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Science & ResearchISCO 2163

Furniture designer

A furniture designer is a person who develops furniture and related products, and who takes part in making them as a craftsperson, a designer or a manufacturer.

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Rate 5 of the 15 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.

monitor sociological trends

monitor textile manufacturing developments

attend design meetings

adapt to new design materials

monitor art scene developments

About furniture designer

The concept of a piece of furniture combines three things: an innovative design, the functional requirements a piece has to meet, and its aesthetic qualities. The designer designs original furniture, works out how it will be constructed and consults with the design team on how the idea will be produced. Design specifications are then drawn up, setting out dimensions, materials, joints, finishes and tolerances, needed to make the piece.

Presenting artistic design proposals to clients and manufacturers is part of the job. Designers monitor trends in the exhibition sector and follow developments in the textile manufacturing market, including upholstery fabrics.

The designer draws on art history and aesthetics, including proportion and period styles. A furniture designer may work as a craftsperson who makes the pieces, as a designer within a team or as a manufacturer responsible for production. Formal requirements are set by the employer.

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (15)

design principlesdesign principlesThe elements used in design such as unity, scale, proportion, balance, symmetry, space, form, texture, colour, light, shade and congruence and their application into practice.art historyart historyThe history of art and artists, the artistic trends throughout centuries and their contemporary evolutions.aestheticsaestheticsSet of principles based on which something is appealing and beautiful.monitor sociological trendsmonitor sociological trendsIdentify and investigate sociological trends and movements in society.monitor textile manufacturing developmentsmonitor textile manufacturing developmentsKeep up to date with recent developments in textile manufacturing and processing techniques and technologies.attend design meetingsattend design meetingsAttend meetings to discuss the status of current projects and to be briefed on new projects.adapt to new design materialsadapt to new design materialsWithout neglecting more traditional techniques and materials, monitor materials innovation such as new resin, plastic, paints, metals, etc. Develop ability to use them and include them in design proje...monitor art scene developmentsmonitor art scene developmentsMonitor artistic events, trends, and other developments. Read recent art publications in order to develop ideas and to keep in touch with relevant art world activities.monitor exhibition designsmonitor exhibition designsTravel to galleries and museums to study displays and exhibitions.design original furnituredesign original furnitureMaster and develop industrial aesthetics through ongoing research of new shapes, adapted to the function of the objects the research deals with (domestic objects, urban furnitures, etc.).draft design specificationsdraft design specificationsList the design specifications such as materials and parts to be used and a cost estimate.present artistic design proposalspresent artistic design proposalsPrepare and present detailed design suggestions for a specific production to a mixed group of people, including technical, artistic and management staff.consult with design teamconsult with design teamDiscuss the project and design concepts with the design team, finalise proposals and present these to stakeholders.gather reference materials for artworkgather reference materials for artworkGather samples of the materials you expect to use in the creation process, especially if the desired piece of art necessitates the intervention of qualified workers or specific production processes.develop design conceptdevelop design conceptResearch information to develop new ideas and concepts for the design of a specific production. Read scripts and consult directors and other production staff members, in order to develop design concep...
Optional (9) — show
design managementdesign managementThe way in which design principles are incorporated to help achieve business objectives, create products and services, obtain new customers, and support marketing activities.3D modelling3D modellingThe process of developing a mathematical representation of any three-dimensional surface of an object via specialised software. The product is called a 3D model. It can be displayed as a two-dimension...CAD softwareCAD softwareThe computer-aided design (CAD) software for creating, modifying, analysing or optimising a design.industrial designindustrial designThe practice of designing products to be manufactured through techniques of mass production.design propsdesign propsDraw prop sketches and define prop materials and building methods.use specialised design softwareuse specialised design softwareDeveloping new designs mastering specialised software.collaborate with a technical staff in artistic productionscollaborate with a technical staff in artistic productionsCoordinate your artistic activities with others who specialise in the technical side of the project. Inform the technical staff of your plans and methods and obtain feedback on feasibility, cost, proc...design materials for multimedia campaignsdesign materials for multimedia campaignsDraft and develop materials to be produced for a multimedia campaign, keeping in mind budgeting, scheduling and production.build propsbuild propsBuild props from a variety of materials, working with the design staff to create the appropriate prop for the production.

Related Occupations

Occupations that need many of the same essential skills, so the move between them is shortest.

interior designer5 shared essential skillscostume designer4 shared essential skillsindustrial designer4 shared essential skillsperformance artist4 shared essential skillspuppet designer4 shared essential skillsset designer4 shared essential skillsartistic painter3 shared essential skillsconceptual artist3 shared essential skills

Frequently asked questions

What does a furniture designer do?

Furniture designers work on items of furniture and related products. They design the product and are involved in its production as craftsmen and designers or makers. The conception of furniture combines innovative design, functional requirements and aesthetic appeal.

What skills does a furniture designer need?

A furniture designer needs 15 essential skills, including design principles, art history, aesthetics, monitor sociological trends, monitor textile manufacturing developments.

Will AI replace furniture designer jobs?

The AI disruption score for furniture designer is 67/100 (high risk). Skills most exposed to automation: monitor textile manufacturing developments, draft design specifications, design materials for multimedia campaigns. Most resilient: build props, consult with design team, gather reference materials for artwork.

AI Replacement Risk

67/ 100
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Quick Facts

SectorScience & Research
ISCO GroupScience and engineering professionals
Essential Skills15

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