Arthur Duff has been appointed as Professor & Area Chair for Furniture Design at CEPT University. He has joined the University in this new role from 1 May 2015.

The new M. Des. in Furniture Design addresses the growing need in the market for designers well versed in industrial methods of furniture design and manufacturing. The program will provide a strong interface between design and industry for preparing professionals who can address the demand for high quality furniture.

Arthur Duff has over 25 years’ experience in architecture, interior design, and design and manufacturing of furniture and other products. He is a graduate of the Faculty of Architecture (formerly School of Architecture), CEPT University. After completing his studies, he worked for Anant Raje and Kiran Pandya and spent 10 years in India. Returning to Ireland he co-founded the Duff-Tisdall Design Studio where Architecture, Interiors and Furniture design are practiced in an integrated manner.  He also established a manufacturing company to produce in-house designs, and opened a number of retail outlets to sell various designed and commissioned products.
 
Prof. Duff’s commitment to design education is reflected in his years of work as lecturer, advisor and examiner with a number of the main Irish Design institutions. He is past President of the Institute of Designers in Ireland (MIDI) and a member of the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (MRIAI). In response to the Irish market crash of 2008 he set up the Malthouse Design Center as a resource base for young designers focusing on bringing their ideas to the market. For several years he represented Ireland at trade missions to Italy and China. He has exhibited in 100% Design on numerous occasions and currently has product on show in the Irish Pavilion, Expo, Milan and in the State Apartments, Dublin Castle.

As the area chair for Furniture Design, Prof. Duff will be responsible for program development, preparing and reviewing curriculum for the program, academic leadership of the area, and mentoring faculty members in the area. He will also interface with internal and external collaborators to develop the program synergistically.