After receiving a BA in creative arts, Nathaniel Smith traveled to Denmark to attend the graduate program at the Danish Design School in Copenhagen. After completing the four-year program and a stint with Arnie Jabobsen's studio Dessing and Weitling, Nathaniel co-founded ARK Design Studio. With a design philosophy that both architecture and art should merge to create usable art, ARK quickly established itself as a known entity and exhibited throughout Scandinavia and Germany. ARK Design products sold very well and as far away as Japan and the USA.
Returning to the US to work for the world renowned furniture company PlyCraft Inc. and subsequently, BackSaver Products, Nathaniel Smith's designs emphasized ergonomics and health. At BackSaver Nathaniel designed several zero gravity recliners that would revolutionize the way we recline and relax.
Today, Nathaniel Smith Design produces exceptional comfort products including ergo-forms™, which are available at several specialty retail stores throughout the country.
With a keen interest in teaching and sharing the knowledge gained through years of experience, Nathaniel teaches and instructs part time at Rhode Island School of Design on topics that range from rapid prototype printing and cnc work to upholstery and ergonomic instruction.
Courses
Wintersession 2024 Courses
FD 2407-101 - EXPLORING UPHOLSTERY FROM THE BASICS TO THE EXTREME
LevelUndergraduate
UnitFurniture Design
Subject Furniture Design
Period Wintersession 2024
Credits 3
FormatStudio
Mode In-Person
Start date
End date
FD 2407-101
EXPLORING UPHOLSTERY FROM THE BASICS TO THE EXTREME
This course will focus on the art of upholstery design. It will teach the basics of traditional techniques and materials; cover historic influences; and explore methods used in mass production. The course will survey nontraditional materials and review unconventional methods. There will be an emphasis on ergonomics including shaping, angles, and scale and how upholstery impacts comfort. This is a hands-on class where students will gain experience applying the techniques of upholstery.
Estimated Cost of Materials: $100.00
Elective
Summer 2024 Courses
FD 2455-01 - *DENMARK: DESIGN SEMINAR AND WORKSHOP
LevelUndergraduate
UnitFurniture Design
Subject Furniture Design
Period Summer 2024
Credits 3
FormatWorkshop
Mode In-Person
Start date
End date
FD 2455-01
*DENMARK: DESIGN SEMINAR AND WORKSHOP
LevelUndergraduate
UnitFurniture Design
Subject Furniture Design
PeriodSummer 2024
Credits3
FormatWorkshop
ModeIn-Person
Start and End2024-06-01 to 2024-08-31
Instructor(s): Nathaniel SmithEnrolled / Capacity: 14Status: Open
SECTION DESCRIPTION
Located in the heart of Copenhagen this course is a three week immersion in the world of New Nordic design with a focus on Denmark. Denmark is the forefront of design and sustainability. Through this course, students will explore the historical influences and current trends that have helped create a national culture identity of integrating design and sustainability into the Danish daily life. Class time includes seminars with prominent Scandinavian designers. There will be multiple design assignments some which include making and modeling, others are research based. There are class field trips to manufacturers - PP M°bler, Fritz Hansen, Ilomio and more - in addition to design studio visits to Muuto, Hay, Normann and others. We will also visit IKEA's headquarters in Sweden where we meet members of the in-house design team and see the IKEA facilities. Though the focus will be on furniture, there will be discussions and field trips that explore the influence of Danish design upon architecture, city planning, lighting, ceramics and textiles. Local explorations include recent architectural works and city sites such as Bjarke Ingles + BIG, Henning Larsen, Lungaard & Tranberg and more. Additional cultural visits include the Danish Design Museum, Louisiana Museum of Modern Art and historical sites.
Students must complete an application through RISD Global to be added to this course. A minimum GPA of 2.5 is required, good conduct standing, and permission of the instructor. GPA, Student Conduct Standing, and standing with Equity and Compliance will be verified and may preclude a student from participation, either before or during the term. Most courses are open to first year students with approval from the Dean of Experimental and Foundation Studies.
