Nathaniel Smith

Critic - Furniture Design

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
Level Undergraduate
Unit Furniture Design
Subject Furniture Design
Period Wintersession 2024
Credits 3
Format Studio
Mode In-Person
Start date
End date

FD 2407-101

EXPLORING UPHOLSTERY FROM THE BASICS TO THE EXTREME

Level Undergraduate
Unit Furniture Design
Subject Furniture Design
Period Wintersession 2024
Credits 3
Format Studio
Mode In-Person
Start and End 2024-01-04 to 2024-02-07
Times: MTW | 1:10 PM - 6:10 PM | 02/05/2024 - 02/07/2024; MT | 1:10 PM - 6:10 PM | 01/29/2024 - 01/30/2024; MTW | 1:10 PM - 6:10 PM | 01/22/2024 - 01/24/2024; T | 1:10 PM - 6:10 PM | 01/16/2024 - 01/16/2024; MTW | 1:10 PM - 6:10 PM | 01/08/2024 - 01/10/2024 Instructor(s): Nathaniel Smith Location(s): Bank Building, Room 202 Enrolled / Capacity: 12 Status: Closed

SECTION DESCRIPTION

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