Yestermorrow Design/Build School
university
Yestermorrow Design/Build School

Yestermorrow Design/Build School

Design/Build with us. We believe that architects should know how to build, and builders should know how to design. By uniting these concepts into a continuous f

7865 Main St, Waitsfield, VT 05673, USA

About Yestermorrow Design/Build School

Yestermorrow Design/Build School, established in Waitsfield, Vermont, in 1980 by architect John Connell and his colleagues, is a non-profit educational institution dedicated to hands-on learning that integrates design and craft. The school’s mission is to inspire individuals to create a more sustainable world through practical, experiential education. Offering nearly 100 courses and various certificate programs annually, Yestermorrow covers a broad spectrum of subjects including sustainable design/build, energy efficiency, renewables, ecosystems, architectural craft, and woodworking. Its diverse student body, ranging from DIY enthusiasts to seasoned professionals, learns from a faculty of nationally recognized architects, builders, craftspeople, and permaculture practitioners. Yestermorrow fosters a unique, integrated design/build process, encouraging a holistic understanding of both theoretical design principles and practical construction skills to create intentional and inspired environments.
Program NameDetails
Certificate in Residential Design and Construction
Certificate

This certificate program combines key elements of Yestermorrow's design/build curriculum, ideal for those seeking a career in design or building trades, or those looking to design their own home. Students will learn critical design skills and apply them to a residential project, and will work together to complete a small-scale carpentry project.

1 Month
English
$5,000.00
Deadline: March 2, 2026
Building Science & Net Zero Design Certificate
Certificate

This certificate program explores building science principles and net zero design strategies. The program combines online sessions with in-person learning at the main campus in Waitsfield, VT.

Hybrid: 8 Online Sessions, 10 Days In Person
English
$5,000.00
Deadline: March 16, 2026
Framing to Finish Certificate
Certificate

This certificate program provides comprehensive training in framing and finishing techniques. It is designed for individuals seeking to develop skills in residential construction.

30 Class Days
English
$7,000.00
Deadline: June 15, 2026
Design/Build Semester
Semester Program

This architecturally-focused design/build experience weaves together lectures, studio work, seminars, and hands-on construction into a cohesive, multidisciplinary curriculum centered around a real-world project. The collaborative environment mirrors a professional studio or job site, offering students an authentic, real-world experience.

16 weeks
English
$15,250.00
Deadline: August 24, 2026

Performance & Metrics

Institutional Stats
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Students
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Faculty
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Alumni
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Programs
Accreditations & Affiliations
Yestermorrow Design/Build School is not accredited by NAAB as a degree-granting architecture school. However, it offers Continuing Education (CE) credits through the American Institute of Architects (AIA) for many courses. Its semester programs can provide undergraduate college credits through partnerships with accredited institutions such as UMass Amherst, Goddard, and Sterling Colleges.
Admissions
Not specified for individual courses (generally first-come, first-served); certificate programs require an application and acceptance.
Acceptance Rate
Deadlines
For short-form courses (2 days-2 weeks), registration opens at least 6 months in advance, with a recommendation to register 2-3 months prior. Registrations are accepted until the day before if space permits. Certificate program applications are reviewed monthly.
Requirements
Students must be 18 or older. Typically, no prior experience is required, though prerequisites are outlined if applicable. Yestermorrow cannot sponsor international students for visa applications.

Yestermorrow Design/Build School Academic FAQ

Yestermorrow Design/Build School is Design/Build with us. We believe that architects should know how to build, and builders should know how to design. By uniting these concepts into a continuous f

The acceptance rate for Yestermorrow Design/Build School is Not specified for individual courses (generally first-come, first-served); certificate programs require an application and acceptance., reflecting the selectivity of its academic programs.

Applicants are typically required to submit: Students must be 18 or older. Typically, no prior experience is required, though prerequisites are outlined if applicable. Yestermorrow cannot sponsor international students for visa applications..

Yestermorrow Design/Build School provides a comprehensive curriculum including: Certificate in Residential Design and Construction, Building Science & Net Zero Design Certificate, Framing to Finish Certificate, Design/Build Semester.

The institution maintains a student-to-faculty ratio of Maintains a low student-to-instructor ratio to ensure individualized attention; most classes have a maximum of 6 to 15 students., ensuring personalized mentorship and studio culture.

Yestermorrow Design/Build School is situated in Waitsfield, United States, offering a vibrant context for architectural study.

Yes, Yestermorrow Design/Build School holds accreditations from: Yestermorrow Design/Build School is not accredited by NAAB as a degree-granting architecture school. However, it offers Continuing Education (CE) credits through the American Institute of Architects (AIA) for many courses. Its semester programs can provide undergraduate college credits through partnerships with accredited institutions such as UMass Amherst, Goddard, and Sterling Colleges..