by appointment

MWF: 8:30PM - 11:20PM
CDE (Center for Design Excellence)

An introduction to the principles of furniture design, with special emphasis on material properties, fabrication methods, tectonics, and structural considerations of furniture design. The course also serves as an introduction to best-practice techniques for safely using the tools and equipment within the Fabrication Lab. Through a series of initial exercises students will develop a versatile foundation in woodworking and metalworking skills that will be applied to the design and fabrication of small-scale furniture projects.

- Introduce students to best-practice techniques for safely using the tools and equipment within the Fabrication Lab.

- Introduce students to the principles of furniture design.

- Establish a versatile foundation in woodworking and metalworking skills.

- Promote a deep understanding of the design considerations and constraints of working with physical materials, such as hardwoods and mild steel.

- Hone human-centered design skills with special emphasis on the validation opportunities presented through testing and prototyping,

- Increased proficiency in the rapid generation of multiple solutions while making decisions during the design process towards the development of an iterative method of problem solving that is applicable across multiple mediums and scales of design.

- Wood Skill Exercises
- Portable Table
- Metal Skills Exercises
- Coffee Table

All texts are available in either the Farris Family Fabrication Lab Office Library (F) or Weigel Library (W). Additional texts/ materials may be distributed digitally.

- Noll, T., (2006). The Joint Book: The Complete Guide to Wood Joinery. Quarto Inc. New York, NY. (F)

- Norman, D., (2013). The Design of Everyday Things: Revised and Expanded Edition. Perseus Books Group. New York, NY. (W)

- Pile, J., (1990) Furniture: Modern & Postmodern. 2nd Edition, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. New York, NY. (F)

- Pye, D., (1968). The Nature and Art of Workmanship. Cambridge University Press. Cambridge, UK. (F)

Clean up
Keeping the workshop clean is important for productivity and safety. As a part of the community that works in the Fabrication Labs it is essential that all work areas and machines are cleaned after each use and that tools are routinely returned to their proper storage location. To facilitate this and establish a culture of responsibility, all students will engage in shop clean-up at the end of each class period as part of their class participation/ professionalism.

Respect the equipment and tools
If students are unsure about a particular operation, they should seek guidance from fabrication lab staff or instructors. Additionally, regardless of previous experience, all cuts made on the table saws must be demonstrated and approved by instructors or employees of the Farris Family Foundation Lab before each use. Misused and mistreated tools are a major cause of accidents, and tool/equipment failure.

Look out for one another
Students should look out for one another when moving material and sharp objects, but also by lending a hand when it is needed. Students should say something if they witness unsafe operations or behavior and help each other when two people are required for a task.

The Instructors and the Department of Interior Architecture and Industrial Design retain the right to use images of projects and materials submitted in print publications, for public display, and in the college and department’s web page(s). These exhibitions are an exciting opportunity to share your hard work with the college and community at large. They are also an opportunity to add “selected for exhibition” to your project portfolio pages and resumes. Additionally, the Instructors and the Department of Interior Architecture and Industrial Design retain the right to submit or not submit your design solutions at different professional venues based on merit.

At the end of each project students are required to remove their work after it has been graded, per the instructor’s guidance.

This is a furniture design studio and furniture fabrication workshop. Engaging in a consistent and iterative design process that visibly communicates progress is essential to receive meaningful feedback and to provide an opportunity for learning. Students are expected to attend class with tangible materials, sketches, models, mock-ups, and prototypes ready at the start of class that demonstrate substantive (important, meaningful, and/or considerable) progress each class session.

Additionally, while there are circumstances in which outsourcing a process or component is necessary, such as drawer glides, it is expected that students will fabricate their projects themselves using the resources available in the Fabrication Lab whenever possible & feasible. The inclusion of premade components such as tabletops, table/ chair legs, wood slabs, cushions, etc. are not permitted.

In some cases, exercises are intended to introduce students to fabrication techniques that they will use as a springboard for design exploration (e.g., joinery and welding exercises). In other cases, the exercises are intended to be part of the fabrication process based on the constraints in the design brief (the portable table surface). In both cases, it is expected that the exercises will be executed to the best of one’s ability in order to learn the technique(s) for use in the current (or a future) project. Therefore exercises are graded as Pass/Fail. However, components intended for use in the final prototype will be graded as part of the associated project (the craft of the portable table top will be graded as part of the portable table project).

The basic structure of the rubrics align with the categories below.

Students will be assessed on:

1. Process
- Research: documented precedents used to guide your exploration including basic functionality
- User Analysis and Context: documented user needs in the specific context of the project
- Exploration: documented quantity, quality, variety, and testing of iterations
- Refinement: documented development of the formal design and concept including failed experiments
- Final: documented final work including high-quality renderings and/or photographs
- Learning: documented learning journey in essay form

2. Design
- Appropriateness: the design is appropriate to its context
- Functionality: the design functions effectively
- Feasibility: the design is feasible for its context
- Physicality: the design considers human factors and ergonomics
- Innovation: the design is innovative
- Visual Appeal: the design is visually interesting
- Completeness: the design is well-resolved including
minute details

3. Execution
- Final: the final piece is well-crafted
- Final Rendering: scale is accurate and finishes look realistic
- Final Presentation: the final presentation is well crafted with a clear hierarchy. Type and images are scaled and aligned appropriately. Spelling and grammar are correct 

4. Professionalism
- Time Management: used time effectively
- Level of Effort: put the appropriate amount of time into the project
- Engaged: was attentive in class and asked for help or clarification when necessary
- Feedback (to others): provided constructive criticism to others regularly
- Feedback (from others): considered constructive criticism from others

Grades will be based on individual efforts and the work quality produced by the student for each assignment and on the improvement of the skills learned during the course.

All projects and exercises are due on the assigned date and time – EXCEPTION WILL ONLY BE MADE DUE TO HEALTH ISSUES.

A specific grading form (a rubric) will be used for each project or exercise with a numerical grading system used as follows:

A+ 100 B+ 89 C+ 79 D+ 69 F 9 and below
A  5 B  5 C  5 D  5
A-  0 B- 80 C- 70 D- 0

The semester grade will be based on the accumulated points from the overall process, sketchbook, graded exercises, and final presentation. The weight of each exercise will be proportional to the amount of time and degree of difficulty spent on that exercise.

The faculty of Interior Architecture and Product Design at Kansas State University makes attendance mandatory in all courses taught in the department and required for major in the program. Attendance is expected, and unexcused absences will have a significant effect on grades. It is important to be at every class and engage in discussions and class activities to maximize your learning experience.

- After the third unexcused absence, the final semester grade will be lowered by 5% for each additional absence.
- Every three tardiness (more than 15 minutes late or leaving at any time before the end of the class) will count as one absence.

Upon accumulating three absences (for any reason), the professor will schedule a meeting with the student and the academic advisor to discuss the student’s standing in the class. Excessive absences may result in dropping the student from the class. Active participation in classroom activities is mandatory; students must make every effort to provide the results of the classroom activities. If students anticipate being absent or late to class, please contact the instructor immediately, and well ahead of the class time. Final grades will be reduced to extent that, in the judgment of the instructor, absences have interfered with the learning of the student or the student’s effectiveness in the class.

K-State has a University Excused Absence policy (Section F62) https://www.k-state.edu/provost/universityhb/fhsecf.html. Class absence(s) will be handled between the instructor and the student unless there are other university offices involved. For university excused absences, instructors shall provide the student the opportunity to make up missed assignments, activities, and/or attendance specific points that contribute to the course grade, unless they decide to excuse those missed assignments from the student’s course grade. Please see the policy for a complete list of university excused absences and how to obtain one. Students are encouraged to contact their instructor regarding their absences.

Information about K-State’s response to the global pandemic is available at https://www.k-state.edu/covid-19. If you become ill and you believe you have coronavirus symptoms, please do not come to campus.  Review the “COVID-19 exposure, isolation and quarantine protocols Policy” at https://www.k-state.edu/covid-19/guidance/health/isolation-quarantine.html and take appropriate steps to guard your health and the health of others.

Please be aware of the K-State excused absence policy (F62 CLASS ATTENDANCE AND COURSEWORK). Refer to The APDesign Absence Procedures (available on the APDesign website) https://apdesign.k-state.edu/about/faculty-staff-resources/resources-pdfs/APDesign%20Procedure%20for%20Student%20Absence%20From%20Class_updated%20F2020.pdf

The APDesign Office of Student & Academic Services (capdss@ksu.edu) can help you document certain absences that are not covered under the University excused absence policy.

NOTE: Students should contact the University Offices of Student Life https://www.k-state.edu/studentlife/ if their absence will extend beyond five class days or if they have extenuating circumstances.

Kansas State University has an Honor and Integrity System based on personal integrity, which is presumed to be sufficient assurance that, in academic matters, one’s work is performed honestly and without unauthorized assistance. Undergraduate and graduate students, by registration, acknowledge the jurisdiction of the Honor and Integrity System. The policies and procedures of the Honor and Integrity System apply to all full and part-time students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate courses on-campus, off-campus, and via distance learning. A component vital to the Honor and Integrity System is the inclusion of the Honor Pledge which applies to all assignments, examinations, or other course work undertaken by students. The Honor Pledge is implied, whether or not it is stated: “On my honor, as a student, I have neither given nor received unauthorized aid on this academic work.” A grade of XF can result from a breach of academic honesty. The F indicates failure in the course; the X indicates the reason is an Honor Pledge violation.

At K-State it is important that every student has access to course content and the means to demonstrate course mastery. Students with disabilities may benefit from services including accommodations provided by the Student Access Center. Disabilities can include physical, learning, executive functions, and mental health. You may register at the Student Access Center or to learn more contact:

Manhattan/Olathe/Global Campus – Student Access Center 
accesscenter@k-state.edu
785-532-6441    

K-State Salina Campus – Julie Rowe; Student Success Coordinator
jarowe@k-state.edu
785-820-7908    

Students already registered with the Student Access Center please request your Letters of Accommodation early in the semester to provide adequate time to arrange your approved academic accommodations. Once SAC approves your Letter of Accommodation it will be e-mailed to you, and your instructor(s) for this course.  Please follow up with your instructor to discuss how best to implement the approved accommodations.

All student activities in the University, including this course, are governed by the Student Judicial Conduct Code as outlined in the Student Governing Association By Laws, Article V, Section 3, number 2. Students who engage in behavior that disrupts the learning environment may be asked to leave the class.

At K-State, faculty and staff are committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and supportive learning environment for students from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. K-State courses, labs, and other virtual and physical learning spaces promote equitable opportunity to learn, participate, contribute, and succeed, regardless of age, race, color, ethnicity, nationality, genetic information, ancestry, disability, socioeconomic status, military or veteran status, immigration status, Indigenous identity, gender identity, gender expression, sexuality, religion, culture, as well as other social identities.

Faculty and staff are committed to promoting equity and believe the success of an inclusive learning environment relies on the participation, support, and understanding of all students. Students are encouraged to share their views and lived experiences as they relate to the course or their course experience while recognizing they are doing so in a learning environment in which all are expected to engage with respect to honor the rights, safety, and dignity of others in keeping with the K-State Principles of Community https://www.k-state.edu/about/values/community/.

If you feel uncomfortable because of comments or behavior encountered in this class, you may bring it to the attention of your instructor, advisors, and/or mentors. If you have questions about how to proceed with a confidential process to resolve concerns, please contact the Student Ombudsperson Office. Violations of the student code of conduct can be reported here https://www.k-state.edu/sga/judicial/student-code-of-conduct.html. If you experience bias or discrimination, it can be reported here https://www.k-state.edu/report/discrimination/.

Kansas State University strongly encourages, but does not require, that everyone wear masks while indoors on university property, including while attending in-person classes. For additional information and the latest on K-State’s face covering policy, see https://www.k-state.edu/covid-19/guidance/health/face-covering.html.

Kansas State University is committed to maintaining academic, housing, and work environments that are free of discrimination, harassment, and sexual harassment. Instructors support the University’s commitment by creating a safe learning environment during this course, free of conduct that would interfere with your academic opportunities. Instructors also have a duty to report any behavior they become aware of that potentially violates the University’s policy prohibiting discrimination, harassment, and sexual harassment, as outlined by PPM 3010.

If a student is subjected to discrimination, harassment, or sexual harassment, they are encouraged to make a non-confidential report to the University’s Office for Institutional Equity (OIE) using the online reporting form. Incident disclosure is not required to receive resources at K-State. Reports that include domestic and dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, should be considered for reporting by the complainant to the Kansas State University Police Department or the Riley County Police Department. Reports made to law enforcement are separate from reports made to OIE. A complainant can choose to report to one or both entities. Confidential support and advocacy can be found with the K-State Center for Advocacy, Response, and Education (CARE). Confidential mental health services can be found with Lafene Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). Academic support can be found with the Office of Student Life (OSL). OSL is a non-confidential resource. OIE also provides a comprehensive list of resources on their website. If you have questions about non-confidential and confidential resources, please contact OIE at equity@ksu.edu or (785) 532–6220.

Kansas State University is a community of students, faculty, and staff who work together to discover new knowledge, create new ideas, and share the results of their scholarly inquiry with the wider public. Although new ideas or research results may be controversial or challenge established views, the health and growth of any society requires frank intellectual exchange. Academic freedom protects this type of free exchange and is thus essential to any university’s mission.

Moreover, academic freedom supports collaborative work in the pursuit of truth and the dissemination of knowledge in an environment of inquiry, respectful debate, and professionalism. Academic freedom is not limited to the classroom or to scientific and scholarly research, but extends to the life of the university as well as to larger social and political questions. It is the right and responsibility of the university community to engage with such issues.

Kansas State University prohibits the possession of firearms, explosives, and other weapons on any University campus, with certain limited exceptions, including the lawful concealed carrying of handguns, as provided in the University Weapons Policy,
found at http://www.k-state.edu/police/weapons/index.html.

You are encouraged to take the online weapons policy education module (http://www.k-state.edu/police/weapons/index.html) to ensure you understand the requirements of the policy, including the requirements related to concealed carrying of handguns on campus.  Students possessing a concealed handgun on campus must be lawfully eligible to carry and either at least 21 years of age or a licensed individual who is 18-21 years of age.  All carrying requirements of the policy must be observed in this class, including but not limited to the requirement that a concealed handgun be completely hidden from view, securely held in a holster that meets the specifications of the policy, carried without a chambered round of ammunition, and that any external safety be in the “on” position.

If an individual carries a concealed handgun in a personal carrier such as a backpack, purse, or handbag, the carrier must remain within the individual’s exclusive and uninterrupted control. This includes wearing the carrier with a strap, carrying or holding the carrier, or setting the carrier next to or within the immediate reach of the individual.

Each individual who lawfully possesses a handgun on campus shall be wholly and solely responsible for carrying, storing and using that handgun in a safe manner and in accordance with the law, Board policy and University policy. All reports of suspected violation of the weapons policy are made to the University Police Department by picking up any Emergency Campus Phone or by calling 785-532-6412.

Kansas State University is committed to providing a safe teaching and learning environment for students and faculty members. In order to enhance your safety in the unlikely case of a campus emergency make sure that you know where and how to quickly exit your classroom and how to follow any emergency directives. To view additional campus emergency information go to the University’s main page, www.k-state.edu, and click on the Emergency Information button, located at the bottom of the page.

K-State has many resources to help contribute to student success. These resources include accommodations for academics, paying for college, student life, health and safety, and others found at www.k-state.edu/onestop

Student academic creations are subject to Kansas State University and Kansas Board of Regents Intellectual Property Policies. For courses in which students will be creating intellectual property, the K-State policy can be found at University Handbook, Appendix R: Intellectual Property Policy and Institutional Procedures (part I.E.). These policies address ownership and use of student academic creations.

Your mental health and good relationships are vital to your overall well-being. Symptoms of mental health issues may include excessive sadness or worry, thoughts of death or self-harm, inability to concentrate, lack of motivation, or substance abuse. Although problems can occur anytime for anyone, you should pay extra attention to your mental health if you are feeling academic or financial stress, discrimination, or have experienced a traumatic event, such as the loss of a friend or family member, sexual assault, or other physical or emotional abuse. If you are struggling with these issues, do not wait to seek assistance.

Kansas State University Counseling Services (k-state.edu/counseling/) offers free and confidential services to assist you to meet these challenges.

Lafene Health Center (https://www.k-state.edu/lafene) has specialized nurse practitioners to assist with mental health.

The Office of Student Life (k-state.edu/studentlife) can direct you to additional resources.

K-State Family Center offers individual, couple, and family counseling services on a sliding fee scale (https://www.hhs.k-state.edu/familycenter/).

Center for Advocacy, Response, and Education (CARE) provides free and confidential assistance for those in our K-State community who have been victimized by violence (https://www.k-state.edu/care/).

K-State has a University Excused Absence policy (Section F62). Class absence(s) will be handled between the instructor and the student unless there are other university offices involved. For university excused absences, instructors shall provide the student the opportunity to make up missed assignments, activities, and/or attendance specific points that contribute to the course grade, unless they decide to excuse those missed assignments from the student’s course grade. Please see the policy for a complete list of university excused absences and how to obtain one. Students are encouraged to contact their instructor regarding their absences.