In 2025, I gave myself the gift of a “micro sabbatical” — a chance to step outside of the daily rhythm of work and dive deeply into my own creativity. I wanted to explore what has interested me for many years, and I found myself continually drawn to the life, work, and story of Frank Lloyd Wright. This journey has taken me to New York to stand inside the Guggenheim, to wander the galleries of MOMA, and to revisit films and documentaries, from Ken Burns’ classic to the new series The Last Wright. It’s also involved leveraging the latest AI capabilities of late 2025 to explore curiosities and prototype and test ideas. To explore new ways of learning (and developing), I’ve also been finding vintage artifacts and turning AI agents loose on creating a FLW design history artifact website to share them.
What I’ve discovered is that Wright’s legacy is not only about architecture — it’s about vision, curiosity, and the courage to design a life as much as a building. That realization has inspired me to create a series of programs that use Wright as a springboard for personal development.
In Madison, we are surrounded by Wright’s imprint: Monona Terrace on the lakeshore, the ruins of the Mendota Boathouse, his influence woven into the University of Wisconsin, the Unitarian Chapel, the Jacobs House, and of course, Taliesin just a short drive away in Spring Green. These sites aren’t just architectural landmarks — they’re living invitations to spark curiosity, unleash creativity, and strengthen our ability to tell stories and innovate.
The purpose of these programs is not to study Frank Lloyd Wright or architecture in detail. Instead, the focus is on you: your creativity, your storytelling, your design inspiration, and your curiosity. This work builds on the programs I’ve created in the past (such as a retreat delivered at Taliesin), but it takes a new shape by weaving in this deep, personal inspiration from my micro sabbatical. It is both a learning journey for me and a creation I want to share — so that together we can harness our own design power and imagination, inspired by Wright’s enduring spirit.
Here are a few programs I’ve been designing. Just reach out if they are of interest to you.
1. Discovering Your Creativity (and the Designer in You) Through the Story and Inspiration of Frank Lloyd Wright – A Live Workshop
Overview
Join us in the Madison, Wisconsin area for a unique personal development workshop that uses the legacy of Frank Lloyd Wright as a spark for your creativity, innovation, and storytelling journey. This isn’t a deep dive into architecture; rather, it’s a hands-on, immersive experience to harness your own curiosity and design thinking in an environment inspired by Wright’s creativity.
What You’ll Experience
We will explore iconic Frank Lloyd Wright sites around Madison, such as the Monona Terrace and the First Unitarian Society Meeting House, and potentially take a trip out to Taliesin. Along the way, you’ll engage in activities designed to boost your creative thinking, unlock new storytelling skills, and find fresh ways to innovate in your personal and professional life.
Key Themes
Creativity & Design: Inspired by Wright’s innovative spirit, you’ll participate in exercises that help you tap into your own design instincts.
Innovation & Curiosity: Learn how to cultivate a mindset that embraces curiosity and drives innovative thinking in everyday situations.
Personal Development & Storytelling: Use the backdrop of Wright’s designs to find new ways to tell your own story and build confidence in expressing your ideas.
Locations and Format
We’ll host the core workshop sessions at the Monona Terrace, a Wright-designed venue in downtown Madison. Depending on the option you choose, we may take field trips to other inspiring locations such as the Unitarian Chapel, the Jacobs House, or even a special visit to Taliesin in Spring Green. Each setting will serve as a creative prompt to inspire your personal development journey.
Who Should Attend
This workshop is perfect for anyone looking to expand their creative thinking, leaders and innovators wanting to enhance their storytelling skills, and anyone curious about blending design inspiration with personal growth.
2. Your Personal Journey of Creativity: A Frank Lloyd Wright Inspired Self-Coaching Experience
Overview
If you prefer a more individual and flexible approach, this self-directed coaching journey is designed just for you. We offer a personalized experience that lets you explore Madison’s Frank Lloyd Wright landmarks at your own pace, while receiving one-on-one coaching to deepen your creative and personal development.
How It Works
You’ll start with a private coaching session where we discuss your personal goals and the creative challenges you’d like to tackle. From there, you’ll have the freedom to visit the Wright sites that resonate most with you—whether that’s the serene beauty of the Unitarian Chapel or the architectural wonder of Taliesin.
As you explore, you’ll engage in reflective exercises and creative prompts tailored to your journey. We’ll have follow-up coaching sessions to help you synthesize your insights, share your stories, and apply your new inspiration to your own life and work.
Key Features
Personalized Coaching: One-on-one sessions with Darin to frame your goals and reflect on your progress.
Self-Guided Exploration: Choose your own path through Madison’s Frank Lloyd Wright landmarks, each offering a unique backdrop for your creative reflection.
Reflective Practices: Engage in tailored activities that prompt you to think deeply about creativity, storytelling, and personal growth.
Who It’s For
Ideal for individuals who prefer a self-paced, introspective experience with personalized support. Whether you’re a creative professional, a leader looking to recharge your innovative mindset, or simply someone seeking a meaningful personal retreat, this experience is crafted to fit your unique needs.
3. Digital Creativity and Innovation: A Frank Lloyd Wright Inspired Digital Workshop
Overview
In this virtual edition, we blend the timeless inspiration of Frank Lloyd Wright with cutting-edge AI and digital tools. This program is designed for those who want to explore their creativity and innovation through a digital lens, using AI to unlock new possibilities in a virtual environment.
What You’ll Experience
This program takes place entirely online and leverages tools like Midjourney for generating Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired visual prompts, ChatGPT for personalized coaching and ideation, and Miro or MURAL for collaborative virtual whiteboarding sessions. Participants will learn how to be self-directed learners, using their curiosity to navigate AI tools and digital spaces to fuel their creative growth.
Key Themes
AI-Powered Creativity: Use Midjourney to create Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired designs and explore how AI can be a muse for your own projects.
Virtual Collaboration: Learn to use Miro or MURAL to visualize ideas, collaborate in real time, and develop innovative solutions in a digital environment.
Self-Directed Learning: Cultivate your ability to learn how to learn, using Wright’s legacy as a thematic anchor and AI as a tool for continuous inspiration.
Format and Delivery
All sessions are conducted virtually, allowing you to participate from anywhere. You’ll have a mix of live coaching, self-paced exploration, and collaborative virtual whiteboarding sessions, all designed to help you integrate AI into your creative process.
Who Should Attend
This digital workshop is ideal for tech-savvy learners, remote professionals, and anyone curious about blending AI with personal development. If you’re excited by the idea of using virtual tools to drive your creativity and innovation, this is the perfect fit.
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Just reach out to Darin if any of these FLW programs are of interest to you. This “micro sabbatical” project keeps growing!