FAUM Students Showcase Handcrafted Chairs in Design-build Course
The Making of a Chair: Fundamentals of Craft and Furniture Production was an intensive 6-week summer design-build course where students explored the complete process of furniture creation—from initial design concepts to the construction of fully upholstered accent chairs.
Led by instructors Nicole Marion and Kellen Deighton, the course gave students – Brigette Pacholok, Jana Scheffler, Morgan Fraser, Paula Ceron, Nick Sagenes, and Quinn Kinahan – an opportunity to work hands-on in collaboration with leading Winnipeg furniture manufacturers: Palliser Furniture and EQ3.
Over several weeks, students engaged in the full cycle of furniture production, gaining insight into design development, ergonomics, material selection, upholstery and woodworking techniques. The course culminated in the fabrication of a functional chair.
The success of the course was made possible through the generous support of Peter Tielmann , President and CEO at Palliser Furniture Ltd, Jim Hunt Chief Retail Officer EQ3/Palliser – and through the direct collaboration with the Palliser R&D teams; including Nelson Travassos, David Sousa, Anthony Klassen, Jaclyn Hoffmann and many more. The Faculty of Architecture’s technical team—Shaylyn Plett, Shaun De Rooy, and Jon Watts also played a vital role, providing students with the technical expertise needed to bring their designs to life.
This unique fusion of design and craftsmanship is on public display in a curated exhibition at EQ3 Store, 1485 Portage Avenue, from June 19 to June 27, 2025. Visitors can view the innovative and skillfully crafted chairs, each a unique reflection of its designer’s aesthetic vision and newly honed craftsmanship.
The partnership and hands-on learning highlight the power of academic-industry collaboration and confirms FAUM’s commitment to experiential learning in architectural education.