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timber justice”.
Simeon’s synthesis of longevity and quality is something
that brings him back to working with American hardwoods
again and again.
He favours American walnut, partly owing to its pull of
nostalgia—being one of the first timbers he ever worked

with—and for its beautiful colour and natural chatoyance.
These features are abundant in his stunningly crafted
matching walnut ‘Sham Bedsides’ with double bridle leg joinery,
hand carved cove profiles with dovetailed piston fit drawers
Ruhlmann, as well as producing stunning commissions for and ship-lap back panels.
Australia’s top architects. Alongside walnut, he is drawn to American maple and cherry
Look no further than long-time collaborator Adam Markowitz given their fine quality, ease of availability and his valuing of
to see the pair’s ability to fuse ingenious design, carefully sustainable material choices across his work.
considered finishes and sustainable hardwoods for winning Looking to the future, Simeon’s ambitions are much a

the formula of furniture crafted to last generations. reflection of what’s brought him success so far; he is looking
Indeed, this is Simeon’s design philosophy, where all aspects to continue creatively advancing his designs and keep working
of process converge on the concept of longevity. In material alongside skilful craftspeople in his six-person workshop.
selection, he prizes making sure the timber is the absolute Perhaps even a solo exhibition for his pieces where excellent
right fit for the piece, examining its “species-based subtleties timber has been done justice. In the meantime, he is teaming
and nuances”, taking into account its grain structure, density up yet again with Adam Markowitz for an exciting project for
and whether it is close or open pore. a tourist centre on the infamous Great Ocean Road.

This is then enhanced by a design ethos of creating Simeon is crafting “four curved sculpted benches” which
something that has visual appeal across decades, choosing will act as the centre’s focal point. He admits it's going to
one to two fine focal points to shine through, evident in pieces be a physically demanding job accounting for the pieces’
like his expansive ‘Art Deco Wall Unit’ in American white oak weight and complexity, but he has no doubt the result will be
and walnut featuring tambour doors with parquetry inlay and something remarkable.
hand shaped waterfall curves. This project will be one to look forward to as another
Finally, owing to Simeon being both a designer and craftsman, iteration of Simeon’s ability to blend aesthetics with durability
it has to be made well, “it doesn't matter if the design's really showing what is possible with quality timber.
good if it's going to fall apart in five years” he plays.

He tries to achieve as much refinement as possible in his Vietnam’s Rising Design Stars Take
hand-drawn sketches before he starts breaking down timber Centre Stage with American Red Oak
components ensuring his pieces are solid from conception—after Award-winning prototypes from the Hoa Mai Design Award
all as Simeon recognises, unlike carpentry, elements can’t be highlight a new generation committed to innovation, cultural
added along the way. storytelling and responsible material choice.
The result: “a piece of furniture that can last as long as The American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) reaffirmed
it takes for another tree to grow, where I know I’ve done the its long-standing commitment to Vietnam’s design community