Do you like to design? Are you practical? Furniture is essential for everyday living, and as well as attractive, it needs to be sturdy, resilient and (usually) economical to produce. Would you like to learn about different materials, and design and prototype furniture that is functional and desirable?

Furniture design is rewarding work for those with a creative streak. You will develop skills in three dimensional computer aided design (CAD), concept development, material and fabric technologies and ergonomics.

You will also need to develop an understanding of the appropriate manufacturing processes to make sure your designs meet production requirements.

You could design anything from a metal filing cabinet, to an exclusive one-off dining set to a range of furniture for a boutique hotel. You may find yourself working in many different styles, and will need to keep up with interior design fashions and market tastes to ensure your product will be well received.