Woodworking Manufacturing Technologies: Furniture Design

The goal of the Woodworking Manufacturing Technologies Department is to provide students with high-quality woodworking education programs leading to certificates, degrees, and jobs; provide the industry with highly capable cabinet and furniture makers; provide the community with high-quality avocational woodworking education programs; provide the industry with material, process, and equipment training programs; and support other schools in the promotion and delivery of woodworking education.

We expect about 12-15 students each academic year to complete this degree or certificate. 

As stated above, the goal of the Woodworking Manufacturing Technologies Department is to provide students with high-quality woodworking education programs leading to certificates, degrees, and jobs; provide the industry with highly capable cabinet and furniture makers; provide the community with high-quality avocational woodworking education programs; provide the industry with material, process, and equipment training programs; and support other schools in the promotion and delivery of woodworking education.

Four program options are currently offered: Cabinetmaking, Furniture Making, CNC Woodworking, and Woodworking. The first three provide instruction for entry-level employees in their respective fields. The Woodworking option is typically selected by students who plan to teach middle or high school CTE courses.

With the introduction of the Furniture Design AS degree and certificate track, the department expands its commitment to providing occupational and lifelong learning pathways. This new option is designed to prepare students for careers in custom furniture design and fabrication, small-scale manufacturing, and independent studio practice. It also supports students seeking transfer opportunities to advanced design programs. The track emphasizes conceptual development, design communication, and refined craftsmanship—meeting both industry demand and the broader creative aspirations of students.

Program Student Learning Outcomes:

• Apply principles of furniture design to develop original, functional, and aesthetically resolved furniture prototypes through the integration of conceptual development, drawing, and model-making.

• Demonstrate proficiency in advanced woodworking techniques, joinery, and finishing methods appropriate for small-scale production or studio furniture, with attention to craftsmanship, material selection, and safety.

WMT: Furniture Design Program:

The Furniture Design track offers students a focused and immersive path within the Woodworking Manufacturing Technologies program, emphasizing the development of original design, technical expertise, and high-level craftsmanship. The curriculum prepares students for entry-level careers in studio furniture making, custom design/build shops, and small-scale manufacturing, while also laying a foundation for transfer into advanced design programs.

Students begin in Year 1 with WMT 130 – Furniture Design, a foundational studio course introducing principles of form, function, ergonomics, and the design process. Emphasis is placed on ideation, sketching, scale modeling, and developing original concepts.

In Year 2, students expand their skills through a series of advanced project-based courses, including WMT 202 (Advanced Casegoods) or WMT 204 (Advanced Tables), where they explore complex joinery and functional design solutions. WMT 205 – Veneering and Marquetry introduces students to decorative surface techniques, while WMT 231 – Outdoor Bench challenges them to apply design thinking to materials and conditions suited for outdoor environments.

To round out their education, students choose from a curated list of electives (2–4 units) that allow for deeper exploration of historical context, digital tools, finishing techniques, or advanced chair design. Elective options include courses such as Chair Design and Construction, Sculptural Chair, Introduction to Digital Fabrication, or History of Furniture Design, allowing students to tailor their focus to their personal interests or career goals.

The program is designed to foster creativity, problem-solving, and craftsmanship while preparing graduates to enter the workforce with a strong portfolio and a confident understanding of both traditional and contemporary furniture practices.

The Woodworking Manufacturing Technologies (WMT) Department will be the home of the new program.

Cabinetmaking and Fine Woodworking at El Camino College

There were 404 students in the unduplicated headcount for the 2024-25 academic year at WMT.

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