If the pandemic has taught me anything, it is that we as a society need to be more mindful of the objects we fill our homes with. Isolation drawn reflection brought me to terms with the torrent of cheap, plastic, polymer products our home consumed in only a year. I was frightened, not only for my family, but for the greater environment. As the 21st century unfolds, environmental disasters are threatening the continuity of the human race. Through my education I look to address two issues in my life. 

First, I wish to master the techniques involved in creating furniture and furniture design. Seeing Ikea pieces wash up on the curb fills my heart with fire, knowing that every piece added to a landfill can only harm the environment.  By learning to design timeless, sturdy furniture, I will create sustainable pieces meant to last generations.

Second, I wish to learn more about the materials that make up our furniture and home goods. In the past, I have primarily worked with wood, and only recently used fabric. However, recent developments in 3D printing and the revival of traditional material such as bamboo, wicker, thatch, and stone have fueled my wish to broaden my material horizon.

After graduation, my goal is to push environmentally conscious solutions within companies such as Steelcase and Miller-Knoll. Down the line I hope to begin a company of my own, actively combating the rise of gentrified minimalism and bringing a human scale in detail back to furniture.

-Julian Rodriguez, 2023