Why Choose GPD Academy?

Lets start with the fact that our class sizes are small, almost always limited to 6 participants.    And there are generally two instructors per class, so you have a 3:1 student to teacher ratio, which means you'll get a lot of personal attention, and get the most learning during your time here!

Real Life Teaching: We're affiliated with a bon a fide woodworking shop (Which students are welcome to tour, and talk with our craftsmen and women), so we tend to teach pragmatic methods to accomplish the results you're looking for, while bypassing the esoteric items which you'll likely never encounter anywhere, other than in a text book.

We've got great, new facilities, for the exclusive use of our students!  Our school bench room is over 875 sq/ft, climate controlled, and has a super comfortable wood floor, which is real nice for prolonged work sessions.  Our 750+ sq/ft machine room is also climate controlled, and features duplicate machinery, such as two jointers, two bandsaws, two SawStop cabinet saws - So waiting on machinery is virtually eliminated.  You can tour our facility and class rooms by clicking here

Our Location: We're 10 minutes west of beautiful Asheville, NC - So while you're learning new skills, your spouse or partner will have tons to do and see in the area!

We also provide all the tools, equipment, and materials you'll need - All you have to bring to class is a desire to learn!

 

What kinds of classes?

All skill levels! It doesn’t matter whether you’re an absolute beginner who has never touched a saw; a veteran woodworker; or an Arts & Crafts enthusiast who would like to take part in the ultimate handi-craft experience, we have courses to help you achieve your goals.  Join renowned furniture maker and author Gregory Paolini for hands-on woodworking instruction.  

We offer Private, and  Open Group instruction; all from our Workshop in the beautiful Smoky mountains of North Carolina.  Contact Us to see which type of course is right for you!

Private Classes : We offer private classes, to accommodate your desired topic of instruction, and your schedule, for one or more participants.  Private classes can be scheduled whenever your calendar and ours mesh.  Click here for more information on Private classes.

Open Group Classes: Are listed on our current schedule, and are available on a first come, first serve basis. The classes follow a predetermined course and syllabus, and the class dates are pre-scheduled and fixed. You may be working alongside of people who are unfamiliar to you, although all Open Class participants must meet certain pre-requisites, if applicable, to enroll in a particular course. Open classes are our most cost conscious courses. Our pre-requisite policy applies to all open classes.
Maximum class size of 6 people.

 

   

Registration info and other services

We know your schedule is tight, and your time is valuable, that’s why we provide all materials, tools and equipment you’ll need, except for personal protective equipment. Students must bring their own safety glasses, and ear protection. We strongly recommend dust masks as well. If a class requires additional safety equipment, it will be provided. And while we provide all tools needed, if you would like to bring your own, you are always welcome to.

Registration Policy :: When taking a class at Gregory Paolini Design LLC, you are booking shop time. Because of this, we require a non-refundable $150 deposit to register for a class. The remainder of the class fee must be paid in full no later than 60 days before the class begins. Failure to pay the balance on time will be considered a cancellation.
Cancellation Policy :: We understand that life happens, and that you may need to cancel out of a class. If you cancel a minimum of 60 days prior to the start of your class, you will receive a refund, minus the $150 non-refundable deposit. Cancellations made less than 60 days prior to the start of class will result in forfeiture of monies paid. The course fee is completely nontransferable and nonrefundable if an individual does not show up for class for any reason.
On our end, we will make every effort to provide you with the best class experience that we can. If Gregory Paolini Design LLC has to cancel a class, at any time, you will receive a full refund of any monies paid to Gregory Paolini Design LLC within 30 days of the cancellation. Gregory Paolini design LLC can not be held liable or responsible for delays due to weather, power outages, or events beyond our control, or for any other fees or costs incurred by you for the purpose of attending a class, including but not limited to travel or lodging fees.
Getting your Project home:: You ultimately are responsible for your project, but we want to help! Most of our large furniture projects are completed to the “dry fit” stage, but not glued up, so that they may be flat packed. This makes transporting in your car/truck easier. We have moving blankets available to cushion and protect your project and components, for a nominal fee. We also have a variety of shipping options available, that range from common freight, to White Glove service, for an additional fee. your project in a variety of manners Any projects left at Gregory Paolini Design LLC without arrangements made, will be disposed of.

Our optional “Completion Service” means your project won’t sit at home for months or years, waiting to be finished up. After you spend the time crafting your masterpiece in class, we will ask you to sign and date it. If you’d like, Gregory will place his signature adjacent to yours as well. We will then gladly complete the tedious fitting, sanding, and finishing, all to Museum quality. If your piece requires upholstery or leather, we can provide that as well. We will then store your piece, so you can return to take it home, or we can arrange for blanket wrap shipping to your home or office. Fees for our Completion Service are dependant on a wide array of variables. A time and cost estimate for our Completion Service can be provided at the end of your course.