Stop starting every session from scratch. Build a system that compounds.
Many developers use Claude Code the same way every session: type a prompt, evaluate the output, repeat. Some sessions produce clean, correct code. Others feel like starting over.
The difference isn't the prompt. It's what Claude knows before you type a word.
Context engineering is how you close that gap. Not with longer prompts, but with agent files, custom skills, and automated hooks that load the right context at the right time. The investment compounds: every session builds on what you've already set up.
In this workshop, you'll walk through the decisions behind a real context engineering system, CLAUDE.md files across project, folder, and user levels; custom skills; automated hooks. Every decision narrated, every trade-off explained.
You'll leave with a starter kit, a config cheatsheet, a reference card, and the recording. Everything you need to build the same system for yours.
What you’ll learn
Stop starting every Claude Code session from scratch. Walk through a context system of agent files, skills, and hooks on a real repo.
Separate team conventions, project context, and personal habits across project, folder, and user-level files
Decide what belongs in CLAUDE.md vs what stays out (and why most teams over-stuff theirs)
Start from the provided project / folder / user CLAUDE.md templates
Turn a recurring workflow into a reusable skill that loads only when needed
Apply the Anchored Interview pattern: skills that ask for the right inputs before they act
Construct one live, decision by decision, from the included skill template
Use PreToolUse hooks to block actions that violate your conventions before they run
Use PostToolUse hooks (e.g., lint-on-edit) so guardrails run without you remembering to ask
Use Stop hooks to enforce end-of-session checks, without spending context-window space
Diagnose where your current Claude Code setup sits on the ladder
Use the included Context Ladder reference card to decide what to build next
Leave with a "what's next" checklist tailored to your project
Workshop agenda
Meet & Greet with Sam
Connect with Sam and fellow attendees before the session. Cameras on, informal. Share what you're working on and what you want from the workshop.
Welcome
Consistent results vs. starting over every session. The difference isn't the prompt. We'll set up the framework for every decision in the workshop.
Agent Files
Design a context ecosystem, not one file. How to split instructions across project, folder, and user-level CLAUDE.md's. Where team conventions belong vs personal preferences.
Skills + Anchored Interview Pattern
Recurring workflows become skills: reusable components that load on demand. See one in action, learn the Context Pull technique, then watch how a skill is constructed, decision by decision.
Hooks as Guardrails
See a hook catch a real mistake. Walk through PreToolUse, PostToolUse, & Stop hooks: guardrails that fire without occupying your context window. Walk through the anatomy of how the hook was built.
The Full Picture
All three segments placed on the context ladder. See where everything fits, what to build next, and leave with the starter kit, config cheatsheet, reference card, and a checklist.
Q&A with Sam [Optional]
Bring your questions: project-specific advice, setup troubleshooting, or anything from the session. Screen-sharing welcome.
Learn directly from Sam
Sam Keen
Author, Clean Architecture with Python | ex-AWS Generative AI lead architect
Who this workshop is for
Developers who use Claude Code regularly but get inconsistent results. Some sessions are great, others feel like starting over.
Developers just getting started with Claude Code who want to build a scalable system from day one.
Tech leads setting up Claude Code for a team who need a repeatable system, not tribal knowledge.
What's included
Live sessions
Learn directly from Sam Keen in a real-time, interactive format.
Templates + reference cards
You'll leave with templates, reference cards, the demo repo, and the recording. Everything you need to build the same system for your project.
Lifetime access
Go back to course content and recordings whenever you need to.
Community of peers
Stay accountable and share insights with like-minded professionals.
Certificate of completion
Share your new skills with your employer or on LinkedIn.
Maven Guarantee
Your purchase is backed by the Maven Guarantee.
Frequently asked questions
Maven for Teams
Reimbursement
Get your company to pay
Everything L&D needs: email template, receipts, and certificate of completion.
Get reimbursedTeam discount
Learn with your teammates
Save 20%+ when 2 or more teammates enroll in the same cohort.
Save 20%+ with a teamPrivate cohort
Run a cohort for your org
A dedicated cohort with a custom schedule and curriculum, tailored to your team.
Book a private cohort$299
USD