While you’ve probably heard of Jude Heslin Di Leo, or his furniture line, you may not know much about the fellow behind the furniture. As a committed craftsman, Heslin Di Leo has spent the past decade as a spatial and industrial designer for some of New York City’s top restaurants, stores, offices, and other hot spots (including designer store Maison Margiela, annual media spectacle 29 Rooms). With a dedication to scale and simplicity, he launched his furniture company, Bear and Lion, just a year after entering the design world. Now operating as an eponymous company, Hesline Di Leo recently launched a brand new line of furniture that is sweeping the design community. Composed of bleached maple and English bridle leather, his “Gibbous” furniture melds elements of feng shui with tracings of the lunar calendar. Most notably, Heslin Di Leo’s “Gibbous Cabinet” was named the #1 product of the year by Architectural Digest, and his “Gibbous Chair” was named an NYCxDesign Awards Winner just last month. Take a look at Jude’s award-winning designs below, and join us in today’s Maker Monday. 
Andrew Joseph – What’s your favorite time of day?
Jude Heslin Di Leo – Early morning, most of the time before the sun rises. I start with stretching and meditation to get grounded and clear. Then I’m ready to dive into my work.
Andrew – Style (or design) icon?
Jude – It depends on when you ask, but most days it would be Jean Prouve. He perfectly balanced design and engineering with material and manufacturing economics.
Andrew – How would you define your work in three words?
Jude – Considered, Subtle, Balanced.
Andrew – What’s inspiring you in life (in the industry) right now?
Jude – There’s a growing interest in design everywhere. People are awakening to the beauty and depth that design adds to our lives.
Andrew – A book that everyone should read?
Jude – The Harvard Psychedelic Club by Don Lattin. it’s especially interesting now during the resurgence of psychedelic healing and new cultural perspectives.
Andrew – What would you like to be remembered for?
Jude – Creating a way to support people in their conscious evolution with design.
Andrew – Favorite city to recharge?
Jude – Palm Springs, the desert is so alive!
Andrew – A skill you’re working on mastering?
Jude – Living in the present moment.
Andrew – If you made a documentary, what would it be about?
Jude – It would be about the synergy of ideas. I find it fascinating how people in different places will come up with the same concepts around the same time. It’s a zeitgeist thing, and I think there is something much more to be discovered with how we are all interconnected.
Andrew – What are you most excited about at this time in your life?
Jude – Absolutely everything, I feel there is limitless possibility lurking everywhere. I just have to tune into it.
Andrew – Your affirmation for today?
Jude – There is no such thing as a bad experience. Every experience is a learning experience, as long as you use it to grow.
Andrew – Who is a contemporary inspiration in your field?
Jude – At the moment, Marc Newson. He elevates design into a form of high art.
Andrew Joseph is a regular contributing editor for ASPIRE DESIGN AND HOME magazine. See more of his work here.
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