You can enroll in this class at any time and start working through the online exercises and floor plans.

Next Live Classes will be Sunday, April 14, 2024. Please enroll now and start working through the online videos and exercises.

Sign up now to save your spot.

Here is what you will learn in the course:

1. How to review a floor plan and identify design problems.
2. How to read a client brief and develop a strategy to renovate the house based on client needs and budget.
3. How to create a demolition plan that is reasonable and cost effective.
4. How to sketch concept ideas for floor plan changes that are correct to scale and cost effective.
5. How to deal with unforeseen problems that occur during the design process.
6. How to develop multiple design strategies and then how to evaluate which is the better direction.
7. How to layout bedrooms, bathrooms and closets.
8. How to layout a kitchen.
9. How to place furniture.
10. How to evaluate your work after the client add their input.

Here are some reviews from students who just completed the course in

October 2023:

“If you’re on the fence about taking the Puzzler course, JUMP! Whether you’re a “real” designer, want to learn how to design your own renovation, or just enjoy learning something new, this class doesn’t disappoint! Matthew’s unique humor and encouraging comments help make the class approachable and enjoyable. It’s well organized, easy to follow, and very flexible. 10/10 Highly recommend!”

--Wendy P.

"I would recommend this course to anyone who has an interest in design, not just residential design/architecture but design in general. The course lets you meet the client, introduces you to their home and the problem areas they have with the current layout. From there, you get to meet with a class lead by Matthew and he walks you through how to build a space and all the way down to furniture placement. One of the items I liked most about this was him explaining to everyone "there is more than one solution to any problem" which helped me feel more confident about my design while seeing other solutions that seemed so apparent after seeing them presented by others. I also enjoyed seeing the different types of drawing/drafting everyone did; line drawing all the way up to using a computer program. Have fun with it because you get to show off your ideas!" 

--Cole H.

Do you have any questions before you enrol? Email me!

[email protected]

Here are some frequently asked questions about this course:

Why is it called the Puzzler?

I believe solving a floor plan is like solving a puzzle. The pieces have to fit together properly for the plan to make sense. In fact, I have developed this class like a puzzle. We build the plan using puzzle pieces and try various options by moving the pieces around the board.

What will I learn in this class?

You will learn how to design better floor plans and you will improve your overall design skills. I believe that the best way to become a better designer is to practice. This class is designed to give you a real world design challenge so you gain experience and boost your confidence. I guide you through the process I follow - step by step - when working with clients on a design project.

Do I need to know a drawing app or design software to take the class?

No. I have drawn the entire course in Morpholio Trace but you can use any software you like. Or you can print off the floor plans I have provided and draw by hand on top of them.

Do I need a design background to take the class?

No. This class is open to everyone which is interested in learning about floor plan design. No previous experience is required.

Do I have to present my plans in the LIVE class?

No. Only if you want to. You can just come to the LIVE classes and watch and listen - it is a great way to learn.

How long does the course take to finish?

It will take about a day to watch the videos and go through the exercises. I would allow about one week to work on your floor plans. You can easily complete this class in your spare time over the period of a week.

Do I get a certificate when I finish?

Yes.

Can I come to more than one LIVE class?

Yes. You can come to as many as you like.

How often are the LIVE classes?

Usually two per session.

How long are the LIVE classes?

One hour.

What time zone are the LIVE classes in?

I vary the time zones every week to accommodate students from around the world.

I don't speak English very well. Am I able to take the class?

Yes. In fact, many students are from the global community and English is not their first language.

Do I have to finish the online portion before coming to the LIVE class?

No. Some students like to watch the videos and then attend the LIVE classes before starting on their plans.

What has the feedback been from the students who have already taken the class?

The feedback has been great! Everyone has loved the content and has found it easy to follow. Some of the initial reviews I have received include:

"I have been following Matthew on Instagram for quite some time and comment every so often on his quizzes, challenges, lives, and stories! I think that his idea to make the Puzzler course was brilliant! I have nothing but good reviews for this course, Matthew thoroughly goes over things that I think in this industry we tend to forget and it's always reassuring to have someone restate the standards for dimensions etc. I learned a lot in this course and I definitely think the live classes are worth it even if you haven't finished the layout because you learn so much from your fellow peers and Matthew's feedback. I think the only way you are going to get better at anything is always having critical feedback and putting yourself out there to improve your skills. If you have the opportunity to take the course, I definitely recommend it because it will only make you think outside of the box and have hands-on feedback from a professional like Matthew. Thank you Matthew! "

Sofia M.

"The Puzzler is a great architecture spatial perception exercise. It is an excellent tool to learn how to identify different issues in a clear and orderly manner, and also helped me use my time more efficiently while working on a layout.

Matthew brings clarity into the task of deciding what the priorities of a project are and what could be a compromise. The Puzzler presents projects with a real layout, a real client and real restrictions. Because of that, it was easy to transfer the learned skills to other real life projects. I use these guidelines now as my base in other projects and it’s an easy way to tackle all the issues one encounters in a layout distribution. I’m thrilled to have been part of the first group and can’t wait for the next Puzzler to come."

Alvaro Delboy

"Beyond amazing. I cannot wait for the next Puzzler course."

"I love the length of the videos. Perfect amount of information given in each one."

"The LIVE classes are incredibly valuable and memorable. It's fun to meet everyone else taking the class too."

"It's so interesting to me how many variations of this plan people are able to come up with. It seems infinite!"

"I love the attention to detail, scale, measurement and accuracy that you present in the course".