The course is located in my private professional Framebuilding/metal workshop in Squamish, British Columbia. It is easily accessible by bike, car, or bus from town. The closest airport is Vancouver YVR which is approximately 1.5hr drive.

There are a number of lodgings available in town, ranging from camping, hostel, hotels, and Airbnb. We do not provide lodging or have lodging on site. There are hotels within a 10 minute walk/5 minute bike from the shop and campsites about 15 minutes away. Registered students will be provided with a list of the closest accommodations.

If you are able to travel with a bicycle I would recommend bringing one for your stay. Squamish is a destination for all sorts of outdoor recreation. It is also very easy to bike around town. Many students prefer to bike to class daily instead of driving or taking transit. There are also many mountain bike rentals and shuttle services available in town if you are interested in trail riding and don’t want to bring a trail bike. We are also 45 min by car (there are also shuttles in peak season) from Whistler Bike Park. Many students add a few extra days before or after the course dates to add some more bike adventure to their vacation.

The course fee covers your ten days of in class instruction and all practice materials, shop consumables, and all your required frame materials. There are no hidden material fees. It also covers your geometry consult prior to your course session. The course fee does not cover lodging, meals, bicycle components, or paint.

Please fill out the application form in detail and I will contact you when registration is open. You can also indicate if you would like to be on a short notice cancellation list, or waitlist for later dates. Once your interest and dates are confirmed, a $1,000 deposit is required to secure your registration. Deposits are non-refundable so please be sure of your interest and dates prior to registering.

No, we do not sell bicycle components. We will discuss in advance what components you would like to build your frame around and it is your responsibility to source and purchase them. I can make suggestions on where to source some things, but overall I would recommend supporting your local bike shop.  You do not need to have components prior to class, however you can bring parts to dry fit and check tolerances if we have any clearance concerns.

Road, All road, Gravel, Track, Cyclocross, Tracklocross, Bikepacking, Touring, Adventure, Hardtail, Commuter, Mixte, Klunker – we have had a wide range of fun and unique builds come out of class. Any standard diamond-style frame is allowed, and we have been able to accommodate most frame desires within class. We cannot build cargo bikes, choppers, fat bikes, or tandems in class. Please be mindful that this is an introductory course, and as such there are some limitations on what is realistic to achieve within two weeks of learning.

This course is designed to teach you the foundational aspects of framebuilding with regards to fit, function, and developing the skills to go from tubes to frame - and as such does not include significant custom elements such as; sliding dropouts, rocker dropouts, modular dropouts, stainless steel tubing or dropouts, full-suspension designs, fat bike designs, yokes, 29+ tires, super-boost spacing, UDH, curved tubes, extreme oversized or shaped tubes, internal routing, S&S or Z-couplers, extra-light tubing (Spirit etc), press-fit bottom brackets, or designs beyond standard diamond-shaped frames.

Yes, you can build a lugged frame, but it will limit your geometry and tubing options. We will source an appropriate cast lug set prior to the start of your course. We do not have time to make custom lugs, but we can discuss custom lug making processes if you are interested.

No, we do not build forks in class. This is mostly due to time constraints, however, forks are also very unforgiving structures to learn on. We will design your frame around an existing fork that you either have or will buy for your build. Some students have designed around a custom fork that they will build themselves in the future.

No, these options are not available for student frames. Not only are they a high additional cost (S&S are about $900 per set these days), they take significant additional time and skill to install correctly.

We will do a geometry consult prior to your course session by zoom or in person (if local), where we will discuss your desired frame, measurements, components, and fit requirements. I will design a rough-draft geometry for you based on this consult, and then we will review it during class to your final approval. I am happy to guide you as much as necessary through the design process – some students have had very thorough geometry ideas, and some have only known what style of frame they want with no ideas of numbers. Both are ok! We can also work off pro fit numbers if you have had a professional bike fit done before.

Frame tubes are a selection of fine 4130 double butted bicycle frame tubing from domestic USA and Italian suppliers. We will select the appropriate tube diameters, wall thickness, and butting profiles for your designed frame. Please note that ultra light or ultra heat treated tubing is not appropriate for class usage eg Reynolds 853, Columbus Life, or similar.

No, all tubes and frame parts are supplied to ensure quality, appropriate materials, and compatibility with the course process and tooling.

Each course session is limited to two students to maximize your instruction and tool time. We are not able to accommodate groups of three at this time.

No, we do not offer weekend or part time classes. Each course session is two weeks intensive, Monday to Friday, and you will need to attend every day in full in order to complete your frame. If for some reason you cannot attend all 10 days of your allotted course time it is unlikely the frame will be finished.

No, TIG welding is not a course option, all of the frame construction will be brazed. TIG welding thin wall material has a very steep learning curve and is extremely unforgiving. If TIG frames are something you are interested in, I would recommend taking a brazing-based Framebuilding course, becoming very comfortable with the Framebuilding process, and separately becoming competent in thin-wall TIG welding. When you are thoroughly comfortable with both process, only then should you attempt to add them together.

You do not need prior shop or metal experience to be successful in this course. Although having a handy background, shop experience, or metalworking experience can be an asset to your learning, many students have joined the course with no previous fabrication knowledge. Having any creative or arts background is helpful – being able to visualize a shape or process is very relevant when learning these skills. I will teach you all required skills as we work through the process.  A good attitude towards learning and strong work ethic are more important than having previous experience.

We will go over fitting and geometry, planning and material sourcing, selecting tubes and frame bits, basic fabrication skills, using hand tools and industrial machinery, work holding and fixturing, Framebuilding skills specific to the process, brazing skills, finishing fillets (filing/shaping/buffing), frame alignment, and post-weld finishing (reaming and facing). We can also discuss buying and making tooling and fixtures, and any interest surrounding what you need to pursue Framebuilding as a hobby or professionally.

Ideally, all of it! The ethos of this course is that you are learning the knowledge and skills to complete this process yourself, and as such I try to be as hands-off as I can be during the process. I will demonstrate all skills and tasks, directly supervise, guide you, and make verbal or physical corrections as necessary. If you are unable to complete a process I will do it for you, although I leave this as a last resort (eg. you are falling behind schedule). This course is not intended to be you-watch-me build your frame. It is for you to learn how to build your own frame from start to finish.

I am happy to discuss the process in depth as much as you are interested in it. Some students wish to build a frame for themselves as a fun standalone experience, and some students want to jumpstart their Framebuilding hobby or career, and I will cater the information and process to your level of interest. Throughout the course I will discuss how to get started, investing in tooling, potential pitfalls and roadblocks, building a brand, finding customers, sourcing materials, industry challenges... I am an open book about the process and the industry. I have helped multiple students post-course when they are setting up their workspace, buying tools, buying consumables, working on their next frames, and am happy to be a resource as they are growing into the Framebuilding world. You will not leave the course as a professional, but it is an excellent starting point if you are interested in pursuing Framebuilding at a higher level. It is also a great way to sample a variety of process and tools without having to invest in them yourself.

There are a good handful of Framebuilding courses available across the world, and they all offer their own unique experience. I am not going to tell you that I am a better option for you than someone else, nor do I consider other builders or courses as my competition. Teaching is about honouring the craft and building community, and I would be weary of those who call themselves the best in such black and white terms. You should register for the course that makes the most sense for you – either physical proximity, some specific feature of the process, or if the instruction seems like a good fit for what you personally want to achieve in your course time.

What I do believe is that I offer a unique and directly relevant perspective for those interested in pursuing Framebuilding today. Getting started now looks vastly different than it did 30, 20, even 10 years ago, and while decades of experience are excellent credential, it is possible to be missing perspective of what it’s really like to START now and grind through those initial difficult years in the modern industry while managing the challenges of being a young person in this economy. Not only am I a nationally certified welder, quality control inspector, and NDT technician, with years of experience working in welding and machining shops, I have a decade of professional Framebuilding experience and nearly two decades of experience as a professional working in highly competitive, creative industries.

I originally learned Framebuilding from Paul Brodie and Koichi Yamaguchi, and greatly value the unique skills and perspectives I acquired from each of them. I also previously worked as Paul Brodie’s teaching assistant at the (now defunct) UFV Framebuilding 101 program. My process now is rooted in a blend of their teaching, and my own experience and education in metalworking and creative practice. As well, my lived experience as a young woman in trade school and working in the trades directly influences my perspective and teaching style, in that I really strive to create a welcoming and comfortable learning environment for students regardless of their background or level of knowledge.

Below is an overview of most of the general requirements during the course. If you still have questions surrounding accessibility please email me and we can discuss what accommodations may or may not be possible. I will always try to accommodate student needs, but please note that due to the very physical nature of the process, not all accommodations may be possible.

- Students of all backgrounds, ethnicities, races, gender identities, marginalized groups, experience, skillsets, are welcome and encouraged to apply.

- This course is taught in a private studio with a 2:1 student:instructor ratio.

- All instruction is delivered in spoken English. All available reference materials are in written English.

- This course requires standing for long periods of time (3-6 hours at a time), lifting, twisting, significant upper body usage and movement, significant hand dexterity and grip usage with two hands simultaneously, while using both industrial machinery and hand tools. There is no heavy lifting (20lbs+) required but there are long periods of time holding and repetitive motion with small-medium hand tools that are 2-5lbs (1-3 hours at a time).

- This course requires conducting physical tasks for approximately 7 hours daily for the duration of the course.

- This course requires high levels of focus and concentration on specific tasks for up to 4 hours at a time.

- This course requires strong visual acuity and those requiring corrective lenses may need a magnified safety glasses or brazing goggle. If you require reading glasses you will need them during the course.

- This course requires some auditory acuity to perceive and interpret some elements of fabrication, as well as to receive verbal instruction and correction during tasks.

- This course requires reading and interpreting numbers, basic math and geometry skills (calculator provided), reading and interpreting precision measuring instruments, making precision measurements, and making functional decisions based on data and measurements.

- This course requires wearing eye protection for extended periods of time. (1-3 hours at a time)

- This course requires wearing a mask or respirator for extended periods of time. (1-3 hours at a time) Welding fumes, metal work, metal particulates, and sanding particulates are inherently dangerous to respiratory health, especially if you have existing respiratory concerns.

- This course requires wearing welding gloves for extended periods of time. (1-3 hours at a time)

- This course requires using some chemicals and interacting with some chemicals, including but not limited to; compressed fuel gasses, oils for cutting and lubrication, solvents such as acetone, chemical pastes containing borax and fluorides.

- The shop and process have consistent loud noises, including exhaust fans on (multiple hours of background noise), loud industrial machine noises, cutting, grating, and grinding metal noises, and some high-pitched noises. There can often be consistent noise overlap of multiple processes at once. The shop is located near a rail line, and there can be unexpected loud train horns intermittently throughout the day.

- The shop is located on the ground floor with one raised step to enter (4” height). The only washroom/toilet is in a separate building, located up twelve stairs with no alternative option. The available washroom is gender-neutral. There is no running water or washroom/toilet located inside the shop space.

• Deposits are non-refundable. Please be sure of your time, interest, work schedule, ability to travel, budget etc before committing to register. Course spots are very limited and it is unfair to other potential students to sit on a popular spot for months and then cancel. It becomes increasingly difficult to fill cancellation spots as course dates approach. Part of the reason I am able to keep course prices comparably low is planning well ahead of time and teaching multiple students at a time, and as a very small business, frequent cancellations make this difficult to maintain. Deposit funds go towards bulk purchasing tubing, course consumables, other bits for student frames, tooling for class, and general overhead, and as such are non-refundable. Once you are registered there is already work being done on this end scheduling, planning, allocating, designing, ordering, etc. Please be mindful of this before committing to register.

• If extenuating circumstances arise and you cannot attend your registered course date, please give as much notice as possible. We may be able to reschedule you to another course session but it is not guaranteed. Courses book up quickly so the next available date may not be for several months or even the next calendar year.

• There is extremely rare possibility of a course cancellation (eg serious instructor illness or injury, environmental concern like flood or wildfire) although this is always treated as last a resort. In the event of course cancellation, we will try to provide the most notice possible and students will be offered a full deposit refund or the option to reschedule to another session based on availability. Please note we are not responsible for any incurred travel costs or cancellation fees from travel or accommodations etc.