JD Lee Furniture
Jeremy Lee takes a holistic approach to woodwork, using his love of the environment and dedication to protect it for his little family based in Byron Bay.
Words: Emma-Kate Wilson
“I feel grateful to work with timber; it is about as organic as you can get a material,” shares furniture designer Jeremy Lee. Photo - Jack Bussell.
Jeremy Lee has always been a 'tinkerer', working under his dad's shed taking bits of odd wood to build skateboards and treehouses. The designer enrolled to study industrial design, starting an apprenticeship as a furniture maker, before opening up his own workshop with a friend five years ago. Today Jeremy lives in Byron Bay with his wife Hana, their two boys Dali and Zephyr, and two new little additions, twin girls, Bobby and Mika.
Within his furniture, the sleek, minimal style highlights the designer's hand of restraint, profiling a curve or a particular piece of timber. The designs are a piece of him — from the long thought-through idea building, the sketching process, and then the time spent with the sustainable wood, crafting his collections.
Living in NSW's Northern Rivers provides ample inspiration, looking outwards to the enclosing nature and the creative lifestyle, surrounded by people living their dreams. "For a lot of people in Byron, self-employment is a lifestyle decision — it's about allowing more flexibility to enjoy life,” Jeremy adds. “Soaking up the sun and getting wet as often as possible increases gratitude and keeps me focused when I’m in the studio.”
“Having an awareness of our impact as individuals, for us, is a must. We are just trying, to the best of our ability to be a part of the change, as much as we can,” shares Jeremy Lee. Photo - Jack Bussell.
“I like complex design that looks simple; there is real beauty and humility in intricate work which is executed in a minimalist style.”
Family filters throughout Jeremy's practice, which often works as a collaboration with Hana. "She is always honest and will never hold back if she’s not into something,” Jeremy shares. “Sometimes, the feedback is good, and I take it, sometimes not. But the process of chatting it out always helps me feel confident in the final design.”
The Dali Shelves are evident of this, naming the well-loved pieces after his son. But, also, being able to take a flexible approach to work is vital for the family, which the designer shares, have set the parameters of how he gets his craft completed. Having a family has expanded on Jeremy's dedication to make the future a safer, sustainable, place: "to create something that my kids can be proud of.”
Jeremy Lee with his wife Hana. Photo - Jack Bussell.
“I feel a responsibility to maintain my integrity and live up to the benchmarks created by other passionate and forward-thinking designers and makers. Having children has stretched my ideas of the future, not just the world I live in, but also the one I will one day leave behind for them.”
The Lay Bed and Lay Bedsides by JD Lee Furniture. Photo - Lisa Sorgoni.
“I feel grateful to work with timber; it is about as organic as you can get a material,” says Jeremy Lee. Photo - Lisa Sorgoni.
Jeremy’s love of his environment rings through his entire practice, researching and sourcing high-quality materials which come from natural and non-toxic suppliers, all with forestry certifications. Using sustainable wood and creating products that are timeless and designed to last is just the start. "The best thing anyone can do to reduce their impact is to buy less and look after what they have," Jeremy muses. "It can be more expensive to buy than cheaper alternatives, but the financial sacrifice not only helps support local craftsmen and women, it also encourages people to take care and look after their furniture."
“Nature has always been a big inspiration for me; being immersed in such a beautiful landscape helps to stay balanced and passionate about my life and also my work. ”
The Big Z Bar Stool by JD Lee Furniture. Photo - Lisa Sorgoni.
The Ziggy Set by JD Lee Furniture. Photo - Jack Bussell.