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From a former boat building workshop in Sussex, Ted Jefferis now runs TedWood, creating products and designing interiors where British hardwoods figure prominently.

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Words by Emily Martin

Who
Ted Jefferis set up TedWood as he found it difficult getting a job after graduating in interior architecture from Oxford Brookes in 2009. 'It was the deepest moment of the credit crunch.I was looking for a job in furniture design and didn't have a lot of luck,' he says. 'A boat-building workshop my family had was unused; I made some bespoke furniture for friends and family and really enjoyed the mix of designing and making.' In 2013 Jefferis launched his first collection at the London Design Festival.

Why
Locating TedWood in the 'Woods' in rural Sussex, Jefferis exhibited during this year's CDW and last month at TENT during LDF showcasing among other pieces the new TipToe Desk. 'It would be nice to have a small space in London to showcase our work,' he says.

'I think it is really important to see and touch handmade goods to appreciate the beauty of them. But for now we are happy in Sussex.' Last year TedWood completed its first commercial interior for Story Coffee in Clapham, London.

What
1. The HangUp Lamp: Made from British saddle leather, it has a turned oak top and is accented with solid-brass hardware. The pendant lamp has a choice of colours, sizes and there is a wall lamp option. Jefferis says: 'I am currently in talks with one of the best lighting retailers about stocking them.'

2. The TipToe Desk: Derived from the leg design on a bench, the desk is available in a choice of British hardwoods: oak, brown oak, elm and ash. The legs are spray-painted in TedWood's 'signature' colours or are available as a hardwood option. It features a dovetail key drawer with an innovative mechanism to make it visually lightweight and smooth to open.

3. Story Coffee, Clapham: Completed last year, the independent coffee shop celebrates the story behind its suppliers and produce. 'With that in mind we sourced a beautiful English elm tree and from this one tree we made all of the table tops, counter, stools and benches,' says Jefferis.

Where
tedjefferis.co.uk