Graduate Furniture, Lighting and Fixtures

Mission Statement

Our Master of Science degree in Furniture, Lighting and Fixtures investigates the relationship between body, space, place, function and application of furniture and fixtures design with an emphasis in innovation, industry standards and manufacturing. We look at furniture, lighting, and fixtures as an integrated component of spatial experience and explore the psychological, physical, and emotional role of furniture in our living and working environments. Our design focus takes us well beyond style to consider the links between user, brand, function, opportunity, and industry. This program deepens ones understanding of the “process of production” of furniture, lighting and fixtures and its relationship to manufacturing, materials, market, brand and human nature.

Our program seeks to elevate an individual’s conceptual and philosophical knowledge, technical skill sets and practical application to the making and fabrication of production furniture, lighting & fixtures. Our approach blends an understanding of: Brand development, responsible making practices, human-centered design trends with an eye to innovation.

Advanced knowledge in making and manufacturing

• Students will learn a deeper understanding of development strategies for production manufacturing. They will develop tools and processes which enable them to engage in a critical dialogue between opportunity, need, function, innovation and making.

Conceptual and Design Story development

• Understanding market, brand, and need, students will develop new avenues to engage in conceptual exploration. Understanding how furniture, lighting and fixtures can be the connectors between humans and space around them. Lateral thinking, disruptive thinking, and intuitive thinking help widen their perspective and encourage innovation.

Elevating Research skills

• Students will refine their research and investigative skills by learning a combination of methodologies that employ qualitative and quantitative analysis designed specifically for the discipline. Students not only learn how research is integral to a design process but more directly what is the historical context and benchmarks on which new ideas and innovation can be developed.

Comprehension of current market, manufacturing and industry standards

• Students will gain an understanding of where the market has been, where it is now, and where it could go that will influence and define their ability to develop informed conclusions. Understanding what the acknowledged industry standards are and where there are opportunities for change are the basis of innovation. Gaining insight from manufacturing innovation and market trends help to define future professional practice.

Developed personal voice

• Students will learn to examine their personal direction in design and develop a strong point of view in their discipline. Exercises that test their perspective and beliefs against current market and design issues and principles help push the boundaries of the practice and create more effective designers. Students are asked to defend their point of view through rigorous critique and self-examination, while innovative skill sets help their ability to communicate through models, rendering and prototypes.