Designer: Furniture
The Work
Furniture designers produce designs for items of furniture and other
related products. Designs may be for mass production, in small batches,
or as one-offs, and designers may just be involved in this aspect
of the work, or may be designer / makers, producing items from their
own designs.
Designers may first carry out research and look at other products to help them develop their own ideas. They will need to consider how the item will look and how practical or functional it will be, taking into consideration areas such as the cost and availability of materials, the manufacturing process, the needs of the client or intended end-user, and safety implications. They may work to a brief agreed with a client or, in the case of manufacturing companies, may originate new designs or improve existing ones.
Designers prepare sketches of their initial ideas, by hand or with the aid of computer software, often in liaison with other professionals such as production managers, marketing staff and design engineers.
Designers will develop their ideas using models, prototypes and computer-aided design (CAD). They may prepare their own more detailed designs for themselves or manufacturing specialists to work from, or in larger companies these may be worked up in detail by specialised draughtsmen/women.
Self-employment will include involvement in marketing, financial and business activities.
Hours and Conditions
Working conditions and hours of work vary. Designers spend much of
their time a studio; those employed by companies may work as part
of a design team, whereas self-employed designers may have their own
workshop or studio, or may share premises to reduce costs.
Designers working for organisations such as large manufacturers or design companies are more likely to work regular hours, but extra hours during the week are common when there are deadlines to meet. Self employed designers are more likely to work irregular hours, including weekends.
Some travel may be necessary, for example to carry out research, meet clients or visit factories, therefore a driving licence is useful.
Skills and Interests
To be a furniture designer you need:
Training
Designers need to keep up to date with developments in materials and equipment, and in design trends. Because computer aided design is increasingly common, training in its use as a design tool is useful, and may be essential for some jobs.
Opportunities
Furniture designers may be self-employed as designer/makers, or may
be employed by large manufacturing companies, retailers, design studios
and consultancy practices.
Self employed designers will need to find premises. The Crafts Council or crafts officer of local regional arts boards and the Artists Information Company may be able to advise on studio availability and possible sources of funding.
Experienced designers may progress to more senior positions, or into specialised areas. They may also move to positions such as furniture buyer.
Salary
The annual income section is intended as a guideline only.
Salaries can vary widely depending ability, reputation and type of employer.
Starting salaries may range from £12,000 to £17,000 per
year.
Experienced designers can earn from £25,000 upwards per year.
Further Information
Channel 4 is not responsible for the content of third party websites.
Artists Information Company
www.a-n.co.uk
Design Council
Tel: 020 7420 5200
www.design-council.org.uk
Arts Council England
Tel: 0845 300 6200
www.artscouncil.org.uk
Scottish Arts Council
Tel: 0845 603 6000
www.sac.org.uk
Arts Council of Northern Ireland
Tel: 028 9038 5200
www.artscouncil-ni.org
Arts Council of Wales
Tel: 029 2037 6500
www.artswales.org
Crafts Council
Tel: 020 7278 7700
www.craftscouncil.org.uk
Arts Advice
Tel: 0800 093 0444
www.artsadvice.com
