Furniture Design

Courses

  • Summer Intensive Courses
  • One-Year Courses | Semester Courses
  • Master Courses
  • Short Courses
  • GET INFO
　

One-Year Course ・ Semester Course

Overview

The Furniture Design One-Year and Semester Programs are designed to provide you with a robust foundation in furniture design, while also helping you develop advanced, specialized skills within a stimulating learning environment.

Academic Grounding

Our curriculum is structured to prepare students for a wide range of design opportunities by introducing essential academic principles:

  • Problem-Solving: Techniques for identifying and addressing design challenges.
  • Formal Design Skills: Training in design principles and execution.
  • Historical and Technical Knowledge: Understanding the evolution and technical aspects of furniture design.

Skill Development

Throughout the program, students engage in a comprehensive educational experience that encompasses:

  • Problem Discovery and Resolution: Identifying design problems and finding innovative solutions.
  • Critical and Imaginative Thinking: Fostering creativity and analytical skills.
  • Communication and Technology: Effective use of design software and communication tools.

Interior Design Principles

Students will gain a deep understanding of how people interact with and experience spaces, mastering the elements and principles of interior design, including:

  • Elements: Point, line, shape, form, color, light, texture, time.
  • Principles: Rhythm, balance, scale, proportion, harmony, unity.

Portfolio Development

In the competitive field of furniture design, a strong portfolio is essential. The program emphasizes the creation of a professional portfolio through:

  • Practical Classes: Hands-on training in furniture design.
  • Challenging Homework and Assignments: Projects that push the boundaries of your skills and creativity.

Italian Arts & Culture Lessons

To provide a comprehensive education, the program includes "Italian Arts & Culture Lessons," offering:

  • Fundamentals of Italian Arts and Design: Insights into Italy's rich artistic heritage and its influence on design.

Enrichment Activities

Students are encouraged to broaden their artistic perspectives through:

  • Weekly Guided Art Visits: Exploring local art and design landmarks.
  • Monthly Cultural Activities: Participating in events that enhance cultural understanding and artistic appreciation.

Graduation Portfolio

By the end of the program, students are encouraged to present a graduation portfolio that showcases their skills and creativity, incorporating both traditional and digital media:

  • Traditional Portfolio: Physical examples of your work.
  • Digital Portfolio: Online or digital format to reach a broader audience.

Conclusion

Our Furniture Design One-Year and Semester Programs are designed to equip you with the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary to excel in the competitive field of furniture design. We look forward to helping you achieve your artistic and professional goals.


Tuition and Fees (prices in euros '€')

One-Year Course: € 16,200.00 (non-EU students)
One-Year Course: € 14,200.00 (EU students)

Semester Course: € 9,400.00 (non-EU students)
Semester Course: € 8,400.00 (EU students)

Academic Calendar
    ONE-YEAR programs
      I. Sep 9, 2024 - Apr 18, 2025
      II. Jan 13, 2025 - Aug 1, 2025
      III. May 5, 2025 - Dec 19, 2025
      IV. Sep 8, 2025 - Apr 17, 2026

      SEMESTER programs
        Fall 2024: Sep 9 - Dec 13, 2024
        Spring 2025: Jan 13 - Apr 18, 2025
        Summer 2025: May 5 - Aug 1, 2025
        Fall 2025: Sep 8 - Dec 19, 2025
Language
With English interpreter

　

Master Course

Overview

The Master in Furniture Design at Accademia Riaci is a full-time program with a focus on advanced studio and academic research in history, theory, and methods as they relate to an interdisciplinary approach to interiors and design.
The Master's program is of particular interest to graduates of various design programs and to practitioners in interior design, architecture, and other related disciplines who wish to pursue post-professional study. An interdisciplinary approach to design is increasingly a requirement for professional advancement as designers attempt to satisfy the complex requirements of contemporary architectural and interior environments.
The curriculum is formulated to expand understanding of different design disciplines, with special emphasis on their interdependence. There are four components to the program: a core design studio sequence, furniture design, lectures/seminars, and projects. The core design studio sequence consists of a series of experiences of increasing complexity culminating in the thesis project. Each student must demonstrate originality, research and design skills, and creative capacity to resolve advanced problems in design.

A final project is presented to a graduate faculty jury for evaluation.


Tuition and Fees (prices in euros '€')
Master One-Year Course: € 17,800.00 (non-EU students)
Master One-Year Course: € 15,800.00 (EU students)

Master Semester Course: € 10,600.00 (non-EU students)
Master Semester Course: € 9,600.00 (EU students)

Academic Calendar
One-Year program
    I. Sep 9, 2024 - Apr 18, 2025
    II. Jan 13, 2025 - Aug 1, 2025
    III. May 5, 2025 - Dec 19, 2025
    IV. Sep 8, 2025 - Apr 17, 2026

    Semester program
      Fall 2024: Sep 9 - Dec 13, 2024
      Spring 2025: Jan 13 - Apr 18, 2025
      Summer 2025: May 5 - Aug 1, 2025
      Fall 2025: Sep 8 - Dec 19, 2025
Language
With English interpreter

　

Short Course

Overview

Unleash your creativity and embark on a journey into the world of modern furniture design with our comprehensive course. Designed to transform your innate talent into tangible expertise, this program delves into the art of understanding consumers, translating ideas into scale drawings, and bringing designs to life in 3D reality.

Course Highlights
1. Bridging Creativity and Reality: Our course acts as a bridge, guiding you seamlessly from conceptualization to the tangible world of 3D furniture design. Discover the art of making your creative visions a functional reality.
2. The Design Process Unveiled: We dissect the intricate design processes and procedures that breathe life into furniture. Explore the characteristics of materials, and the delicate balance between features and spatial limitations that define furniture design.
3. Practical Skill Development: Throughout the course, you'll hone your practical skills through engaging workshops. You'll work on an exciting and realistic furniture design project, putting your newfound knowledge into practice.
4. Personalized Exploration: Our classes take on the form of design workshops, where students are encouraged to conduct personal research. Dive deep into specific types of furniture, materials, and renowned designers, expanding your knowledge and refining your unique design style.
5. Diverse Audience: Whether you're a budding designer, a student seeking to enhance your portfolio, or a seasoned professional looking to revisit the fundamentals, our course is tailored to cater to a broad spectrum of design enthusiasts.

Portfolio Preparation: Your journey will culminate in the creation of a portfolio that reflects the skills you've acquired and your evolution as a designer. Your portfolio becomes a testament to your growth and an essential tool for showcasing your work.
Technical Requirements: To ensure a seamless learning experience, students will need a laptop or a suitable technological device, such as a tablet, to access and complete assigned coursework.
Join us on this creative odyssey, where your design aspirations are nurtured and transformed into reality. Whether you dream of crafting innovative furniture, refining your portfolio, or revisiting the fundamentals, our program is the canvas upon which you can paint your design story.
This course is for new designers, students looking to improve their portfolio, or professionals wanting to revisit the basics.

Start Dates
Every Monday*

Fees (prices in euros '€') - Standard program
1-week course: € 650.00
2-week course: € 1,020.00
3-week course: € 1,390.00
4-week course: € 1,860.00
5-week course: € 2,250.00
6-week course: € 2,640.00
8-week course: € 3,420.00
10-week course: € 4,200.00
12-week course: € 4,980.00

For other durations, please inquire

Language
With English interpreter

　

Summer Intensive Course

Note: the "Summer Intensive Course" has the same contents as the "Short Course", but with a double number of lessons. Furthermore, it includes housing and extracurricular activities and services.

Overview

Unleash your creativity and embark on a journey into the world of modern furniture design with our comprehensive course. Designed to transform your innate talent into tangible expertise, this program delves into the art of understanding consumers, translating ideas into scale drawings, and bringing designs to life in 3D reality.

Course Highlights
1. Bridging Creativity and Reality: Our course acts as a bridge, guiding you seamlessly from conceptualization to the tangible world of 3D furniture design. Discover the art of making your creative visions a functional reality.
2. The Design Process Unveiled: We dissect the intricate design processes and procedures that breathe life into furniture. Explore the characteristics of materials, and the delicate balance between features and spatial limitations that define furniture design.
3. Practical Skill Development: Throughout the course, you'll hone your practical skills through engaging workshops. You'll work on an exciting and realistic furniture design project, putting your newfound knowledge into practice.
4. Personalized Exploration: Our classes take on the form of design workshops, where students are encouraged to conduct personal research. Dive deep into specific types of furniture, materials, and renowned designers, expanding your knowledge and refining your unique design style.
5. Diverse Audience: Whether you're a budding designer, a student seeking to enhance your portfolio, or a seasoned professional looking to revisit the fundamentals, our course is tailored to cater to a broad spectrum of design enthusiasts.

Portfolio Preparation: Your journey will culminate in the creation of a portfolio that reflects the skills you've acquired and your evolution as a designer. Your portfolio becomes a testament to your growth and an essential tool for showcasing your work.
Technical Requirements: To ensure a seamless learning experience, students will need a laptop or a suitable technological device, such as a tablet, to access and complete assigned coursework.
Join us on this creative odyssey, where your design aspirations are nurtured and transformed into reality. Whether you dream of crafting innovative furniture, refining your portfolio, or revisiting the fundamentals, our program is the canvas upon which you can paint your design story.
This course is for new designers, students looking to improve their portfolio, or professionals wanting to revisit the basics.

Start Dates (check-in)
・May 4, 2025
・May 18, 2025
・Jun 1, 2025
・Jun 15, 2025
・Jun 29, 2025
・Jul 13, 2025
・Jul 27, 2025
・Aug 24, 2025
・Sep 7, 2025
・Sep 21, 2025

Tuition and Fees - Prices in Euros (EUR)
Students have the flexibility to opt for our provided housing or make their independent accommodation arrangements

1-week course: €1,750 (without Housing) ・ €1,900 (in Twin Room) ・ €2,150 (in Single Room)
2-week course: €2,620 (without Housing) ・ €2,900 (in Twin Room) ・ €3,200 (in Single Room)
3-week course: €3,710 (without Housing) ・ €4,050 (in Twin Room) ・ €4,400 (in Single Room)
4-week course: €4,800 (without Housing) ・ €5,200 (in Twin Room) ・ €5,600 (in Single Room)
6-week course: €6,750 (without Housing) ・ €7,350 (in Twin Room) ・ €7,950 (in Single Room)
8-week course: €9,000 (without Housing) ・ €9,800 (in Twin Room) ・ €10,600 (in Single Room)
12-week course: €12,600 (without Housing) ・ €13,800 (in Twin Room) ・ €15,000 (in Single Room)

    Summer Course fees include:

    • Enrollment fee
    • Tuition
    • Certificate of completion
    • English interpretation services (Italian-to-English translator)
    • Orientation session
    • Eco-friendly bag and welcome kit
    • Two meal vouchers and four non-alcoholic drink vouchers per week
    • Weekly guided art tours (including museum admission tickets)
    • Biweekly cultural excursions (e.g., trips to Pisa or Siena)

      • NOT included:

      • Course materials
      • Transportation costs
      • Florence Tourist Tax (€38.50) and Wi-Fi (€5 per week) for students staying in our housing

      For further information, please visit the 2025 Summer Course page.

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Teacher

Prof. Bicci

Accademia Riaci’s Furniture Design department boasts instruction from a top designer who was selected as a head designer of a firm in charge of planning and designing the Ferragamo boutiques. He taught at the Institute of Art of Florence for more than 30 years and gained a high mark on his teaching methodology, and many excellent designers have grown under his instruction. Besides being still active as a professional designer, since 1999, he has been head of the school’s design department.

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