Wicked Workshop is a maker-based program that introduces youth to architecture through reality-based projects that tackle "wicked" problems like inadequate housing and environmental health. We teach decision-making strategies, complex problem solving, and critical thinking methods recognized as vital 21st century skills necessary to succeed in work, life and citizenship through a straightforward hands-on curriculum based on authentic projects that foster independent thinking, self-directed learning, exploration, iteration and creativity.  

In Castles & Creatures, we focus on historical and fictional architecture to bring to life imaginative ideas and encourage problem solving, big and small. Students practice fine motor skills and empathy while working with many individual parts (land, water, walls, draw bridges, etc) to create a convincing design by combining historical data and cultural trends for inspiration. We build our world from the ground up, starting with the site, and incrementally add more details to achieve completion.

Wicked workshop is taught by Phyllis (Fifi) Henderson.  A mom to two active girls, an architect and an educator, Fifi creates learning experiences opportunities that build self-esteem, independence and critical thinking skills.  As an educator with a PhD in architectural history and theory, she recognized that Design Thinking was being used outside of professional design practice to help resolve issues in multiple industries including business and societal sectors.  Design Thinking is a non-linear, strategy-based process for problem solving that tackles issues through empathy and iterative hands-on making. It was developed by Stanford University’s “d” school for people in business, higher education, the public sector and K-12 education as a process to create real change. As an architect, Fifi practiced this methodology and recognized it as a direct extension of her traditional university architecture school curriculum. After completing her PhD, she decided to scale that learning experience for a younger audience. Working with kids on big problems has been one of the most rewarding aspects of her career and she is continually energized by the ideas, dynamism and joy that kids bring to wicked problems.