This place is a community of makers. I've learned a lot so far, from woodworking to metalworking…read more Sewing, embroidery, Cnc milling, laser engrave and cutting, blacksmithing, there is so much to do and meetups with experts in the community. I joined about 2 years ago after Techshop shutdown, and I needed another place to continue my making needs. The hours is a little confusing at first, and they just recently revamped the website. So usually the makerspace is opened in the weekdays after 7pm and closes around 11pm-ish. Weekend I think is officially after 1pm til nighttime. On Friday nights there is alternating crafting and board game nights. And a tip for people who want to check it out, you don't have to wait for an open house specifically. To start, everyone has to take their "green go" class to learn the rules and structure of the place. (Keyword: community, it's all volunteer run). Then take the initial safety class per equipment and afterword you can either enter the lab by day passes, or pay $50/month to use the tools. There's another tier called key members that are community members that has contributed and volunteered, and are trusted with the keys to the place so you can go use the lab whenever. Definitely a really cool place!

This review is for the Operations only (I've watched YouTubes and have attended events in the past…read morethat were super cool, and I'm a fan of the maker community). Jennyfer was very rude, condescending, and unwelcoming to me. I have never felt so uncomfortable with anyone on the phone before. I emailed with an inquiry on availability for rental space and provided some ideas for volunteering that I could provide to the community. Not only did she imply that I had written "a lot of info to share via email," but then proceeded to ask me to what I wanted on the phone as if I was in an interrogation. She said, "Oh, I am sorry, I don't think you know who I am. Let me introduce myself....I manage Nova Labs and the Innovation Center... " This is unwarranted display of power and "gatekeeping" for a non-profit community organization. I had only visited the space several years ago when my friend had his office there. I am not aware of the politics or structure that she was implying about whether or not I was approvable in her eyes in becoming a member and volunteer with Nova Labs as well as whether I am qualified to rent an office space that should only be for"people who make things" not those who work at a desk. I make things using my computer and with my hands. Really disappointed and sad that this all just happened.

Last year I took the "Tile, Grout, and Thinset" class with the DIY Academy. It was a fantastic…read moreexperience and it gave me the confidence to fix up one of the smaller bathrooms at my house. With my master bathroom repair-and-renovation looming, I wanted to expand my knowledge base more, and Rich and the DIY Academy were once again there to help. Instead of a class, I participated in the volunteering arm of the program and assisted in the demolition and subfloor preparation of an actual master bathroom. It was a whole day of cutting, grinding, smashing, and trashing, but it certainly affirmed the old maxim, "The best way to learn is to do." A lot of times it seems educators in any field see fit to show and tell, but not so here. Rich was always there to supervise and provide support, but it was apparent that he was dedicated to having the student learn by action and not by observation. His methods provided a great blend of experience-based learning and direct instruction. Being able to take part in each process necessary to strip a room down to its bones eliminated two obstacles that scare off most homeowners from attempting to do their own renovation work. First, it removed the mystery of a home's construction: every layer of material holding the old bathroom together could be seen and held. Second, it provided some level of expectation: now having seen how the various surfaces and materials are held together, I know my own bathroom's construction will not be terribly far off. This all works together to establish a sort of baseline muscle memory for the work to be done in the future. This was another great experience with DIY Academy and I hope more such opportunities arise in the future!

From the owner: DIY Academy is a workshop for the novice DIYer who is interested in learning hands-on skills for…read morevarious home improvement projects and repairs to your increase knowledge base when working with contractors/handymen or to be able to complete a project on your own. We will have workshops that cover various topics such as kitchen backsplash installation, minor plumbing (replacing a toilet, changing out sink hardware, installing a garbage disposal), minor drywall repair, tile floor installation, remodeling a shower, demo of tile / shower, tile installation materials, caulking, grout repair and more! This is an excellent opportunity to learn a new skill from licensed and trained professionals who are in the trades and meet new people and work in a group setting to learn these skills.

Outstanding, knowledgable...time well spent learning the industry. The intructor, Derrick provided…read morea wealth of both administrative and street knowledge that will equip anybody looking for a career in the security industry.

I had a great time during the instruction. Acquired a lot of knowledge about the DCJS and the…read morepolicies. I'm also coming back for the armed portion of the class.

It was a fun experience…read more I always thought I could just get started by watching videos online on how to tile or do other things, but it's very hard to start. I thought this would be a much better way to start learning. Being able to be up close and have someone watch for common mistakes is really much better in getting started. You learn about a lot of different materials. You learn about common pitfalls that happens in the real world. You get to feel the consistency of the thunder, grout, and techniques for laying. You get to use a tile cutter (score and snap and power grinding). It was a unique experience for me. But also an eye opening experience. I was afraid to get started and now I am excited to take more classes until I feel comfortable tackling a project myself. I will be back for the flooring and waterproofing classes.

I just finished my second class here (Subway Tile Backsplash Tiling) and I've already signed up for…read morea third. That should say it all. While YouTube and online tutorials are helpful, nothing compares to real hands on experience. In the backsplash course, you actually get to prime drywall, cut tile, and install it on a real wall, not just watch someone else do it. It's practical, immersive, and incredibly empowering. The instructors are extremely knowledgeable. You can tell they've been in the trade for many years. They take the time to clearly demonstrate each step, explain the "why" behind what you're doing, and guide you along the way. They're supportive and always ready to help, but they make sure you're the one doing the work, which builds real confidence. My only regret is not finding this place sooner. I definitely could have avoided some costly mistakes and extra work on previous DIY projects if I had taken these classes first. I highly recommend this shop to anyone tackling a home project or just wanting to learn a new skill. The space is super clean, well organized, and fully stocked with all the tools you need. They even provide beverages and snacks, which makes the whole experience even more enjoyable. Fantastic experience all around.

The website and people are a lie stating refunds case by case i immediately tried cancel and John…read moreChapman says oh well no deposit refund of thousand. Emailed to no replies now.

I had the honor of training with Mr. Syed Iftikhar (Mr. Safe) at CDL Safe Driving Academy, and I…read morecan confidently say he is the best CDL instructor out there. His teaching style is clear, patient, and practical--he focuses on real-world driving techniques that prepare you not only to pass the CDL exam but also to drive safely and professionally afterward. Mr. Safe is extremely accessible and easy-going, always making time for his students. He works tirelessly every day until 7pm to ensure no one is left behind. Beyond being a skilled instructor, he is a kindhearted, genuine gentleman who truly cares about the success of his students. His professionalism, encouragement, and deep knowledge of CDL requirements made the entire process smooth and stress-free. A special mention also goes to his assistant Jimmy, who is a great man as well--always supportive, respectful, and ready to help students succeed. Together, they create a very welcoming and motivating environment. Because of their guidance, I passed the Virginia CDL exam and now hold my CDL license. I highly recommend CDL Safe Driving Academy to anyone serious about getting their CDL. If you want instructors who are patient, dedicated, and sincerely invested in your success, Mr. Safe and his team are the best!

Safe driving academy is one of the best in the DMV area. Not only did they teach me how to drive…read morewhen I was a teenager but they also keep me a safe driver by all the courses they offer to only improve my driving skills. They have all your bases covered as far as driving goes, highly recommend to everyone and anyone!

Whimsical, thoughtful, elegant, and delightful. Fresh cut flowers, hot tea, tasty scones and…read morecream...every detail of today's Mother's Day tea was just ah-mazing!!!! Thank you Mrs. B and your lovely team!! Can't wait to be back!

Such great ambiance, they did a great job with this place! The employees were so kind and helpful…read moretoo. The food variety was great. They were able to offer great GF options too