
2023: 4-11 July
One week a year we organise an informal summer MeetUp in our house in France. Intrigued by the notion of designing for life, people come for two main reasons. They might be working on a live project, thesis, course, or book, and use the week to move it forward. Or else they want to transform their working life completely and use their time here to figure out how.
The MeetUp is for designers of all kinds, ecologists, curators, team leaders, professors, postgrad students, researchers, artists, and writers.
What happens at a Thackara MeetUp?
The week combines me-time, you-time, and we-time.
In one-to-ones with me, I’ll cast fresh eyes on your project, plan, or thesis. I might suggest new ways to frame the questions you arrive with. Otherwise: Ask me Anything.
In group discussions – in our courtyard, on walks, or whilst river swimming – you’ll interact with the people from diverse backgrounds you’ll spend time with here.
You’ll have plenty of quiet and private time – in the house, at the river, or in nature. Also important: you get to shop at the market, cook in our summer kitchen, and breathe the clean air of the Cévennes.

How to apply
Our meet-up is limited to eight people, so we have to select participants. Fill out the application form and write a 100 word project statement that tells us: who you are; what you’re working on; and what you want to achieve during your stay.
Alternatively you can also send an email to:
meeting [at] thackara [dot] com
After receiving your application we aim to inform you within two weeks if it’s been accepted. Successful applicants will be directed to an Eventbrite web page where you sign up and pay. Your spot is secured after payment.
What kinds of project did people bring to a Meetup?
edible forest garden (Canada)
knowledge sharing platform for art teachers (UK)
launching a fashion podcast (Japan)
pivoting out of the consulting industry (USA)
future of a fifteenth century castle (Romania)
book about energy transitions in Africa (Germany)
book about ecoliteracy (USA)
design thesis on mending as connecting (England)
rural hub in a former brick factory (Portugal)
village revitalisation (Italy)
relational design masters (Wales)
rural social innovation (Poland)
municipal urban farms (China)
ecotourism and wellbeing (USA)
school in a forest (Ireland)
sustainable mobility lab (Pakistan)
edible forest garden (Canada)
knowledge sharing platform for art teachers (UK)
launching a fashion podcast (Japan)
pivoting out of the consulting industry (USA)
future of a fifteenth century castle (Romania)
book about energy transitions in Africa (Germany)
book about ecoliteracy (USA)
design thesis on mending as connecting (England)
rural hub in a former brick factory (Portugal)
village revitalisation (Italy)
relational design masters (Wales)
rural social innovation (Poland)
municipal urban farms (China)
ecotourism and wellbeing (USA)
school in a forest (Ireland)
sustainable mobility lab (Pakistan)
Testimonials
I genuinely enjoyed the every single moment I spent during the week. Thanks to not only the fantabulous Thackara team but also amazing talents from diverse backgrounds who all were absolutely lovely, I had a very productive week. It was just a right balance of fun & work time in the absolutely gorgeous environment, which contributed to the great creativity/ satisfaction
For me, the meet-up was truly life-changing; brilliant content, group company, accommodation, food and the waterfalls were to die for! John gave me the boost I needed and input from the group kickstarted a project so dear to my heart — thank you John!
Dear John and Kristi, you’ve created an amazing place, filled with peace and unique energy. A place that adjusts to the pace of the visitor, and inspires on so many levels. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences, for the walks in nature, and for the hospitality that created a feeling of home. It was a great and unforgettable experience.
I was working on my first book and it was amazingly helpful to have the space (both mentally and physically) to concentrate on this whilst getting constructive input and advice from JT and other participants.
the perfect place to hide out and finish writing that thesis, project proposal, or book
Dear Kristi and John, thank you for hosting us for our annual Holis retreat. We enjoyed our stay in your beautiful house. The nearby market is a festival for any food lover. The walks in the surroundings gave us an opportunity to have deep talks. Your hospitality made us feel at home. I’m grateful for that experience.
Hope to be there again soon.
The Thackara Meetup was a wonderful experience overall and a unique opportunity to develop a better understanding of my personal-professional practice. After a week spending time with John and Kristi, the other meetupers, in Ganges and nature, and on my own, I was able to develop a more cohesive story to define my personal-professional practice and goals. I am forever grateful for this opportunity.
Dear John and Kristi, you’ve created an amazing place, filled with peace and unique energy. A place that adjusts to the pace of the visitor, and inspires on so many levels. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences, for the walks in nature, and for the hospitality that created a feeling of home. It was a great and unforgettable experience.
John and Kristi, your house is an absolute dream! I felt so welcomed and comfortable. You allowed us to take everything at our own paces, and gave us access to some beautiful places around Ganges. The mixture of one-to-ones and group conversations provided a loose but effective framework to help push my design practice forward. I’m coming away feeling refreshed, excited to work, and with a whole new set of amazing friends!
Pricing
included:
daily time with John Thackara, two kitchens, two fridges, washing machine, pantry basics, three bathrooms, 5 toilets, a friendly dog, your own key to the house, bedding, linens, beach towels
The meetup is for individuals but if you’re a couple who work together we can of course adapt. Just get in touch with us if you have different requirements or proposals.