Furniture Design & Woodworking
Code: W0202-23
-
O
Open to All
Students of any skill and knowledge level.
-
Ages 13-17
Flat-Pack Furniture Design for Teens
Jun 12 - 16, 2023
9AM-3PM
Concept
This fun and technically challenging course for teens expands digital fabrication skills using the computer-numerically-controlled router (CNC). Students learn basic 3-D modeling techniques to design functional furniture objects. Projects are cut out of plywood on the CNC and laser cutters. Workflows cover toolpathing and g-code generation, material setup, machine operation, and wood finishing. Everyone walks away with a finished piece of furniture and some new fabrication skills.
Media & Techniques
Rhinoceros 3-D, Slicer for Fusion 360, Aspire CAM, CNC router, laser cutter, plywood, lamination, sanding, finishes
Supply ListFaculty
Emil Gorman
Studio Coordinator, Digital Fabrication
Emil Gorman is the Studio Coordinator for Digital Fabrication. He is an artist and designer with a passion for furniture and the implementation of sustainable materials. He received a BFA with a concentration in Human-Centered Design at Northern Michigan University. Preferred Pronouns: He/Him
Emil Gorman, Chair from Stacked Series, 2019
Join Waitlist for Flat-Pack Furniture Design for Teens
Thank you for your interest in the waitlist. When space in a workshop or program becomes available, registration will open on the website. Everyone on the waitlist will be emailed to alert them of the opening. This ensures that everyone has an equal opportunity to register for the workshop or program.
Furniture Design & Woodworking
The Furniture Design & Woodworking program at Anderson Ranch draws upon the world of studio furniture, but pushes the boundaries of woodworking by mixing contemporary and traditional techniques and incorporating alternative materials. Anderson Ranch offers an inspiring range of workshops for all levels in topics such as cabinetry, wood bending, kinetics and carving.
The Maloof Wood Barn, divided into a machine room, assembly room, and bench room, provides participants the ideal workshop for realizing technical and creative goals. The machine room houses stationary equipment including SawStop table saws, jointers, planers, bandsaws, drill presses, edge sander, disk sander, drum sander, spindle sander, radial arm saw, chop saw, router table and multi-router. In the assembly and bench rooms, a library of clamps, hand tools, and hand-held power tools line the walls for student use to complete their woodworking projects.
The Furniture Society and Anderson Ranch are partnering this year to offer a scholarship for one BIPOC applicant to attend a workshop for the 2025 summer season. This opportunity includes tuition for a one-week workshop, room and board for a Furniture Design and Wood workshop, and a 1‑year membership to The Furniture Society. CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS
Anderson Ranch is happy to extend a tuition discount* in summer one- or two-week adult furniture design and woodworking workshops** for Furniture Society members at the student membership level or above. Please email reg@
Workshop Details
Workshop Supplies
For general information about studio access, shipping, and more, please visit our info page.
If you have any questions regarding your supplies for your workshop, please contact Lane Preston, [email protected].
Lodging & Meals
Housing is limited and includes shared and private lodging options. Reservations will be managed on a first-come, first-served basis. The earlier you reserve housing, the better your chance of receiving your preferred option. Please note: Workshop costs do not include accommodations.
NEW: Tuition includes a welcome dinner and lunches. In our effort to foster a stronger sense of community and accessibility at Anderson Ranch, we include the welcome dinner and all lunches as part of the tuition for summer workshop students. Our hope is that this adjustment will encourage all students to come together to share meals and engage in meaningful conversations. The Ranch Café Meal Plan, which is included with Room and Board fees, strives to provide healthy, creative meals that will nourish your artistic creativity. Learn more.
We have established a Business Safety Plan with added layers of precaution that prioritize the health and safety of our staff, students, faculty and guests while continuing to provide you with the Anderson Ranch experience that you know and enjoy.
Scholarships, College Credit & Discounts
Making Art Accessible
Applications for scholarship support are encouraged. Specific scholarships are funded by Ranch supporters, either through endowed funds or special gifts.
Many colleges and universities offer college credit for workshops taken at Anderson Ranch. Discounts are available for students and teachers.
You Might Also Be Interested In
-
II
Level II
Students have experience working with stationary machines and power tools and are familiar with basic principles of joinery and 3-D design.
-
III
Level III
Students have some formal training in 3-D design, experience with a variety of materials and fabrication processes, and know how to use machine and hand tools competently and safely. Students have a portfolio of their artwork.
-
IV
Level IV
Students have advanced skill and knowledge of furniture design. Students are highly motivated and have multiple portfolios of their artwork.
Jun 2 - 13, 2025
9AM-5PM
Digital and Organic: Wood Bending and the CNC
Laura Kishimoto
Tuition $1,650
Code W0101-25
In this innovative workshop that bridges woodworking and digital fabrication, we utilize the CNC Router to fabricate jigs and molds for bending and cutting joinery. Bending represents a dramatic departure from most traditional fine woodworking. Rather than working with rectilinear geometry, students lean into the materiality of wood and explore its natural strengths through curvature. Reference faces are often non-existent and require unique joinery, creative thinking, and novel use of machinery. Basic drawing techniques in Rhinoceros 3D are introduced as students design and prototype a project specific to their personal style.
-
O
Open to All
Students of any skill and knowledge level.
Jun 9 - 20, 2025
9AM-5PM
Bulk, Bulges, and Raw Edges: Upholstery Basics
Tina Ortman
Tuition $1,650
Code W0202-25
Restore furniture or enhance original designs with the addition of pattern, texture, and comfort in a workshop that explores the possibilities of upholstery. Starting with a basic chair, we strip the layers to discover how an upholstered piece is constructed, then reverse the process by installing webbing, springs, and padding with the final embellishment of fabric. Whether your interest lies in adding upholstery to your own furniture designs or renovating existing furniture, students come away with the knowledge of the basic tools, techniques, and materials of upholstery. Furniture to be upholstered must be approved by the instructor before the workshop starts.
-
O
Open to All
Subject to specific age requirements, students of any skill/knowledge level.
-
Ages 6-8
Jun 16 - 20, 2025
9AM-3PM
Toy Makers Workshop
Leah Aegerter
Tuition $598
Code K0317-25
Calling all young inventors and creators! In this fun and imaginative workshop, kids dive into the world of toy-making and storytelling through hands-on art projects. Each day brings a new creative challenge as students build, paint, sculpt, and design their own one-of-a-kind toys and games. Participants will construct and decorate spinning tops using pre-sawed wooden parts, design and build mini puppet theaters and create characters to perform with. Craft imaginative creatures and figures using fabric, felt, cardboard, and clay, create handmade board games and interactive toys from recycled materials, explore basic woodworking, painting, sculpture, and design techniques, develop storytelling skills through puppet shows and imaginative play. This workshop encourages curiosity, collaboration, and creativity. Kids will not only take home a collection of unique, handmade toys—they'll also leave with new artistic skills and a sense of accomplishment. No previous experience is necessary—just bring your imagination!