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DESIGN 41
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SIMEON DUX: DESIGN THAT DOES

QUALITY TIMBER JUSTICE THROUGH

CONSIDERED CRAFT

AHEC talks to Melbourne-based designer-maker Simeon Dux about his evolution in furniture design
and ensuring timber has a multi-generational purpose

fter winning the title of ‘The Object 2025’ in this year's him to “work fast” whilst still keeping his pieces “refined and
INDE. awards, AHEC sat down with Melbourne-based delicate”. However, the transition from furniture maker to
Afurniture maker and designer Simeon Dux to learn designer-maker was slightly slower.
more about his process, design philosophy and what it takes Like many great creatives he learnt to design by osmosis,
to make an ‘heirloom quality’ piece of furniture. surrounding himself with beautifully rendered pieces by great
It would be fair to say Simeon’s career reflects a progression craftspeople at the Guild.

through every stage of the craft process, grounding his work He explains: “I was continually exposed to exceptional
as a designer in years of hands-on making. quality design and over time it seeped in, I learnt what small
He began working as a carpenter for a decade inspiring details really make a piece stand out versus what characterises
his love of timber and its physical possibilities, leading him to a poor imitation”.
re-study at the Melbourne Guild of Fine Woodworking to learn Now Simeon runs his own workshop in Melbourne crafting
furniture making under Alastair Boell. and designing his own timber pieces inspired by historical
Crediting his time as a carpenter, Simeon explains it taught furniture heavy-weights Niels Vodder and Émile-Jacques