Let’s be honest: building a simple rectangular box is one thing, but creating a piece of furniture that has real character and style is quite another. If you're a woodworker who's mastered the basics, you've likely hit the wall where generic plans fall short. You want to make something that looks like it belongs in a high-end gallery, defined by flowing curves, unique textures, and intentional design.
At Jory Brigham Design Workshop, we focus entirely on that leap. We believe that to make modern furniture, you need access to modern techniques and a master's eye for design. We structured our hands-on curriculum to impart the specific skills required to translate a beautiful idea into a flawless physical object.
What "Modern" Means in Furniture Making
In our shop, "modern" isn't just an aesthetic; it's a commitment to efficiency and quality. It means using techniques that allow for fluid, non-linear design while maintaining structural integrity. This is where many traditional furniture making classes fall short, as they often stick to blocky, conventional construction.
We offer a fresh perspective that benefits our target audience—the intermediate woodworker—by focusing on why and how a design choice is made. We teach that signature look through methods like template and handheld router work , which is essential for creating the consistent, flowing lines that characterize contemporary, mid-century modern-inspired pieces. You are learning a system that simplifies complexity.
The Essential Skills for Signature Design and build
A truly signature piece requires more than just good joints; it requires specialized skills to achieve complex shapes and flawless surfaces. You will learn the specific techniques we use every day in our professional shop:
Template and Handheld Router Work: This is our secret weapon for consistency. You learn how to use guides to create perfect, repeatable curves and shapes, which is critical for making chair parts or curved table aprons.
Precision Joinery: We rely on the Festool Domino system to achieve tight, strong joints quickly, letting you spend more time on the design and finish.
Table saw sled: We demonstrate and teach you how to build and utilize sleds that will give each joint the consistent angle that will meet up perfectly and seamlessly to the next piece. This ill allow you to advance to the next step with confidence. When it comes time to glue up, it’ll be done with ease and confidence.
Fixing mistakes: Lets face it, woodworking is full of mistakes. It wouldn’t be interesting without them…. We are dealing with a raw, organic material, and mastering how it moves and reacts to us shaping it takes years. Until then, we are left with finding efficient and creative ways to repair things when they go wrong. There’s a fix to everything, and when you realize that, woodworking isn’t as intimidating.
Finishing Excellence: You'll master the application of finishing oils that truly enhance the depth of the wood and grain, giving your piece that desirable, natural, high-end feel.
Modern Furniture Design Workshop: The Tools of the Trade
If you are stepping up to a modern furniture design workshop, your focus shifts from simply operating a machine to using it for specific, professional design effects. Our workshop is an intense 2.5-day immersion where we use the best tools to teach you the most effective processes.
Because we limit our classes to a maximum of 8 people, our 3:1 student-to-instructor ratio ensures you get immediate, personal feedback on your technique. This is crucial when learning specialized skills. Whether it is dialing in the Festool Domino or learning to manage large glue-ups, we ensure you execute with the precision demanded by modern design. We aim to send you home with the confidence to apply these high-end processes to your own future designs.
Adding Character: The Organic Design Difference
Modern furniture shouldn't feel cold; it should feel tactile and human. We emphasize integrating organic details and mixed materials to add that essential character.
Hand-Carving: For pieces like the Hank Chair, or Bozley stool, you will learn how to use tools like the Kutzall carving disc to hand-sculpt a seat or backrest, giving the piece a unique, ergonomic, and artisanal texture.
Material Fusion: Our welding/Bench course introduces high-level metalworking (TIG welding) alongside woodworking. This allows you to effortlessly design pieces that blend the warmth of wood with the sleek lines of steel, which is a hallmark of truly contemporary furniture.
Wish to Know More About The Jory Brigham Design Formula?
Stop chasing generic online plans. The formula for modern furniture design is simple: precision tools plus focused design philosophy equals a timeless result. We give you that formula in an intensive weekend, ensuring your next piece is not just built, but crafted with intent.
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People Also Ask (PAA)
Q1: Is the TIG Bench course suitable for beginners?
Yes, the TIG Bench course is one of our more beginner-friendly options, as the welding is taught by a specialist and requires no prior experience.
Q2: What materials are typically used in the workshops?
A: We primarily use premium materials like Black Walnut and occasionally Teak, with steel components for mixed-material courses.
Q3: Do I need to buy tools after the class to continue?
Not immediately. You'll gain a clear understanding of the professional tools we use, allowing you to make informed purchases later on.
Q4: How long are the typical workshop days?
The workshops run from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM on Friday and Saturday, and 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM on Sunday.
Q5: Does the workshop cover upholstery or only the wood frame?
A: For chair, sofa and bench projects, we have the cushions pre-made and guide you through the final attachment, focusing the instruction on the wood and metal structure. You will get to choose your fabric ahead of time.
