Furniture design

Furniture designers produce designs for items of furniture and other related products.

These may be mass-produced, made in small batches or one-offs.

They can be involved in just the design aspect of the work, or could also produce items from their own designs.

 

Day-to-day tasks would vary depending on the job, but could include: carrying out research to help develop ideas; considering how the item will look and how practical or functional it will be; working to a brief agreed with a client; producing new designs, or improving existing ones if working for a manufacturer; taking into account cost and availibility of materials and safety implications.

They are also involved in: preparing sketches of initial ideas, by hand or using computer software; working closely with other professionals such as production managers, marketing staff and design engineers; testing ideas using models, prototypes and computer-aided design (CAD); preparing more detailed final designs – in larger companies these may be worked up in detail by specialist staff. Self-employed designers also market their work and carry out tasks involved in running a business, such as budgeting and administration.

Starting salaries can be up to around £18,000 a year. Experienced designers can earn £25,000 or more. 

Senior designers can earn £45,000 or more.

You would usually need a relevant BTEC HND or degree – courses which include practical skills as well as creative design would be most useful. You could complete a specific furniture design degree, however, subjects like 3-D design, spatial design, furniture technology or product design are also relevant.

You would need to put together a portfolio of your design work that you can take along to interviews for courses and jobs.

Because the design industry is very competitive, any work experience you gain will give you an advantage when it comes to getting a job. It is worth researching companies whose products match your style, and making speculative approaches.

Entering competitions, exhibitions and shows may also be a good way of getting yourself noticed by employers.

If you intend to become self-employed, you can develop practical skills such as upholstery and carpentry on a wide range of courses offered by local colleges.

The crafts officer of your local regional arts board may be able to advise on studio availability and possible sources of funding - see the Arts Council website for contact details.