Todd Hewitt of Last Ditch Design has honed his unique style over a 27-year journey that began with crafting sustainable lodgepole furniture in Wyoming. After delving into the Craftsman style in the Pacific Northwest and gaining a deep understanding of contemporary minimalist design at Henrybuilt, he collaborated with Lawson-Fenning, appreciating the legacy of 20th-century Californian craftsmanship. This journey paved the way for the inception of Last Ditch Design. Now based in Los Angeles, Todd blends midcentury modern, contemporary minimalism and natural forms, emphasizing simplicity and quality in his creations. Learn more about Todd Hewitt and his designs in today’s Maker Monday.
The Silas Lounge Chair uses an exposed solid wood frame to become the focal point for classic geometry, while maintaining a timeless feel.
Andrew Joseph: What design trends do you think will be popular in the coming years?
Todd Hewitt: Oh heck…I am not a good gauge for this. I just hope the next generation of designers and makers will continue to find inspiration from life’s experiences and an appreciation for handcraft. I think we will need to keep an eye on AI and how it impacts design trends.
AJ: How do you stay creative and inspired?
TH: That’s a tough one. With my operations experience, I tend to always lean towards the left side of the brain. Not always a bad thing as I do enjoy finding a way to make a highly functional and well-designed spreadsheet. Too much of that and I do have to remember to pull myself back to the right to maintain that balance and sense of inspiration. I then find myself constantly admiring shapes in my day to day. Looking for anything that could lend its form to a piece of furniture.
AJ: How do you keep up with the latest design trends?
TH: With a career focused in production, I definitely have a weak spot in my history of and awareness of design trends. In the traditional sense, It has been a real insecurity of mine to not have an academic or professional path in design. I just continue to believe in my own work while making the time to acknowledge the past. I also need to take advantage of the wonderful resources that LA has to offer the Art & Design world. All of this will allow me to be in a much better place when it comes to keeping up with trends. Problem is I like to be in bed before 10:00.
The Renn Side Table draws its essence from the iconic Scottish designer, Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Celebrated for his captivating geometric silhouettes and vivid floral motifs, this table beautifully embodies his philosophy: valuing simplicity and the purity of natural materials over embellishment.
AJ: How do you balance functionality and aesthetics in your designs?
TH: I can 100% thank my time at Henrybuilt for my attention to detail and function. Of course I want to make beautiful objects but if they do not perform and hold up to the day-to-day expectations then I am not doing my best work.
AJ: How do you stay organized while working on multiple projects?
TH: A big part of my career has been based in the fields of operations and project management. Sprinkle in a dash of OCD and I will try to organize my day and projects down to the minute. I definitely am not a “fly by the seat of my pants” kind of person. Sometimes I wish I was a bit more spontaneous in my work and life but just like my cats, we all become creatures of habit.
AJ: What is your favorite type of furniture to design?
TH: I love making coffee tables because there is so much that you can experiment with in terms of form and shape. As long as you produce a flat and stable surface then you really do have an opportunity to have fun. I will tell you that my least favorite piece of furniture to make is a chair. Chairs are incredibly complex, having so many components and requirements for fit and function. Even a simple dining chair can be very labor intensive. I do not think there is enough appreciation for the amount of thought and energy that goes into making a beautiful chair. It truly is an art form and you might notice I have yet to introduce a dining chair in my collection for all the above reasons. How about a nice bench instead?
The Tumbler Coffee Table elegantly showcases the harmonious dance between scale, shape, and texture. Rich, asymmetrical wooden legs exude warmth and intricate grain patterns, gracefully complementing the gentle curves of the marble top.
AJ: What is your favorite design tool to use?
TH: Early on I had an instructor tell me that our best instrument of measurement is our hands and fingers. Every design can look good on paper but I have to rely so much on my hands to guide me through the engineering and physical aspects of the production process to make sure the design is going in the right direction.
AJ: Best advice you’d give your teenage self?
TH: There’s no point in being too hard on yourself but remember to make good decisions, learn from your mistakes and remain open-minded. You never know the extraordinary set of challenges that others may be facing in their lives so approaching life with calm, kindness and empathy will put you on the right path.
About the Maker | Through an unconventional exploration of design, Todd Hewitt, Founder and Designer of Last Ditch Design, has refined his personal style over a 27-year career marked by in-depth study and behind-the-scenes observation as a professional maker.
Growing up with the picturesque landscapes of the Wind River Range in Wyoming as a backdrop, Todd’s initial foray into handcraft and design came by the fabrication of sustainably sourced lodgepole furniture. Transitioning to the Pacific Northwest, he endeavored in the Craftsman style of furniture.
Today, out of his workshop in Los Angeles, Todd maintains the hands-on resourcefulness that is still at the foundation of his approach to the products he designs and builds. Inspired by a thoughtful blend of contemporary and natural organic forms, Last Ditch Design maintains simplicity in detail with an impeccable attention to quality.
Like what you see? Get it first with a subscription to aspire design and home magazine.