Technology and global competition have caught up with the artisans who hand-crafted traditional furniture through the centuries. Once upon a time master craftsmen passed on these skills to apprentices. Today, the future of the U.S. furniture industry demands skills beyond form and function. Master's degrees in furniture design can unleash the latest technologies, visions for business opportunity and new methods of gaining market share in the 21st century.
Furniture design studies
As an aspiring furniture designer, you will need a strong background in computer-aided industrial design, or CAID. Industrial and commercial design studies include sketching, drafting and manufacturing methods.
The curriculum for master's degrees in furniture design covers practical and theoretical applications of design in the crafting of furniture, as well as extensive wood working practice to transform designs into functional furniture. Programs may also introduce some business skills and help you prepare a portfolio to demonstrate your talents.
Outlook for furniture designers
The U.S. furniture industry has seen tough competition from overseas production and distribution outlets and the loss of manufacturing to lower-cost markets. However, some hopeful signs point to on-shoring and reviving manufacturing activities in this country for furniture, especially made from locally grown lumber. Also, industry and educational institutions have created programs like WoodLINKS to help students take their designs in wood from concept to the marketing stage.
Given the challenges of economic globalization, today's designers need to use their creativity to reinvent the U.S. furniture industry. A new generation of furniture designers will be tasked with developing strategies and methods to reduce manufacturing and distribution costs.
Career outlook for furniture designers
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has no specific salary data for furniture designers, but industrial designers -- which include designers of mass-produced furniture -- as a whole saw $46,280 in median annual pay in 2010. The BLS expects commercial and industrial designers to see modest job growth of 10 percent between 2010 and 2020, and prospects should be best for those with computer-aided industrial design skills.
Hands-on experience is a valuable asset, and online coursework lets you continue working while you achieve your academic goals. Design schools often include an in-person element such as studio classes and group projects, so you may consider hybrid programs that blend virtual classes with on-campus work.
Technology and global competition have caught up with the artisans who hand-crafted traditional furniture through the centuries. Once upon a time master craftsmen passed on these skills to apprentices. Today, the future of the U.S. furniture industry demands skills beyond form and function. Master's degrees in furniture design can unleash the latest technologies, visions for business opportunity and new methods of gaining market share in the 21st century.
Furniture design studies
As an aspiring furniture designer, you will need a strong background in computer-aided industrial design, or CAID. Industrial and commercial design studies include sketching, drafting and manufacturing methods.
The curriculum for master's degrees in furniture design covers practical and theoretical applications of design in the crafting of furniture, as well as extensive wood working practice to transform …
