Furniture Design program pioneered by SoFA Design Institute

SoFA Design Institute recently inaugurated an 18-week Masters Class in Furniture Design. Geared towards introducing the field to people with a background in design, our course is focused on ‘process’ – the manner by which designers find inspiration through their own values, interests, and experiences. Being a nation which prides itself in top-notch furniture manufacturing, by studying how to design furniture, and ultimately how to build and market furniture, this course sequence will fill a gap in an area of critical importance to the Philippine economy and culture.

In partnership with the Chamber of Furniture Industries of the Philippines (CFIP), whose mandate supports the elevation of design standards to reinforce the global competitiveness of the Philippine furniture industry, SoFA Design Institute conceived a unique, hybrid class. Recognizing there are many complimentary ways to create unique furniture, we anchored our course around three notable figures active in design: architect Ed Calma, interior designer Tina Periquet and SoFA Design Institute Dean Tobias Guggenheimer. Each has experience in furniture design and each has evolved a distinct design methodology to share with students.

Students’ output from the class were recently showcased at the Philippine International Furniture Show alongside some of the country’s luminaries in Furniture Design. The exhibition illustrated some of the design explorations which have been created by students in this master class.

In June, SoFA Design Institute will build on this course by inaugurating a 1-year, full-time program in the subject. This new, free-standing program will consider design, technology, business, materiality and many other factors a furniture designer will need to appreciate as he or she ventures into this exciting corner of the design world. SoFA Design Institute’s Furniture Design program – Short Courses, Certificate Program, I-Year Program – is open for admissions for school year 2015 – 2016 (June Semester). For inquiries, contact the SoFA Design Institute – Admissions Office (E: admissions@sofa.edu.ph, T: (02) 478 4611 or 22 loc. 150).

ADVT