Furniture designer : Employers and vacancy sources

Employers likely to recruit furniture designers include:

• design practices and studios;
• consultancy practices;
• furniture manufacturing companies;
• retailers;
• interior and multidisciplinary design studios;
• architectural practices;
• exhibition organisers;
• private buyers (occasionally).

Many furniture designers choose to be self-employed or undertake freelance work for corporate or domestic clients. Self-employed designers may initially have to look for income from other sources, including other part-time work, until they build up a client base. Business Link  provides information on available funding and other advice on setting up a business.

Sources of vacancies

• Search graduate jobs on this site.
• Design Week  
• Cabinet Maker  
• Careers in Design  
• Designers Business Agency  
• RIBA Appointments  

Recruitment agencies handle vacancies but may only deal with people who already have commercial experience.

Networking is crucial and trade fairs can be a useful source of information and contacts.

Directories such as the Directory of Design Consultants  may be useful for making speculative applications.

Get tips on job hunting, CVs and covering letters and interviews.