Skip to Main Content

BFA.FD.120 - BFA in Furniture Design

Download as PDF

2025 - 2026 | Curriculum | 4-year program

In beginning the program, sophomores 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. Juniors are encouraged to experiment in the course of researching new materials and technologies, various types of furniture and other 3D objects, and issues relating to the human factors of design. In the final year, seniors focus on the Degree Project, professional practices and create a final body of work that demonstrates a high level of understanding of the principles of furniture design while simultaneously expressing their own vision and aesthetic strengths.

Learning outcomes

Graduates of the BFA program are prepared to:

  • conceive of and develop a body of self-directed work comprised of highly resolved, full-scale furniture and objects.

  • effectively use drawing, writing, reading and the making of objects in parallel to explore and articulate original design concepts.

  • demonstrate competency in handling a variety of materials and processes by taking a project from concept to finished object.

  • apply a unique and adaptable design process to a variety of contexts and problems such as form, materials research, fabrication and use.

  • articulate an informed point of view related to the fundamental issues of the discipline of furniture design.

First year

FALL

WINTERSESSION

SPRING

Foundation Curriculum

15

studio elective

3

Foundation Curriculum

12

Sophomore

FALL

WINTERSESSION

SPRING

FD 2501 - Sophomore Design Methods

6

optional

FD 2502 - Sophomore Design/Practice

6

FD 2510 - Drawing Furniture 2-D

3

FD 2511 - Drawing Furniture 3-D

3

major or non-major studio elective

3

LAEL 1026 - History of Furniture Design

3

Liberal Arts

3

Liberal Arts, major or non-major studio elective

3

total credits

15

total credits

15

Junior

FALL

WINTERSESSION

SPRING

FD 2521 - Design + Process or

FD 2522 - Form in Metals

6

optional

FD 2521 - Design + Process or

FD 2522 - Form in Metals

6

FD 2524 - Cultures of Production (SEI)

3

major or non-major studio elective

3

Liberal Arts, major or non-major studio elective

6

Liberal Arts

6

total credits

15

total credits

12

Senior

FALL

WINTERSESSION

SPRING

FD 2580 - Advanced Furniture Studio

6

optional

FD 2590 - Senior Degree Project

6

major or non-major studio elective

3

major or non-major studio elective

3

Liberal Arts

6

Liberal Arts

6

total credits

15

total credits

15

notes:

  • LIBERAL ARTS - 39 TOTAL CREDITS, 30 TAKEN AFTER THE FIRST YEAR including HPSS S301. See Liberal Arts Division for specific requirements. LAEL 1026:History of Furniture fulfills a THAD elective requirement for Furniture Design majors

  • MAJOR ELECTIVES - 6 CREDITS in Furniture Design

  • NON-MAJOR ELECTIVES - 12 CREDITS from studio subjects outside of Furniture Design