At Ground Up, we believe practical skills have the power to build confidence, creativity, independence, and resilience.

Ground Up was built on the belief that learning to make and build shouldn’t feel intimidating or out of reach. Whether you’re picking up tools for the first time, wanting to develop practical skills for projects around your home, or ready to tackle a larger owner-builder or DIY project, Ground Up is here to help you build your skills.

Founded by Zach Sonstegaard, Ground Up was created to help people learn hands-on carpentry, woodworking, and practical making skills in a welcoming, supportive environment in Hobart, Tasmania.

Our teaching workshops cover a wide range of skill sets, including, the safe use of everyday tools, house/shed framing, picture framing, toy making, and more! Every workshop is designed to be hands-on, and focused on building genuine capability, not only completing a project for the day.

For those taking on larger projects, Ground Up also offers DIY and owner-builder project mentorship. This personalised support is designed for people who want to take ownership of their own projects, while having access to experienced guidance and practical expertise along the way.

At the heart of everything we do is a simple goal: to help people become more self-reliant, explore their creativity, grow in confidence, and to develop skills they can carry forward and share with others.