By Alice Eberhart 

3D design students in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences took their talents beyond the classroom this past spring exhibiting their work at the International Contemporary Furniture Fair in New York City. Students also gained valuable insight from a global network of designers into the skills needed to work as an artist.  

The 3D design program, housed in the School of Art, Art History, and Design, was among a dozen schools that presented in the International Contemporary Furniture Fair’s school showcase in May.  

The International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) is the largest platform in North America to showcase practical designs. ICFF brings together designers from across the globe to present and network. Iowa’s participation gives 3D design students a chance to connect with professionals for advice, contacts, and opportunities.  

Along with the ICFF in New York City, the 3D design program has traveled to fairs in Chicago and Milan, Italy to showcase their work.  

“Experiences like this can't be provided in the classroom as students get to meet other design students from peer institutions,” noted Vako Darjania, associate professor of instruction in the School of Art, Art History, and Design, who accompanied students on the trip. “They also get to meet other designers, architects, manufacturers, press and media, gallery curators, and potential employers. This becomes the first point of interaction with the industry.” 

Reynold Tawiah-Quashie, a third-year graduate student who attended the ICFF for the second time, presented his work “Dream” at the conference.  

“My previous experience was eye-opening, but going for the second time took it to a whole new level,” Tawiah-Quashie said. “It was challenging but rewarding to soak it all in. The criticism and feedback I got from industry pros, professors from other schools, and young, upcoming designers were invaluable.”  

At the fair, students presented their own work and saw the work of peers and professionals. The students not only got to network with current employers and future colleagues, but engage with the global, developing 3D design field. 

“It wasn't just about lighting, furniture, and other aspects of design,” Tawiah-Quashie said. “I also learned about the business side, emerging trends, and how research translates into real-world solutions.” 

First-hand experiences like this are an essential part of the 3D design program at Iowa, Darjania noted.  

“One of the attractive features of the 3D Design program is that students are involved with the design process from concept to finished project,” Darjania said. “Students get to work with both traditional wood furniture making techniques to modern technologies such as 3D printing and Computer Numerical Control (CNC).” 

An exciting and lucrative opportunity, showcasing at the ICFF was not only a dip into the industry but a chance for the students to celebrate the accomplishments of themselves and their peers.  

“It is a rewarding feeling for a faculty member to share this wonderful experience with the students,” Darjania said. “It is a good feeling to be representing the 3D Design program at the University of Iowa and showing the world the skill of our program.”