Professional and Undergraduate projects related to Industrial and Furniture Design.

1. DAVID D. BAKER III
PORTFOLIO
industrial & furniture design

2. Professional
Studio TK

3. Cesto
Cesto needed to be constructed out of a material
that would provide rigidity, durability, and be light
enough to fullfill the mobility requirements of the
user. The solution was rotomolding sourced locally.
Designed by Khodi Feiz
Cesto is a highly mobile collection of poufs, chairs, and tables
designed for quick collaboration and impromptu meetings in
social settings. Offered in small, medium, and large sizes with
the choice of pouf, chair, or table top.
Click Links:
Metropolis Magazine #Metropolislikes Award Winner
Design-Milk Online Article
- Rotomolded Polyethylene
- Molded Urethane Foam
- 3D Knit Upholstery

4. CliqueDesigned by Mario Ruiz
Clique was an update to an older bench offering. I designed all
components and developed a systematic approach to handling
the vast configuration possibilities. I was heavily involved in the
manufacturing data and implementation of this product.
Clique is a benching system designed for modularity and can be
customized into endless configurations. Leg styles
include cast aluminum or upholstered and a number of seat
styles and finish options are possible.
- Fabricated Steel Components
- Molded Urethane Foam
- Die-Cast Aluminum Leg
- Plywood

5. ClipDesigned by Claesseon Koivisto Rune
Clip was developed with customization in mind and it had to be
engineered to allow for easy option changes. The shell and seat
are separate to allow for different fabrics and to avoid gluing.
The shell was engineered to accept all bases in the same way.
The Clip chair is designed as a guest chair with a variety of bases
and the ability to customize with many finish options available.
The name is derived from the decorative band on the back that
is meant to “squeeze” the chair and influence the inner shape.
- Molded Rigid Urethane Foam
- Molded Urethane Foam
- Die-Cast Aluminum Band
- Fabricated Wood and Steel Components

6. Prototyping
Hand-made plywood frames
for photography samples while
tooling was in process.
Applying layers of cardboard
and high-density foam to
prototype shape of rotomolded
parts.
Comparing upholstery details
between single shell design
and split seat and shell design.
Full-scale model made from
CNC machined ABS to judge
proportions and dimensions.
Molded foam first sample on
prototype base to check
fitment and tolerance for
upholstery.
Exploring variations of handle
styles and materials.
Laminating veneer to explore
possible wooden clip options
and to create photography
samples.
Casting plastic with silicone
mold to create photography
clips while tooling was in
process.
First round mock-up for
designer review showing every
component assembled.
Quickly prototyping the effects
of variable densities of foam on
the upholstery appearance.
Finalizing design of wooden leg
frame to meet testing
standards while remaining
low-profile.
Adjusting components to
allow for more foam to
increase comfort.

7. Undergraduate
Appalachian State University

8. SEATING DESIGN

9. Inspiration
cozy childhood memories in
the form of public seating
Observing how people use public seating differently helped
to determine all of the various seating positions that the final
design should accommodate. People choose to relax differently
and should have those choices in a lounge chair
Inspired by childhood memories of cozy spaces that made you
feel safe and at home. Privacy and comfort promotes relaxation
and stress-relief which is crucial to a healthy lifestyle
Ideation
A triangular form was chosen because of how the shape gets
more cozy and conforms more to the body the further the
person sits back in the chair
Side profiles were explored in 1/8th scale to quickly get an idea
for dimensions and proportions

10. Development
The initial version was too large in certain dimensions and the
construction method chosen to make the seat and front arm as
one piece proved to be difficult and material intensive
A 1/4 scale model in acrylic showed that the center spine should
continue to the ground for more support. Acrylic was chosen as
the material because it can be hot formed in a similar way to the
final steel material
Refinement
The second iteration was scaled down and re-engineered to
combine the arms and legs into one piece with one bend. This
is not only easier to produce, but creates a better sense of
continuity within the frame
The width and depth of the seat was reduced and the center
spine was extended to the ground for seat support

11. Construction
Two laminated layers of felt create the exterior and it is held
in place with black fasteners. Green was chosen as the interior
color to create a calming and refreshing mood, but options are
not limited
The frame is made up of laser cut sheet metal for the seat and
bent flat stock for the legs. It is assembled with harware and
them powdercoated white for durability
36L x 32W x 42H
Final

12. FELT CHAIR

13. REACH
Smoke Detector

14. 76% 53% 62%7
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
of fire-related
injuries occur in
residences
of those homes had
non-functioning
detectors
have willingly
disconnected their
alarm
people on average
die per day from
fire-related injuries
Problem
I think that the design (color, shape, buttons, etc.) of most smoke detectors is...
All Data 1
(2.7%)
3
(8.11%)
15
(40.54%)
18
(48.65%)
7.36 37
Good Bad Ugly It doesn't matter to me Standard Deviation Responses
Good Bad Ugly It doesn't matter to me
I find the worst parts about smoke detectors are...
All
Data
7
(18.92%)
15
(40.54%)
8
(21.62%)
9
(24.32%)
18
(48.65%)
2
(5.41%)
5
(13.51%)
1
(2.7%)
37
The
installation
The
batteries
The usability/ease
of use
The
appearance
Their location/reaching
them
The
price
I think smoke detectors are pretty
alright, man
I don't own
one
Responses
Experiencing nuisance problems with smoke detectors, like false
alarms, can be irritating for the user and can sometimes result
in willful disconnection
Of 37 survey respondents, 62% have willingly disconnected their
smoke detector due to minor annoyances; usually due to false
alarms or low battery warning beeps
Initial Directions
The initial directions focused on mitigating the frustrations of
smoke detectors by adding features and changing locations
Based on the research, most people are unhappy with the
location of their smoke detectors. Ceiling mounted is ideal for
smoke detection, but frustrating to maintain
Easier to reach
Incentive to replace batteries
Multifunctionality
Research
In your opinion, how important is it to own a smoke detector? 1- not important ------- 5- can't live
without one
Importance 1
(2.7%)
1
(2.7%)
5
(13.51%)
17
(45.95%)
13
(35.14%)
6.5 37 4.08 / 5
1 2 3 4 5 Standard Deviation Responses Weighted Average
Which area of the home do you feel is the most fire prone?
All Data 36
(97.3%)
1
(2.7%)
0
(0%)
0
(0%)
15.45 37
Kitchen Living room Bathroom Other Standard Deviation Responses
Kitchen Living room Bathroom Other
Have you ever willingly disconnected a smoke detector?
All Data 23
(62.16%)
14
(37.84%)
4.5 37
Yes No Standard Deviation Responses
Yes No
If so, why?
All
Data
13
(38.24%)
14
(41.18%)
9
(26.47%)
0
(0%)
5
(14.71%)
11
(32.35%)
34
Battery died and was
beeping
False
alarms
Random, unexplained
beeping
Light was annoying at night in
bedroom
Other
Have not disconnected a smoke
detector
Responses

15. Ideation
Many concepts included separate battery packs or pull strings
to solve the reach problem. Others have multiple functions such
as a night light that would give the user more reason to maintain
the detector
The initial concepts were designed around encouraging
positive interaction and a better user experience. A door frame
mounted concept was developed further
light functions
kitchen uses
door frame mount
with corded button
retracting buttons
Refinement
After developing sketch models, the side-mounted concept was
chosen as the final direction.
The top of the door puts the detection technology within the
recommended 1 foot range from the ceiling in most homes.
A battery at the bottom, and a night light made it the most
practical concept with a form to fit most doors
mute and battery
easy to reach
mute button serves
as night light
smoke detection
within 1ft of ceiling

16. Model
The final design also incorporates an illuminated mute button
that also serves as a night light. In the center of the mute button
is a spring-loaded release button that allows for easy removal
and portability as an emergency flashlight
The final model is made from vacuum formed polystyrene
around an mdf form. The final design for the smoke detector
makes use of a reversible wall bracket for installation on either
side of the door
2.5L x 13.5W x 1D
clear mute button
reversible wall bracket
injection-molded plastic
3 - AAA batteries
aluminum screen
photoelectric smoke sensoralarm speaker
LED bulb
release button
Final
≤ 1ft from ceiling

17. REACH
Smoke Detector

18. Home Audio
Bluetooth Floor Speaker

19. Brief
Room-filling sound without
the permanence of a
dedicated stereo system
A speaker system designed for a niche market within home
audio systems. The target market enjoys listening to music more
than the average person but doesn’t have space for a full size
system
6 week project
They want to experience and feel the music fill the room, but
also demand flexibility, portability, and wireless connection
Development
Referencing organic
modernism design cues
Referencing the design cues from 1960’s organic modernism,
the initial and final concepts feature large, colorful bodies upon
slender, angular legs
The form of the speaker transitioned to a rectangle shape due
to air space requirements of the speakers and the shape of the
amplifier

20. Construction
The cabinet is made from 3/4” MDF wrapped in fabric. The face
plate and back plate were cut on a CNC machine
The working prototype sounded good and shared a lot of
information about details that could be developed further
Final
16W x 24H x 8D
2- 3.5” Full Range
1- 8” Subwoofer
2.1 Plate Amplifier
2x22W
1x50W
Further development took place in solidworks. The cabinet
construction adopted molded plastic corners for easier
production and slightly different audio equipment. A ported sub
or passive radiator may be developed next

21. Home Audio
Bluetooth Floor Speaker

22. Tape Dispenser
Desk Accessories for Paste Magazine
Group Branding Project

23. Brief
as a group, design desk
accessories in the style
of Paste Magazine and its
readers
Readers of Paste Magazine often enjoy lesser-known niche
or craft offerings and like to discover new names, companies,
bands, and restaraunts. Many might consider themselves a con-
noisseur of their chosen hobbies
Paste Magazine focuses heavily on pop culture, music, TV,
movies, crafts, hobbies, and food. The magazine serves as a way
for working professionals to keep in touch with what’s cool for
when the weekend comes
Ideation
The style chosen for Paste Magazine readers must be authentic
and feel authentic. Honest materials such as solid oak, leather,
and solid brass represent quality and authenticity
Many design cues were found within musical instruments, vin-
tage stereo equipment, and fashion items. The final concept
found inspiration in cassette tape reels

24. Construction
For the appearance model, aluminum bar stock was bent and
painted to represent the cast brass and the center is made from
painted plastic washers and plywood
The appearance model is functional and works well. The added
weight of the brass for the actual item would benefit the design
and would help keep the dispenser from sliding
Final
4L x 4W x 1.125H

25. Group Branding
Desk Accessories for Paste Magazine

26. Two Stool Concepts
Developed Simultaneously

27. Material Concept
a material-based concept
focuses on recycling hdpe
plastic scraps and re-molding
Many of the initial concepts included “plug-n-play” style legs with
a molded top. Different shapes and textures were included in
the molding possibilities
Material exploration is the main focus for this concept. The idea
is to recycle HDPE containers by cutting them into small pieces
and re-molding them into the seat of the stool
Storage Concept
Many of the concepts utilize wall space as storage with the
secondary function of being an art piece or decoration when not
being used as seating. This also saves precious closet space
a small-space living concept
incorporating storage of be-
longings or of the stool itself
Small-space living is the focus for this stool concept. People
living in small apartments or homes still need seating for guests
but the seating needs to fold or break-down for easy storage

28. Construction
A master form was made with the vacuum forming machine
and various plaster molds were created from the master. These
plaster molds were filled with plastic chips and baked at 425 F
to melt the plastic
Three attempts at molding the seat were required to achieve
the desired results. An aluminum frame with turned walnut legs
remains in line with the plug-n-play leg concept
Final
13.5L x 13.5W x 19HThe stool can function normally, as a side table, and can also
stack up to six stools in a circular pattern

29. Construction
The seats are constructed from cherry and are made in three
parts. Square holes in the center serve as the insert point for
the single leg and also as the place to mount the stool to the
wall when hanging
Aluminum legs are used for weight savings and wooden caps
close the end of the tube and also function to assemble the
stools
Final
Plastic octogons are mounted to the wooden end caps and live
within the square tube. Attatched with an elastic cord, simply
pull the end cap, turn 45 degrees, and re-insert. The seat and
weight of the person rests on the exposed aluminum corners
12.5L x 12.5W x 18.5H

30. Stool Concepts

31. CAD Models
Solidworks, Rhino, Keyshot

32. Prisma Marker
Solidworks
FinalRemote
Solidworks

33. Speaker
Solidworks
FinalIphone 6 Case
Solidworks

34. Safety Glasses
Rhino
Bluetooth Speaker
Rhino

35. David Baker
919-749-9424
daviddbaker3@gmail.com
Raleigh, NC
Thank You