The Design Guide for Real Estate Development is a practical workbook helping developers address each part of the real estate development process and integrate local culture into projects authentically. Its purpose is to inspire collaboration between designers and developers—leading to healthier, happier communities in Detroit and beyond.
Design Core Detroit believes strongly in the power of design to strengthen Detroit’s commercial corridors, and to have a profound and lasting impact on the health and prosperity of our neighborhood business districts. This Design Guide aims to empower and inspire Detroit’s brick and mortar business owners through information, examples, exercises and more.
In partnership with Urban Manufacturing Alliance (UMA), Design Core released new research highlighting on the state of small batch manufacturing in Detroit. The State of Urban Manufacturing: Detroit Snapshot is the second of a six-city series produced by UMA that will provide first-of-its-kind data on city-based manufacturing across the country, with an emphasis on makers and small-scale manufacturers. Get the Detroit City Snapshot and the Detroit Ecosystem Map below.
We offer education, resources and programming opportunities to our members and the community that help strengthen and grow Detroit’s design-driven businesses and designers.
The Client Services Boot Camp is an annual six-session boot camp program for small- to medium-sized design firms/agencies and freelancers, based on the fundamentals of client service. Each cohort is small and capped at 10 attendees. In addition to workshops lead by industry professionals, attendees are asked to present their business pitch at the first and last session of the boot camp to help clarify their client offering and value proposition.
Design & Dine is a lecture series where Detroit Design Network members share industry expertise and trends with a wide audience. The series aims to connect designers, share knowledge and help attendees build a wide range of design-based skillsets. Topics can be on a variety of subjects including sound architecture, content creation, packaging design and more. Design & Dine takes place the last Thursday every other month on the following dates:
Our one-on-one business consultations help design-driven entrepreneurs or small businesses access resources, strengthen their business and connect to professional services. Program can meet to discuss business ideas, goals or challenges.
See event page for latest availability.
New opportunities emerge for Detroit’s creative community to be showcased through exhibitions, conferences, exchanges and global design events. To further its mission of supporting Detroit-based creative businesses and practitioners, Design Core Detroit is offering Detroit City of Design ambassador stipends to support the cost of travel and materials for Detroit designers selected to participate in a fellow UNESCO Creative Cities Network partner events.
A 5-part financial management and capital readiness workshop series for design driven who aspire to scale, delivered in partnership with TechTown Detroit and Detroit Development Fund. The final session includes an individual consultation with a 2 person team, including a business coach and a lender who can evaluate participants current financial position.
Held in a new location on the second Thursday of every month from 5:30-8 p.m., Drinks x Design offers an opportunity for creative businesses throughout the city to open their doors and share their work with the public. Attendees come to meet new people, make connections, promote their creative endeavors and learn about other projects in their community. Event information will be released one month before each event.
Detroit Design Network members have an opportunity to exhibit their work, current projects and connect with potential future clients.
For schedule and form to get involved with Drinks x Design, click the button below.
