Pete Hill Design is a design led furniture studio producing contemporary handmade furniture and lifestyle pieces. Everyday pieces are designed to celebrate traditional craftsmanship through sustainable production and build.

Sustainability and ethicality are highly important to the integrity of the studio; working exclusively with British hardwoods and leather, and running the workshop on 100% renewable energy are just two examples of how he is striving to achieve this. Here are a few questions we asked when we sat down to find out more about the British furniture design studio.

Talk us through your latest product/s:

I have just released my latest work which is ‘The Full Grain Collection’. I am really passionate about using sustainable British materials and I have challenged myself to experiment with leather in this collection. I love exploring the relationship between different textures and the visual impact of placing varying materials side by side in the same work. ‘By trade’ I am a designer / woodworker so bringing new materials in really opens up a whole new world of possibilities for my work.

What goals would you like to achieve for your company in the future?

I work alone in my workshop but scale by working with other British artisans. In the case of the Full Grain Collection, I work with a master saddler to hand cuts and hand stitch the leather to my designs. This model works really well and enables me to scale at ease. However, ultimately I would like to run a small team, move to a bigger workshop, etc.

Why did you choose to exhibit at CDW?

I have shown my work at several shows and events but this is the first ‘outing’ for my work at the design lead show. CDW has a ten year history of as a bastion of excellence in this arena and the team have been great at welcoming me in as a new designer. I’m really looking forward to it.

What made you want to become a designer?
I studied Product Design during my time at school but when I left if didn’t have the space or finances to set up a studio. Designing and building furniture was very much something I did in my spare time whist working towards set up. During this time I developed a real passion for the wealth of home grown materials available to us in the UK. Today it is these materials that are one of my biggest sources of inspiration.

Who is your inspiration?

I don’t find myself drawing inspiration from anyone person in particular. For me, inspiration come from many places and at many times but if I was to refine that I would say my inspiration comes from the materials I work with and the opportunity to challenge and test myself.

What 3 words sum up your brand?
Ethical. Sustainable. British.