This self-taught furniture-maker crafts heirloom-quality pieces with modern appeal
Meet The Makers | Apr 6, 2023
Todd HewittCourtesy of Last Ditch Design
Todd Hewitt doesn’t pay attention to trends. The Los Angeles–based founder of Last Ditch Design is on a mission to make furnishings that blend utility with elegance and, more importantly, stand the test of time. “I am committed to providing tailored pieces for those who appreciate functional design and sustainability,” he tells Business of Home. “Each design is built for those not just interested in how things look, but how they work, wear and feel every day that you live with it.”
A self-taught furniture-maker and designer, Hewitt spent 27 years honing his skills for artisanal brands such as Los Angeles–based Lawson-Fenning—where he served as a design consultant—and Henrybuilt (as the Seattle company’s director of production). “At Henrybuilt, I developed a strong eye for the details and an impeccable standard for quality—everything was considered, no aspect too small,” he says. “With Lawson-Fenning, I gained a renewed appreciation for the joy and preservation of hand-crafted heirloom furniture.”
A Silas lounge chair in progressCourtesy of Last Ditch Design
In November 2022, he launched Last Ditch Design with LD2, a 30-piece line of minimalist, made-to-order items. “I spent a year prepping, designing, fabricating and developing the website before launching,” he says. “My goal with this collection was to launch a range of products across all categories that felt cohesive yet broad enough to be considered for all areas of the home.”
All of Hewitt’s case wood works are crafted by his own hand at LA Woodshop—a cooperative space for local artisans and makers—using a medley of durable raw materials including walnut, ash and oak. “I’m driven by elements of Scandinavian and midcentury design,” he says. “I try to let