The Furniture Studio
The Furniture Studio at Sheridan is Canada’s most respected course of study for furniture design and fabrication. The studio philosophy approaches furniture as a mediator between the body and the environment that can be as personal as clothing, or as public as a building. With physical forms that reflect human need, furniture
shapes and influences the interchange between individuals.
Maintained by a full-time technologist, Sheridan’s Furniture studio occupies approximately 6,500 square feet of space, divided into separate areas for the machine room, assembly room, and finishing booth and student work areas.
The three year diploma course investigates the design and construction of furniture and related objects primarily made of wood, with the potential to involve other materials such as cast and fabricated metals, plastics, glass and stone as dictated by the interest of the student and the availability of technology.
The program attracts students with diverse backgrounds and objectives who develop individual skill through progressive exposure to problems. Projects develop from traditional wood joinery in first year into advanced techniques in bending, jig-making and finishing in year two. Third year students pursue self-directed work with the objectives of off-campus group exhibitions and commission projects.
The teaching format includes demonstrations of techniques as well as lectures and discussions on topics relating to contemporary and historical furniture design and construction. Group critiques and visiting outside experts address conceptual and practical issues from philosophy to professional practice.
Graduates of the program go on to set up their own furniture studios, or to work for independent fabricators and industry in a variety of design and fabrication roles.