LEAD, inspire and GROW at designx 

 
toy design summer program at designx, bay area

THE DESIGNX FELLOWSHIP

Preparing the Next Generation of Creative Leaders.

 

Summer Fellowships at DesignX are more than a job or internship. Fellowships are selective, purpose-driven experiences where emerging designers lead and learn—guiding young creators while developing their own craft, judgment, and leadership.

 

what is the designx FELLOWSHIP?

At DesignX, fellows are entrusted with real responsibility, professional mentorship, and the opportunity to grow as creative leaders.

Fellows are chosen for creativity, skill, and potential. The DESIGNX Fellowship is

  1. Developmental – A proving ground to build design judgment, leadership, and teaching ability.

  2. Mentorship-Oriented – Fellows learn from senior staff while mentoring students.

  3. Cohort-Based – A community of peers across disciplines, training and growing together.

  4. Time-Bound & Purpose-Driven – A six-week immersive experience with clear outcomes and impact.

 

FELLOWSHIP TRACKS

Four Disciplines. One Fellowship Experience.

Fellows specialize in one design discipline while sharing a common training, mentorship, and cohort experience.

  • Fashion Design Fellowship – Guide students from concept to runway; deliver six collections for a final showcase.

  • Toy Design Fellowship – Lead soft-toy making; develop 80+ student creations across six collections.

  • Product Design Fellowship – Mentor students in functional product concepts and high-fidelity making with wood.

  • Architecture Design Fellowship – Inspire students to design and build architectural models exploring form and community.

 

THE FELLOWSHIP EXPERIENCE

Lead. Learn. Grow Together.

Every fellow is part of a vibrant community that blends leadership with learning.

  • Training & Orientation – Three days of immersive preparation.

  • Biweekly Cohort Gatherings – Reflect, share progress, and support each other.

  • Community Building – Social nights, design walks, and fellow-led workshops (subject to change)

  • Mentorship – Guidance from senior staff and guests.

  • Alumni Network – Join a growing community of DesignX fellows shaping the future.

 

WHO SHOULD APPLY

Is This Fellowship for You?

We seek ambitious, thoughtful, and creative emerging professionals ready to lead and learn. Ideal candidates are:

  • Graduate or undergraduate students, or recent alumni, in fashion, toy, product, or architecture design.

  • Skilled in their discipline—whether sewing, prototyping, woodworking, or model-making.

  • Excited to mentor young learners, combining empathy with inspiration.

  • Curious about technology as an enabler, while deeply rooted in the power of human creativity.



PROGRAM DETAILS

Summer 2026 Fellowship Details

  • Program Dates: June 15 – July 26, 2026

  • Onboarding & Training: May 23, June 11 – 12, 2026

  • Commitment: Full-time, immersive

  • Compensation: Competitive

  • Location: Los Altos, CA (San Francisco Bay Area)

 

FELLOW VOICES

“The space you provide for personal and intuitive growth has a profound impact on everyone you mentor. Your skill in balancing support while fostering independence builds confidence in your team members. The thoughtful feedback and direction you offer not only motivate individuals to improve but also inspire deeper engagement in their work.

This internship has been an incredibly valuable experience, and I’ve learned so much during my time here. Your leadership, insights, and support have been instrumental in helping me grow both professionally and personally. I feel more confident and prepared to take on future challenges, thanks to the knowledge and skills I’ve gained.”

- Mariam, Fashion Design II Lead 2024

 
 
 

Our mission

 

DesignX aspires to transform playful curiosity in the physical world into lasting creativity,

equipping young minds with the skills, resilience and confidence

to shape a future with imagination and purpose

Learn about our VISION, story, and values