Furniture Design and Prototyping for 15 - 17 Year Olds - Nottingham Trent University

Explore the exciting world of furniture design and model making on this hands-on course.

You’ll discover how to take an idea from a quick sketch to a beautifully finished prototype, while learning about form, function and aesthetics. Working in our specialist design studios, you’ll be introduced to the same creative processes used by professional designers; from concept sketching and technical drawing to model construction and presentation, you’ll design an item of your choice and make a painted scale model.

This course is perfect if you’re considering a future in product or furniture design, or if you simply love creating and want to develop your skills in a professional environment.

You’ll start the week by exploring how furniture designers think and work, thinking about what makes great design stand out and how creativity meets functionality. Through drawing, design development and 3D model making, you’ll bring your own ideas to life.

During this course, you will:
• Learn the fundamentals of furniture design, including proportion, ergonomics and visual balance.
• Experiment with different drawing and design techniques to express your ideas.
• Create concept sketches and develop these into more detailed, scaled designs.
• Work with foam to produce a 3D prototype of your furniture design.
• Apply colour and finishing techniques to make your model presentation-ready.
• Gain insight into what it’s like to study design at university and the kinds of projects you could develop at higher levels.

By the end of the course, you’ll have created a high-quality prototype model and visual presentation of your design, perfect for adding to your design portfolio. You’ll also leave with a better understanding of the furniture design industry, the materials used, and how concepts progress from sketch to manufacture.

Tutor profile: Krishan Parmer has been a creative designer for 14 years, working in Industrial, Furniture, Space and Automotive product sectors for companies like Triumph Motorcycles, Jaguar Land Rover and the Satellite Applications Catapult.

As a practising designer, he’s passionate about encouraging the next generation of makers and innovators. Krishan’s experience in design engineering and creative industries allows him to guide students through both the artistic and technical aspects of design. He brings real-world industry insight to the classroom; from concept ideation to prototype production to help students see how their ideas could one day turn into professional projects or products.

What's included in the price?
This course will be delivered in person on Nottingham Trent University city campus.

Your course fees cover the cost of studies and include great benefits such as the use of our modern library and free use of the IT equipment and software on the campus during your course.

You will also need to bring with you:
• Pens and notepad.
• Sketchbook (any size that you feel comfortable working with, either A4 or A3).
• Pencils.
• 30 cm ruler.
• Sketchpad.
• Camera - your phone will be fine.
• Laptop and memory stick if you have one – useful but not essential.

On successful completion of the course you will receive a certificate of attendance, which will further enhance your CV.

Cancellation policy
Medium - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 4 weeks before the course starts