
IDEAStudio
The Makerspace at West Houston Institute
We Are All Makers!
IDEAStudio is the makerspace at Houston Community College's West Houston Institute. We provide a supportive space for students, faculty ad staff, and our community to explore, imagine, and create using the latest technologies such as 3D printers, laser cutters, and CNC machines alongside traditional equipment like power tools, saws, and welders to take ideas from concept to reality.
For Students, Faculty & Staff
Become an IDEAStudio Member
Become an IDEAStudio Member and become a part of our creative community with access to amazing tools and technologies to empower your imagination and bring your ideas to life! All current Houston Community College students, faculty, and staff can become members without cost. As a member, you can develop your unique creative identity as you learn and grow through workshops, trainings, and collaborations with others.
Complete the IDEAStudio new member orientation
Register for makerspace member courses
IDEAStudio members can sign up to take any of our free tool trainings and design workshops offered weekly to our community. Tool trainings are the first step to being able to use the tools and equipment in the makerspace. Want to go further and learn to design your own creations? Our design workshops provide beginner level instruction in the basics of design for creative projects.
Register for IDEAStudio member courses or browse all course offerings
Reserve makerspace tools and equipment
Are you an IDEAStudio Members who has completed one or more tool trainings? If so, you can use our external booking system to reserve a time to use the tools in the makerspace. You are required to have already completed training and passed the exit test before you will be able to use any tools. Access levels will be checked upon arrival at the time of reservation.
Reserve tools and equipment at IDEAStudio or take a virtual tour
Request instructional project support
Faculty and other instructional and student support leaders can collaborate with IDEAStudio to integrate maker activities, such as project-based learning, into their programs and courses. This includes projects that take place as part of a class or program as well as outside the classroom through extracurricular or cocurricular activities. We will work with you to develop a unique project that supports your learning goals and infuses creativity and innovation into to your curriculum.
Learn more and make an IDEAStudio project request
For the Community
Request a class or group makerspace tour
IDEAStudio welcomes requests for tours of the makerspace by school and community groups. We work with requestors to craft a unique experience for your group that meets your goals for your visit whether it is to introduce making and creativity to young learners, explore innovative technologies such as 3D printing, or just learn something new.
Find out more and make a request!
Collaborate on a makerspace project
The IDEAStudio at West Houston Institute is committed to working with our local community on activities that promote maker education, job and career opportunities, and a sustainable future that is more responsible, more livable, and more equitable for everyone. Learn more about the ways you can engage with us and then let's talk!
Explore ways to collaborate with us!
Contact Us
IDEAStudio Makerspace
West Houston Institute