The Construction + Design Institute assists students with exploring or advancing a career or scaling a business in construction, interior design, and mural painting. This program addresses barriers into and lack of interest in the construction industry. Students are exposed to the behind the scene operation of careers in the construction, mural painting and interior design. Industry professionals facilitate discussions and experiential exercises that provide in-depth conversations and demonstrations on how to increase their visibility and revenue, strengthen and clarify their subject matter expertise, utilize data to understand industry operations, how tools and equipment operate, the process of real estate development and how to work with large construction businesses, individuals and industry related companies as subcontractors.
Asaad “aka Kai Yola”
Mason Apprentice
“The connections, the communication, the assistance, the support is unreal. The mentorship and peer-to-peer connections is 1000% valuable in my opinion.”
Michaela
Carpenter Apprentice
“I did not have any connection to the trades or union before meeting the Construction Initiative team (now known as the Construction + Design Institute team). I have obtained several jobs through my union. I love my carpenters union, Local 291.”
Valesta
Owner of Blast Trans Construction – a Minority and Veteran Owned company
“Although we are based in Brooklyn, NY, we decided not not to bring any of our painters in the Schenectady area. By doing that it allowed us to hire painters from the Schenectady area which allowed us to give back to the community and the painters to be able to see their work in their community and the difference and impact they will have in their own community. We were able to do that by working very closely with Mission Accomplished Transition Services.”
Maya
Ceramist + Pinter + Muralist
“I would like to point out that this is the first art class that I have ever taken in all my years of education that has teachers and mentors who look like me, talk like me, think like me, and have my best interests in mind. Resources like this are so vital especially in communities of color. For that alone, I want to personally thank Coach Carmen, Rae, and Eugene for creating these spaces and for allowing me to take up this space.”
Sion
Tattoo Artist and Emerging Muralist
“I didn’t realize how important community focused engagement was when doing a mural. It really makes me think of how mindful you have to be in including others.”
To learn more, use our contact form or call us at
(518) 207-0209