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

Furniture designer, buyer or consultant, furniture builder, furniture restorer, prototype designer

more about furniture design careers

• Supportive Studio

  • 2D Design (3)

    KCPA 110

    A problem-solving course covering the principles of composition and modular design systems. Uses predominantly 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.)

  • 3D Design (3)

    KCSF 111

    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 111 to meet graduation requirements.)

  • Design Drawing I (3)

    KCDS 142

    Freehand drawing using basic perspective principles and quick sketch techniques.

  • Design Drawing II (3)

    KCDS 143

    Advanced freehand drawing and sketching with the addition of color media.

  • Functional Art I (3)

    KCSF 271

    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. Formerly KCFA 271

• Major Studio

  • Drafting/Introduction to Detailing (3)

    KCFD 114

    Introduction to the fundamental tools and techniques of drafting and furniture detailing. Emphasis will be placed on accuracy and application of drafting techniques and concepts as a tool for communication.

  • Introduction to Furniture Design (3)

    KCFD 120

    Introduces students to the visual skills and communication methods used in the furniture design profession.

  • CAD Detailing (3)

    KCFD 220

    Introduces the use of Computer Aided Design (CAD) to produce furniture detail drawings. Emphasis will be placed on use and application of CAD as a tool for communication.

  • Ornaments (3)

    KCFD 234

    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)

    KCFD 241

    Studies furniture construction methods, construction standards, and joinery using three-view working drawings. Emphasizes drafting techniques that include full-sized detail layout, notation and lettering, part and product dimensioning.

  • Furniture Rendering

    KCFD 260

    Introduces students to the media and methods used to produce furniture product presentations and various applications of furniture product renderings.

  • Furniture Design I (3)

    KCFD 311

    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)

    KCFD 312

    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)

    KCFD 342

    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.

  • Industry Trends and Practices (3)

    KCFD 406

    Investigation and study of current trends in business practices and business models to evaluate their impact on the profession of Furniture Design.

  • Furniture Design III (3)

    KCFD 411

    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)

    KCFD 413

    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 presentation, both verbal and visual, will approach professional standards. Course may be repeated.

  • Detailing IV (3)

    KCFD 444

    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 Thesis (3)

    KCFD 460

    The senior design and development project, in which the student is expected to utilize all skills learned in the Furniture Design major. The design project is determined in conference with the faculty advisor prior to enrollment in this course. The student is expected to define a design problem and comprehensively resolve solutions.

  • Furniture Design Portfolio (3)

    KCFD 462

    Emphasizes the quality and scope of the student’s portfolio and the effective oral, visual, and written presentations of the skills and talents represented therein; legal aspects of the profession.

• Art History

  • Western Art I: Prehistoric through the Renaissance (3)

    KCAH 111

    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 to the Present (3)

    KCAH 112

    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 History I: Ancient to 18th Century (3)

    KCAH 211

    A survey of Design History from ancient cultures to the eighteenth century, emphasizing developments in architecture, interiors, furniture, decorative, and fine arts.

  • Design History II: 18th Century through 21st Century (3)

    KCAH 212

    A continuation of the survey of Design History from the eighteenth century to the present emphasizing development in architecture, interiors, furniture, decorative, and fine arts.

• Liberal Arts and Sciences

  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)

    KCHU 120

    Written Rhetoric provides students with practice in the art of writing well. Students who successfully complete the course will demonstrate competence in critical thought and expression and in the composition of expository prose. They will use writing both as a tool for discovery and communication, and they will shape their communication in response to audience and purpose. (Students who have earned credit for ENGL 150, English I, may not use credit earned in KCHU 120 to meet graduation requirements.)

  • Oral Rhetoric (3)

    KCHU 121

    Oral Rhetoric provides students with the skills and confidence needed to speak effectively in formal presentations. Course concentrations include the examination and practice of oral rhetoric, building on skills in common with Written Rhetoric. (Students who have earned credit for COMM 121, Fundamentals of Public Speaking, may not use credit earned in KCHU 121 to meet graduation requirements.)

  • Advanced Rhetoric (3)

    KCHU 320

    Advanced Rhetoric provides students with practice in analyzing, developing, and organizing various forms of persuasive discourse, including written, oral, and visual. Building on the skills developed in the two prerequisites, students apply their understanding of rhetorical concepts to the study of various social issues and cultural texts.

• Studio Electives

  Studio Electives (15)
  (One Furniture Design Studio Required)

Download the catalog for the most recent course listings and prerequisites.