Author: Sara Krnjajic, Architect and furniture designer
From the moment I set out on the path to becoming an architect, my vision extended beyond mere walls and lifeless structures. Building was never enough for me. I found myself thinking about the perfect pieces that could breathe life into those spaces; the furniture that could complete every nook and cranny of a house or office.
In my perspective, furniture is a personal stamp that adds warmth and character to any room – it’s not just functional, it’s a personal touch. That’s why, somewhere along my architectural journey, I decided to specialize not just in crafting the perfect room but in the very furniture that makes those spaces complete. This might sound simple, but the reality is anything but. Crafting a perfect piece of furniture is a formidable challenge, particularly when each client brings unique tastes and specifications to the table.
My job is to ensure that every piece of furniture is tailored to the client’s preferences while aligning perfectly with the production process. To shorten these design cycles and create prototypes of furniture products with accurate dimensions and materials, I rely on the power of 3D CAD modeling.
Step 1: Understanding the client’s style and preferences
My starting point in creating the ideal furniture piece is understanding the client’s style and preferences. Through my experience, I’ve realized that the desire to create custom furniture lies in the specific needs of the client or their space. So, grasping what clients like and how they envision their space sets the stage for creating a piece that feels uniquely theirs.
However, during the kickoff phase as a furniture designer, my task is to assess what is truly feasible and how it will fit into the entire space. I strive to find the perfect balance between functionality, the client’s wishes, and the budget. Basically, this step shapes the trajectory of designing a piece that authentically reflects the client’s individuality and fulfills the requirements of the particular space. During this phase, it’s crucial to be mindful of expectations and ensure everyone is on the same page.
Step 2: Research
After my first meeting with the client, I dive into the research phase. Despite all my experience in furniture design and architecture, I’m always looking for fresh vibes, checking out both the timeless classics and the latest trends.
I like to delve into the history of furniture design, especially when I’m looking for classic furniture. It’s like a goldmine of inspiration and ideas. The research helps me sketch out the basic idea for a new creation, thinking not only about the visualization of the piece but also about factors such as the cost, materials, tools, and manufacturing techniques.
Step 3: Design and creating a scale model
Once I find inspiration for the furniture piece I want to create, I dive into the most thrilling part – designing the model. This phase is where the concept starts to take shape, and all the ideas start materializing into an actual design. Here, I immerse myself in sketching, adjusting various design elements, and experimenting with materials, dimensions, and different angles. Even though I am a BIM modeler, my favorite tool for furniture design is PYTHA 3D CAD.
The software automates the creation of construction methods for furniture pieces — like screws, cam, & dowels, by significantly boosting my productivity. PYTHA software enables me to make accurate technical drawings and 2D and 3D constructions within a single system. What is even better is that it has seamless integration with CNC machines, which significantly optimizes the production process.
Before I craft a full prototype of the piece, I always create a small-scale model in order to see how it will look and to identify any potential issues early on. Also, this helps me figure out which joinery techniques will work best for the design.
Step 4: Integration with the production process
One more thing I have to keep in mind as a furniture designer is how the piece of furniture I’ve designed can be efficiently manufactured. This means my design should not only be visually appealing but also functional, durable, and cost-effective to produce. So, I have to consider:
- The materials,
- Production techniques,
- Assembly methods.
When it comes to material selection, I must consider their availability, cost, strength, and durability to ensure they’re suitable for the manufacturing process.
Once I choose materials, I focus on production techniques that are appropriate for the selected materials and the desired outcome. For example, certain materials may require specific cutting or joining methods to achieve the desired shape or function.
In my opinion, designing furniture with modularity in mind is vital. That’s why I always aim to create furniture that’s not just easy to manufacture and assemble but also facilitates the repair and replacement of parts when needed.
Step 5: Prototype and test
My next step involves constructing a working prototype. Basically, it’s a sample showcasing the furniture design with all the materials and construction techniques that will be used for the final product. The key distinction between a scale model and a prototype lies in its dimension; a prototype essentially magnifies the small-scale model to its full size.
Creating a prototype offers me a precise glimpse of the product, providing an opportunity to test it thoroughly. Testing involves evaluating the prototype to pinpoint any design flaws or potential manufacturing issues.
Step 6: Presentation
Finally, when the test phase is completed, my next step is to present the finalized product to the client. In this phase, I work closely with the client in order to evaluate the final product together against our predetermined expectations. This presentation serves as a pivotal moment where we analyze every aspect, making necessary tweaks or adjustments if needed. Once this comprehensive evaluation and refinement are completed, the product is deemed ready for manufacturing.
Conclusion
It’s no wonder that numerous iconic furniture pieces have emerged from the minds of architects, like The Barcelona Chair by Mies Van Der Rohe or the Eames Chair by Charles and Ray Eames. Being an architect grants me a unique advantage in furniture design as it allows me to consider not only the aesthetics but also the architectural elements and the spatial context where the furniture will reside.
This holistic approach provides me with the knowledge to understand exactly what the client wants and helps me determine what is feasible within the specific space. This ensures that each piece I designed harmonizes seamlessly with its environment.
