Furniture Designing Course

Lesson 1 • Core Design Principles

Introduces proportion, balance, rhythm, and emphasis as applied to furniture. These principles guide every design decision throughout the course.

Lesson 2 • Furniture Typology and Function

Categorises furniture by type, use, and spatial context. Students gain a systematic vocabulary for describing and specifying pieces.

Lesson 3 • History of Furniture Design

Traces furniture evolution from ancient civilisations through modernism. Establishes historical context that informs contemporary design decisions.

Lesson 1 • Upholstery and Textile Materials

Introduces foam grades, spring systems, and fabric types used in upholstered furniture. Connects material choice to comfort, durability, and aesthetics.

Lesson 2 • Metals, Plastics, and Composites

Examines steel, aluminium, brass, plastics, and fibre composites for structural and decorative roles. Expands the material palette beyond wood.

Lesson 3 • Sustainable and Emerging Materials

Reviews reclaimed wood, bamboo, bio-based plastics, and recycled composites. Prepares students to meet growing sustainability demands in the industry.

Lesson 1 • Drawing Tools and Conventions

Establishes drafting instruments, line weights, and standard drawing conventions. Provides the technical language used in all subsequent drawing work.

Lesson 2 • CAD Software for Furniture Design

Introduces 2D CAD drafting and 3D modelling workflows specific to furniture. Students produce digital drawings ready for fabrication or client presentation.

Lesson 3 • Orthographic and Multiview Drawing

Teaches front, side, and top views with correct projection methods. These views form the primary communication tool for fabrication.

Lesson 4 • Dimensioning and Tolerances

Covers standard dimensioning practices and tolerance notation for joinery and hardware. Ensures drawings communicate precise fabrication requirements.

Lesson 1 • Traditional Wood Joinery

Covers mortise-and-tenon, dovetail, box joint, and other hand-cut joints. Establishes the structural and aesthetic value of traditional craftsmanship.

Lesson 2 • Machine and CNC Joinery

Introduces biscuit, dowel, pocket-screw, and CNC-routed joints for production efficiency. Connects traditional knowledge to modern manufacturing workflows.

Lesson 3 • Metal and Mixed-Material Connections

Examines welding, bolted connections, and adhesive bonding for metal and composite furniture. Expands structural options beyond wood-only construction.

Lesson 1 • Anthropometrics and Body Dimensions

Introduces percentile data, reach zones, and body measurements relevant to furniture. Provides the numerical foundation for all ergonomic decisions.

Lesson 2 • Seating Ergonomics

Covers seat height, depth, back angle, and lumbar support for chairs and sofas. Directly applied in seating design projects later in the course.

Lesson 3 • Work Surface and Storage Ergonomics

Establishes optimal heights and depths for desks, counters, and shelving. Ensures functional usability across diverse user groups.

Lesson 1 • Colour Theory for Furniture

Applies colour wheel relationships, value, and saturation to furniture finishes and upholstery. Enables confident colour specification in design presentations.

Lesson 2 • Surface Finishes and Treatments

Introduces stains, paints, lacquers, oils, and waxes for wood and metal surfaces. Students specify finishes that protect and enhance the designed piece.

Lesson 3 • Texture and Pattern Application

Covers tactile and visual texture through wood grain, fabric weave, and surface carving. Connects material properties to sensory design outcomes.

Lesson 4 • Developing a Design Concept

Guides students from mood boards and inspiration to a resolved design concept. Integrates all aesthetic tools into a coherent creative brief.

Lesson 1 • Testing and Iterative Refinement

Applies user testing, load testing, and ergonomic evaluation to prototype feedback. Closes the loop between design intent and real-world performance.

Lesson 2 • Digital Prototyping and Rendering

Uses 3D modelling and rendering software to visualise designs before physical build. Reduces material waste and accelerates client approval cycles.

Lesson 3 • Scale Models and Mock-Ups

Covers cardboard, foam, and wood scale models for rapid spatial evaluation. Establishes model making as a core design thinking tool.

Lesson 1 • Production Drawing Packages

Compiles cutting lists, assembly drawings, and hardware schedules into a fabrication package. Ensures manufacturers can build the design without designer intervention.

Lesson 2 • Project Scheduling and Delivery

Introduces Gantt charts, milestone planning, and lead-time management for furniture projects. Ensures on-time delivery from design approval to installation.

Lesson 3 • Material Costing and Budgeting

Calculates material quantities, waste factors, and supplier pricing to build a cost estimate. Connects design decisions directly to financial viability.

Lesson 4 • Quality Standards and Compliance

Reviews durability testing standards, flammability requirements, and safety certifications for furniture. Ensures designs meet market entry requirements.