Quiet Inspiration,
Bold Design

University of Houston industrial design student Ruaraidh Ferrier claimed second place in the prestigious 2025 Bienenstock Furniture Competition, marking another success for the Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design in one of the nation’s most competitive student furniture design contests.

Sponsored by the Bernice Bienenstock Furniture Library, the annual Bienenstock Furniture Competition challenges students across the country to design innovative furnishings blending originality with manufacturability and user-centered thinking. Students are challenged with developing a chair design that is not only visually striking but also feasible for mass production, financially viable, and rooted in their personal design language. Ferrier’s entry, a flowing and minimalist piece inspired by the Scottish landscape, stood out among submissions from top-tier design programs.

Ferrier’s chair design, Arthur’s Seat, draws inspiration from an extinct volcano in Edinburgh, Scotland, known for its sweeping views and undulating slopes. The final design channels a sense of quiet movement and balance, seamlessly integrating comfort with visual serenity.

“The long, organic, gentle slopes of the hill were key aspects of my inspiration,” shared Ferrier. “I intended for this chair to be visually appealing and comfortable. I hope that it will be a functional and visual asset to the space in which it is used.”

Ferrier began the design process with loose conceptual sketches before progressing into digital modeling using Solidworks and rendering in Keyshot. The iterative process allowed him to explore the proportions and ergonomics of the piece, ensuring that his final design would be both practical and aesthetically resonant.

“This project turns students’ personal inspirations into a chair,” said Jeff Feng, associate professor and co-director of industrial design. “Ruaraidh drew from Arthur’s Seat, an ancient volcano in Edinburgh’s hills, and nailed its vibe with a bold chair design, chill seating angle, and spot-on materials and finishes.”

The Hines College continues to produce top-performing entries reflecting its strong emphasis on craftsmanship, innovation, and real-world application. Ferrier’s award marks another moment of pride for the industrial design program, which has consistently placed among the top national finalists over the past several years.

“I am honored to receive this award,” shared Ferrier. “It is highly motivating to see something I have worked very hard on be acknowledged at a national level.”