Furniture Designer

Furniture designers produce designs for furniture such as tables, chairs, bookcases and cabinets. Working to the needs of clients or manufacturers, they may design individual handcrafted pieces or design for mass production.

The Work

You could be:

• planning the design and selecting suitable materials, which could include wood, metal or plastic


• researching details of period styles such as Mackintosh


• drawing designs on a computer using Computer-aided design (CAD) (or occasionally sketching by hand)
• discussing designs with individual clients and manufacturers


• using tools to make a prototype model
• testing how well the model stands up to wear and tear and then solving any problems as well as integrating the mechanics of adjustable furniture such as office chairs


• taking into account issues such as cost, fashion, materials and manufacturing methods and techniques


• liaising with individual craftsmen or with , or with various departments of the company: marketing, production, supply, and sales regarding the process of construction or manufacture
• planning and keeping to budgets and timescales.

Conditions

• You might work for a large manufacturing firm, a small family firm or a design company doing work for several manufacturing firms.


• You would be based in a design studio or a workshop.


• You would usually work on your own while designing.


• However, you may have to travel to visit factories or meet clients.


• The hours can be long at times, including some evenings and weekends, to meet deadlines.


• In workshops, conditions might be dusty when wood is being shaped.

Getting In

• You usually need a degree in 3D design or product design with an option in furniture design. For entry to most courses you need 3 Highers including English and art and design or product design.


• You might be able to get a job with a Higher National Certificate (HNC) or Higher National Diploma (HND) in furniture design or furniture craft and design. For entry you need 1-2 Highers.


• You could start by taking a National Certificate (NC) or National Qualification (NQ). You do not always need formal entry requirements for this. You might then progress to a more advanced course.


• You need a very good portfolio of designs to get into college or university.


• If you are very talented and have an extremely good portfolio, you might get into college or university without Highers.


• Some entrants have previous experience in a trade such as carpentry.


• You need good eyesight and normal colour vision.


• You should not be allergic to wood shavings or dust.

What Does It Take?

You need to be:

• artistic, creative and imaginative


• practical, accurate and good with your hands


• flexible and adaptable as you may have to alter designs to suit the budget or the client


• able to accept criticism of your work


• able to work under pressure to meet deadlines.

• a good eye for 3D design, colour and detail
• good communication skills


• confidence, to explain and sell designs to clients


• business awareness


• finance and marketing skills - particularly if you are self-employed.

Training

• You would develop your skills and gain experience on the job.


• Training in CAD is useful.


• You may be able to attend further courses and conferences on relevant topics. The Design Business Association (DBA) runs courses for designers.

Getting On

• In a large manufacturing or design firm, you could become a senior furniture designer.


• In time, you might move into a supervisory or management job.


• With experience you might work on a freelance basis, designing for other manufacturers or designing and making your own furniture.

Pay

Pay rates vary, depending on:

• where you work


• the size of company or organisation you work for


• the demand for the job.

More Information

• Freelance furniture designers can find it difficult to build a good reputation and get enough work.
• They must be persistent in taking their portfolio and samples of their work to exhibitions and to potential clients.

Addresses

The following organisation(s) may be able to provide further information.