Renowned Furniture Designer Aaron Tvrdy Presents the Next Kunzendorf Lecture

The College of Architecture is excited to announce Aaron Tvrdy, nationally renowned furniture design-maker, will be giving a Godfrey & Roberta Kunzendorf Lecture on Furniture Design titled “A Journey into Custom Sustainable Furniture” at 4 p.m., October 4, in Architecture Hall, Room 127.

Tvrdy is a University of Nebraska graduate who earned his master’s in architecture in 2007. Growing up in rural Nebraska, he developed a strong interest in designing and building architectural products through hands-on experiences. Before co-founding Icon Modern in 2007, a sustainable furniture and architectural elements manufacturer in Chicago, Illinois, he worked at HDR Architecture and served as a retired officer in the Army National Guard.

Icon Modern is a full-service custom manufacturer focused primarily on hardwood and steel, catering to the commercial industry in both Chicago and nationally. Throughout his career, Tvrdy has dedicated himself to sustainability and adaptive reuse. By starting Icon Modern, he has been able to combine his passion for design and engineering with hands-on fabrication and entrepreneurship, maximizing his true potential.

For this lecture Tvrdy will share his decision and career path pivoting from the field of architecture to one running a custom sustainable furniture company. He will also showcase the works of Icon Modern and some of their more interesting products and projects.

“For me, it’s been a journey with several unexpected turns but ultimately resulted in a rewarding and enjoyable career,” said Tvrdy. “Icon Modern has allowed me to focus on the things I am good at, that I like to do and that challenge me.”  

Augmenting Tvrdy’s lecture, students and furniture enthusiasts are invited to his furniture exhibition that will be on display in the HDR Pavilion’s first floor lobby.

For questions, email Kerry McCullough-Vondrak at kerry.vondrak@unl.edu.