Young designer Nicholas Ozemba is currently beginning his junior year at the Rhode Island School of Design; and we think he's already made a fine start.

Specialising in furniture design, over the past year Ozemba has begun to design and build objects - using the design process as a way of translating dreams to reality.

"I am constructing the world the way I see it, the way I want it to be. It's important to me to incorporate personal aspects of myself into my work. I want users to experience my design intent, understand my concepts, but without superseding their own perception of use." he says of his approach.

So here are two projects in his portfolio which have caught our eye.

Both simple ideas, but their execution has a sense of sophistication and sensitivity to the material used which shows great promise.

Ozemba's maple bench is a great example of this approach - a sturdy, well crafted bench which has a playful side by encourages users to enjoying swinging their feet. The grooved seat surface continually shifts, acting as a literal and visual cushion.

'Curatorium' is also made in maple, and is a box designed to protect and display precious artifacts; a miniature museum catered to the individual containing objects of personal and sentimental value.

Each item resonates in the memory of a treasured childhood, acting as a vessel of commemoration. Its contents however precious, lack permanence, living in a journal provided to archive their existence.

We'd say Nicholas is one to watch. Keep tabs on his new projects on his website below...