Student Work
Most likely, you're sitting down. On a chair, perhaps. When you sat down, did you just sit? Or do you ask a million questions: How does it look? Does it fit the room? Is it comfortable? What about proportion? Will it be around 30 years from now? Furniture Design is where artist meets engineer. Our program enables creative, technically-inclined problem solvers to create designs that consider functional requirements, users and aesthetics.
You'll graduate understanding the design, manufacturing and marketing of your product. You'll learn about sustainable materials and eco-friendly processes. Not to mention, it's one of the oldest and most renowned programs in the country (which could have something to do with our ridiculously high job placement rate). So browse our 1,500 sq. ft. furniture collection for inspiration. Work in the woodshop or the furniture design and detailing studios. Gain professional experience through internship opportunities.
-
Supportive Studio
-
Kendall Experience
The Kendall Experience is designed to help a student make a smooth transition to the academic and co-curricular aspects of college. The student’s experiences in college will be enhanced through an integrated approach to the resources necessary for success.
-
2-D Design (3)
A problem-solving course covering the principles of composition and modular design systems. Uses predominately abstract shapes and black, white, and achromatic gray ranges.(Students who have earned credit for VISC 110, Design I, may not use credit earned in KCPA 110 to meet graduation requirements.)
-
3-D Design (3)
To explore the elements, principles and aesthetic concepts integral to three-dimensional design and to consider relationships between concept, process, materials, tools and technical skills. (Students who have earned credit for ARTS 120, 3-D Design, may not use credit earned in KCSF 11 to meet graduation requirements.)
-
Design Drawing I (3)
Freehand drawing using basic perspective principles and quick sketch techniques.
-
Design Drawing II (3)
Advanced freehand drawing and sketching with the addition of color media.
-
Drafting for Design (3)
Introduces techniques of architectural drafting as a communication tool for reading and drawing architectural plans, elevations, and details.
-
Computer Aided Design I (3)
Offers practical application of two-dimensional computer graphics using basic architectural drafting knowledge.
-
3D Model Building (3)
Exploration of three-dimensional computer drawing as a presentation tool for interior design. Includes the Computer Aided Planning program (CADCAP) for the contract furniture industry.
-
Functional Art I (3)
Design and construction opportunities and challenges presented by the addition of function to fine art are addressed through intensive study of studio woodworking techniques. An emphasis will be placed upon artistic expression that coincides with archival construction methods.
-
-
Major Studio
-
Intro to Furniture Design (3)
Introduces students to the visual skills and communication methods used in the furniture design profession.
-
Ornaments (3)
Analysis and study of historical furniture ornamentation, including: veneers and benchwork, profile turnings, profile moldings, carving and embossing, and decorative hardware. Materials and manufacture of these elements are studied, researched, and detailed. The utilization of these elements and the recognition of typical style applications and their appropriate representations are emphasized.
-
Detailing I (3)
Studies furniture construction methods, construction standards, and joinery using three-view working drawings. Emphasizes drafting techniques which include full-sized detail layout, notation and lettering, part and product dimensioning.
-
Furniture Rendering (3)
Introduces students to the media and methods used to produce furniture product presentations and various application of furniture product renderings.
-
Furniture Design I (3)
The study of furniture design through researching proportion, scale, and typical style elements. Students will prepare furniture designs for residential products including tables, casegoods, and seating. Development of product presentation abilities.
-
Furniture Design II (3)
The study of furniture product design with an emphasis on the development of product groups and collections. Includes extensive research into styling, element utilization, and product adaptation, as well as product presentation.
-
Detailing II (3)
Practical problem-solving methods for furniture design and construction using the furniture detail. The details are drawn from assigned archetypes and from students’ own product design work.
-
Detailing III (3)
Detailing of complex furniture designs utilizing traditional tools and CAD.
-
Industry Trends and Practices (3)
Investigation and study of current trends in business practices and business models to evaluate their impact on the professions of furniture design.
-
Furniture Design III (3)
The study of furniture product design with an emphasis on current styling and functional trends. Includes concept development, problem solving, and product presentation.
-
Original Design (3)
Design of original furniture products through the effective use of functional considerations, and production methods. Students will demonstrate product development through both 2-D and 3-D and/or CAD techniques. Product presentations, both verbal and visual, will approach professional standards. Course may be repeated.
-
Detailing IV (3)
Advanced detailing at the professional level utilizing traditional tools and CAD. Students will present critical analysis of their details as related to commercial requirements, line comprehension, knowledge of materials and hardware, continuity of view, and applicability to specific manufacturing methods.
-
Furniture Design Capstone (3)
Capstone project, determined in conference with the faculty advisor is to utilize all of the skills learned in the Furniture Design major. The student is expected to define a design problem and resolve it through the use of sketches, detail drawings, and models or prototypes (optional).
-
-
Art History
-
Western Art I-Prehist-Renais (3)
An overview of the Western Art tradition from prehistory through the Renaissance using a socio-cultural methodology in a chronological framework. (Students who have earned credit for ARTH 110, Prehistoric through Middle Ages, may not use credit earned in KCAH 111 to meet graduation requirements.)
-
Western Art II-Baroque-Present (3)
A survey of Western art from the Baroque to the present, this course will continue building upon the foundation of Western Art I; Prehistoric through the Renaissance, using a socio-cultural methodology in a chronological framework. (Students who have earned credit for ARTH 111, Renaissance through 20th Century, may not use credit earned in KCAH 112 to meet graduation requirements.)
-
Design Hist I-Ancient to 18C (3)
A survey of Design History from ancient cultures to the eighteenth century, emphasizing developments in architecture, interiors, furniture, decorative, and fine arts.
-
Design Hist II-18thC to 21stC (3)
A continuation of the survey Design History from the eighteenth century to the present emphasizing developments in architecture, interiors, furniture, decorative, and fine arts.
-
-
General Education
Science Elective (3)
Math Elective (3)
Humanities Elective (6)
300/400 Humanities Elective (3)
Social Science Elective (3)
300/400 Social Science Elective (3)-
Written Rhetoric (3)
Focuses on using writing both to develop critical thinking skills and to express ideas clearly and appropriately according to audience and purpose. Students will engage in a variety of writing modes and will spend a portion of the semester engaging in scholarly research and the documentation of source-based materials. (Students who have earned credit for ENG 150, English I, may not use credit earned in KCHU 120 to meet graduation requirements.)
-
Oral Rhetoric (3)
Presents concepts and develops oral and rhetorical skills appropriate for formal presentations, with emphasis on prepared, extemporaneous, and impromptu speaking. (Students who have earned credit for COMM 121. Fundamentals of Public Speaking, may not use credit earned in KCHU 121 to meet graduation requirements.)
-
Visual Rhetoric (3)
Focuses on the analysis of numerous forms of visual discourse, including their rhetorical effectiveness, impact on audiences, and social/cultural influences.
-
-
Studio Electives
Studio Electives (15)
(FD Elective, or Collaborative, or Minor)
Download the catalog for the most recent course listings and prerequisites.
Gayle DeBruyn M.M.
Zhi (David) Du M.A.
Vyana Slattery M.F.A.
Furniture designer, buyer or consultant, furniture builder, furniture restorer, prototype designer
Students in Kendall's Furniture Design program have access drafting/drawing tables, sample products, and study collections of veneers, carvings, and ornaments in the Furniture Studio. Our Furniture Detailing Studio is where traditional skills and computer skills meet, with AutoCad and printing capabilities, plus sample products and drafting stations. The Resource Room is where students can peruse more than 1,500 reference catalogues, manufacturer's catalogues, and decorative hardware catalogues/samples. The Baker Furniture Collection (also known as "The Study") is a 1,500 square foot museum of period furniture and decorative arts, bringing together more than three centuries of style from around the world. It's open to students for study, inspiration, and contemplation.
More in our Facilities Directory
