The Measure of Materiality with Tom Fereday

With a body of work that spans furniture, lighting and object design, Tom Fereday conveys a sophisticated worldview shaped by his European upbringing and an inclination towards robust natural materials that feels distinctly Australian. Each piece is thoughtfully crafted to be beautiful and functional in equal measure, and both modern and unequivocally enduring.

Hi Tom, can you start by sharing where you are at the moment and what you’ve been up to today?

I am currently in Copenhagen for design week 3 Days of Design, where I am exhibiting new works in collaboration with Ark Journal.


Tell us about your childhood. Do you come from a creative family?

My family do come from quite a creative background. My grandfather was a painter and engraving artist, my grandmother a silversmith, my mum a ceramic artist and my father a textile and rug dealer who also produced bespoke rugs since the 1980s. I grew up in London and then went on to study and live in Sydney, and so have quite a cultural mix.

Describe your process. Is it instinctual or more purposeful, with an end result in mind?

I tend to spend quite a long time thinking and considering pieces before I sit down and physically begin designing a collection. Over the years I have tended to iterate more in my mind trying to find the most elegant solution before going about prototyping and physically developing a design.


Your work spans wood, metal, leather, fabric, stone, glass and more. How important is it to you where your materials come from?

I strongly value the relationship between myself and the incredible craftsmen I work with, and thrive from a collaboration with makers who are experts in a specific material or process. I always simply seek to celebrate natural materials in my work for their beauty and longevity.

"I always seek to celebrate natural materials in my work for their beauty and longevity."

Are there any innovations in material or technique that have piqued your interest for future projects?

I am always seeking to develop works that combine innovation with natural traditional materials, doing so in such a way that enhances the material and does not take away from it. This often results in quite quiet pieces with sometimes subtle or unique design details.


You’ve spoken of creating a body of work that will stand the test of time. What would you say are the qualities of a design that will endure and evolve?

I think a combination of aesthetic and functional longevity are so important for my work to pay respect to the material and energy that went into creating a new piece. I think finding ways to create pieces that can age elegantly, even when they wear or mark, is a key factor in this.

At Armadillo, we advocate for purchasing fewer, more meaningful things. Are there any pieces you’ve designed that hold particular sentimentality?

So many works have marked different stages in my career and it’s interesting to look back and see these pieces forming a body of work. Ultimately my goal is to create a growing body of work that may last a lifetime and not a revolving door of fast-paced new designs that do not stand the test of time.


Have you drawn any life lessons from your craft?

I have certainly made many mistakes over the years and I think what has been the best lesson is to keep evolving and refining my work, learning from mistakes and accepting these rather than stagnating.

You’re based between Sydney and London. What do you love about the design scenes in each city?

I think Sydney is an exciting and contemporary city where it feels like opportunities are there for those seeking it at any level of experience. I find London to be very grounding, rich with a heritage of design and artists.


Finally, what has been inspiring you lately?

I have been really inspired by my recent trip to Copenhagen. I think the entire city’s approach and support to the design community is incredible.