Students were paired with a "surrogate client" chosen from the community. The clients were selected based on their role as collectors, gallery owners or their relationship with the university.

The client commissioned the artist to design and build a piece of art furniture, limited in size and proposed cost so as to keep the cost of the actual piece at a resonable limit for each student. The client was under no obligation to purchase the piece, but had the option to do so at the agreed price. With only a few acceptions all of the commissioned pieces were were purchased by the clients.

The excercise was developed to provide the students with an opportunity to develope their interpersonal skills, to provide a professional working environment, and to build confidence as studio furniture artists.