RISD Undergraduate Degrees - BFA: Furniture Design

At RISD our department educates students in furniture design expressed through the creation of designed and built objects. We focus on learning through making, and on new opportunities for interfacing with the world. Through our sequenced curriculum, students investigate emerging challenges that technologies, materials, economic conditions and changes in societal patterns present to this generation of designers and makers.

Our rigorous program integrates theory, skills, research, context and professional practice, defining a unique educational experience. Utilizing a wide materials range and emphasizing varied approaches, our curriculum encourages and enables experimentation. We focus on not only the principles and practice of furniture design and human interaction, but also the social value of studio work, good design and responsible citizenship. Our students often engage in sponsored external research and showcase their work in domestic and international exhibits.

visit risd admissions | view videos

• Sophomore Studio Methods (fall)
• Sophomore Design/Practice (spring)
• Drawing for Furniture/2D + 3D (fall/spring)
• History of Furniture (spring)
• Major or non-major studio electives (fall/spring)
• Wintersession course (winter)

Sophomores
In the first year of the program, you will learn to achieve technical competency with a range of materials and their applications, and to develop design processes for evolving concepts through both models and built pieces.

• Junior Studio I (fall)
• Junior Studio II (spring)
• Research or major electives (fall/spring)
• Studio or Liberal Arts electives (fall/spring)
• Wintersession course (winter)

Juniors
As a junior, you will be encouraged to experiment while researching new materials and technologies, types of furniture objects and issues relating to the role of furniture in specific contexts or settings.

• Advanced Furniture Studio (fall)
• Senior Studio (spring)
• Professional Practice/Portfolio (fall)
• Studio or Liberal Arts electives (fall/spring)
• Wintersession course (winter)

Seniors
In the senior year, you will create a body of work that demonstrates a high level of understanding of the principles of furniture design while simultaneously expressing your own design theory and aesthetic strengths. In addition, you will focus on professional presentation and practice.