Location: Los Altos, CA (San Francisco Bay Area)
Eligibility: Rising College Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors

About DesignX

DesignX is a studio-based design education organization grounded in the belief that creativity is a form of intelligence—and that design gives form to creative intention. We create learning environments where imagination turns into things you can touch, wear, build, and play with in the physical world—through both structured and open-ended challenges, real materials, and thoughtful making.

Serving students ages 7–15, DesignX offers immersive programs in fashion, toy, product, and architectural design. Students learn by making, iterating, receiving critique, and completing work with care. This human-centered approach develops deep creative judgment, real material fluency, rich collaboration, and true confidence—for both the budding designers and the fellows who guide them.

Over the past decade, DesignX has engaged more than 8,000 students across Silicon Valley, building design literacy and creative agency that extend well beyond the studio or program. 

The Assistantship

The Senior Assistant role is an entry point into DesignX’s studio-based fellowship environment. Senior Assistants support the Lead Fellow in managing the design studio, guiding and enabling students during hands-on design work, maintaining a positive and safe studio atmosphere, and learning the rhythms of studio practice through observation and participation. This role is ideal for individuals who enjoy sharing, helping and engaging with young creatives while honing their own craft.

Assistant Responsibilities

• Support the Lead Fellow in day-to-day studio teaching and student guidance.

• Demonstrate and lead skill-building projects and DesignX design challenges.

• Mentor students from concept to completion through hands-on making and iteration.

• Help maintain a safe, focused, and fun studio environment.

• Support studio management, transitions, and daily logistics, including pick-up/drop-off and lunch or break supervision (with a junior assistant).

• Assist in planning and overseeing student projects and collections for public showcases.

• Grow leadership and studio management skills through mentorship and direct responsibility.

• Use AI and other tools thoughtfully as supports to learning and design.

Candidate Profile

• Demonstrated proficiency in at least one hands-on design discipline—sewing and textiles, woodworking, product fabrication, or architectural modeling—through academic training or professional practice.

• Comfort working in an active studio environment, supporting instruction, demonstrating skills, and helping projects move from concept to completion.

• A genuine commitment to growth as a designer and critical thinker, with openness to feedback and learning through practice.

• Thoughtful use of physical and digital tools, including AI where appropriate, paired with a strong respect for human judgment, context, and the craft of making.

• Enthusiasm for working with young learners, bringing patience, empathy, and the ability to encourage both focus and fun.

• Reliable, organized, and professional, with the ability to support studio management, transitions, and day-to-day studio logistics as part of a collaborative teaching team.

Fellowship Details

• Program Dates: June 15 – July 26, 2026

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

• Commitment: Full-time

• Compensation: Competitive

Application

Please submit: Cover Letter, Resume, and Portfolio