Furniture Design

Courses

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

One-Year Course ・ Semester Course

Overview

Discover the art of modern furniture design with our comprehensive one-year and semester programs. These courses are tailored to develop your creativity, enhance your technical skills, and transform your design ideas into functional and aesthetically pleasing furniture. From concept development to production, this program equips you with the knowledge and expertise to excel in the furniture design industry.

Course Highlights

1. Bridging Creativity and Craftsmanship: Learn how to merge innovative design concepts with practical production techniques to create furniture that is both functional and beautiful.

2. The Design Process Unveiled: Explore the full spectrum of furniture design, including material selection, structural integrity, ergonomics, and sustainability. Understand how to balance aesthetics with functionality.

3. Practical Skill Development: Engage in hands-on workshops and projects where you’ll design, prototype, and build your own furniture pieces.

4. Personalized Exploration: Classes are conducted as design workshops, encouraging personal research into specific materials, techniques, and iconic furniture designers, helping you develop your unique style.

5. Diverse Audience: This program is ideal for aspiring designers, students building their portfolios, and professionals looking to refine their skills or explore new approaches to furniture design.

Portfolio Preparation: Culminate your learning journey with a professional portfolio showcasing your furniture designs, reflecting your skills and creativity, and serving as a powerful tool for career advancement.

Technical Requirements: Students are required to bring a laptop or tablet to access design software and complete coursework seamlessly.

Join us to transform your passion for furniture design into a career or a creative pursuit. Whether you're crafting unique pieces or building a professional portfolio, this program offers the perfect platform for your ambitions.

Start Dates

One-Year Program: September and January start dates.
Semester Program: Flexible start dates throughout the year. Please inquire for details.

Fees (prices in euros '€')

One-Year Program: €14,200 (EU students), €16,200 (non-EU students)
Semester Program: €7,100 (EU students), €8,100 (non-EU students)

For shorter durations or customized programs, please inquire.

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
        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
      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

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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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