Setting up his own design practice, SKEEHAN Studio, more than 10 years ago, Tom Skeehan has had his hands in many different projects over the years. Establishing a thriving Australian based design studio producing high-end commercial furniture for the global market, Skeehan’s careful consideration for design materials and partnerships has allowed for his studio to not only grow but to thrive.
Getting started in the design industry at a young age, Skeehan was first introduced to Louise and Luke Ommundson, owners, and directors of Evostyle, at a design tradeshow in Sydney. With Louise’s background in architecture and Luke’s long family history in joinery and timber craft, Skeehan says he knew their combined skillset was unique.
“As a young designer in the industry, they were so kind in helping me explore the beginnings of my own practice while offering advice and insights that were and have been invaluable.”
“I don’t believe there’s anywhere else in Australia you could go to and get the service that they provide as a team and I’m lucky to have recognised that from the beginning of SKEEHAN Studio,” says Tom Skeehan.
After noticing a gap in the Australian design market for minimal Japanese inspired timber furniture, Skeehan created his Hoshi range. With sleek lines, a tubular profile and detailed upholstery the range has been a hit across Australia, Europe, and Japan. Proving to be his most sought-after range to date, Skeehan says part of the success of this profile is due to the expertise of Evostyle.
“With the Hoshi range, we had some very specific and detailed elements to the timber frames that needed to be considered during the manufacturing process. I was running into issues in how I could come up with a solution for the problem and after consulting with Luke at Evostyle, he was able to provide a solution within minutes, suggesting a particular German made piece of hardware that would solve the issue”
With a commitment to transparency in process, materials, and partnerships, SKEEHAN Studio has prided itself on being industry leaders within the Australian design community. Creating design solutions that seek to reconnect people with the material world around them, one of the studio’s core values is celebrating the local.
“As a studio, a part of our brand narrative is our pride for Australian made furniture and products. It’s important to us to support the country we are designing products in. Considering a huge part of our audience in Australia it is very important that we explore every possible opportunity here first. Luckily, companies like Evostyle make it very easy to manufacture in Australia.”
“Working with an Australian based manufacturer means you can be very agile on projects. Working locally has allowed our studio to respond with short lead times and bring complex products to market quickly.”
“A big part of the design process is collaborative with large investments from multiple stakeholders. Partnering with a company that you can visit and have an open honest conversation with is incredibly valuable.”
“SKEEHAN Studio has partnered with Evostyle over the last decade, and I don’t see that partnership going away any time soon. Their level of expertise is unmatched. You certainly get what you pay for, and beyond, when you choose Evostyle. And you’re also supporting a family-run Australian business,” says Skeehan.
