real-world challenges, they gain practical experience that prepares them for successful careers in design.
Our History:
Fall 2021 – The seed program embarked on its journey by tackling the challenge of transforming an existing WHI courtyard space into a functional and engaging area for students. This initiative led to a 12-week volunteer program during the fall semester, where students conducted programming interviews and followed up with sketching, modeling, and prototyping.
Spring 2022 – In the following semester, students progressed to the production and fabrication of outdoor furniture based on their prototypes from the previous term. This phase involved hands-on experience in bringing their designs to life.
Spring 2023 CAPWAY: Interior Design Competition – HCC's West Houston Institute has partnered with CapWay to develop a purpose-driven student lounge. The CapWay Lounge is envisioned as a hub for financial education, featuring content, tools, and resources to foster learning and engagement. This space will merge education with entertainment and social interaction, serving as a flagship financial literacy lounge at HCC's Northwest campus.
Competition Outcome – After the competition concluded, program directors decided to incorporate elements from each submitted design into the final concept – The Scholarly Café. With the assistance of staff members from the IdeaStudio at the West Houston Institute, the team fabricated a feature wall, a café cart, repurposed under-utilized furniture within the building, and added a piano to the space. This collaborative effort has resulted in a dynamic and engaging environment for staff, faculty, and students.
Fall 2023 – The seed project posed a new challenge: design and fabricate an innovative and visually appealing object using only a single sheet of plywood and no hardware. Students engaged in brainstorming, designing, modeling, and fabricating their creations. They presented their final products to faculty members and industry partners, showcasing their ingenuity and craftsmanship.
Spring 2024 – Building on their fall 2023 projects, students refined their designs by incorporating feedback from faculty and industry partners. They conducted market research, implemented design revisions, and entered the fabrication phase once again. The culmination of their efforts was presented at the Decorative Center of Houston during the 2024 Portfolio Showcase for HCC, where they displayed their completed projects to industry partners, the community college, and their peers.
The seed program continues to evolve, offering students invaluable opportunities to bridge the gap between theoretical design and real-world application. We are excited to see what the future holds!
New Changes to the seed program for 2024-2025
We are thrilled to announce significant changes to the seed program for the 2024-2025 academic year, designed to enhance student learning and engagement based on feedback from previous years. The seed program has been restructured to better integrate with specific degree programs and to provide more flexibility and options for students.
Course Structure and Options
Introductory Level: Skills and Tools
Who is it for?: This level is ideal for students who are interested in the seed program but have concerns about fully committing due to a heavy workload or other constraints. It's also perfect for those looking to acquire specific skills. Course Content: Students will learn various skills and receive training on essential tools. The course will include small, tangible projects throughout the semester, allowing students to apply what they learn in manageable increments.
Advanced Level: Large Scale Projects
Who is it for?: This level is designed for students ready to engage more intensively with the seed program. It suits those looking for a deeper, more collaborative experience. Course Content: Similar to previous years, students will work on one larger-scale project throughout the semester. This advanced course offers greater opportunities for collaboration with peers, fostering an environment of shared insights, inspiration, and collective experience.
Benefits of the New Structure
The restructured seed program is aimed at providing: Flexibility: With two levels of courses, students can choose the commitment level that best fits their schedules and goals. Skill Development: Both levels offer valuable skill development, with the introductory course focusing on specific tools and smaller projects, and the advanced course providing a comprehensive project-based learning experience. Collaborative Learning: The advanced course level emphasizes collaboration, allowing students to gain insights and inspiration from their peers, enhancing the overall learning experience.
We are excited about these changes and believe they will make the seed program more accessible and rewarding for all students. We look forward to a year of growth, innovation, and learning together.Contact Us
Program Lead
We look forward to hearing from you!