Design Insiders x Leighton Clarke

For Design Insiders, our More Space series that introduces the creative thinkers behind the Space brand, we meet Space CEO, Leighton Clarke, whose early career as a watchmaker has helped develop a love for detail and craftsmanship, along with the belief that great design can elevate our day-to-day life.

Hi Leighton, thanks for joining us for Design Insiders. When did you begin your journey with Space?

It was 2002 I believe, so almost hitting that 20 year milestone. I've been privileged to work with an incredibly supportive team throughout my career at Space. I have weaved my way through departments and teams, from sales to procurement and operations. It’s been invaluable to fully understand how the departments work, the challenges they face, and how each area of the business has evolved over the years. This has assisted with how to best piece the puzzle together. 

Can you tell us about your design path?

I can still vividly picture the first day I visited the Space showroom. I was exploring interiors as a career change after 5 years in watchmaking. I felt that I wanted to pursue something more creative and Space was on the list to visit for inspiration. I was on the second floor, sitting on a white upholstered Reef sofa designed by Piero Lissoni for Cassina. I didn't know that at the time but I recall admiring the unique collection of furniture and the vast open interior of the Brisbane showroom and thinking to myself, 'I will work here one day,’ and the rest is history!

The finely detailed timber and leather Pablo chair by Belgian designer Vincent Van Duysen for B&B Italia. Photo c/o B&B Italia.

The finely detailed timber and leather Pablo chair by Belgian designer Vincent Van Duysen for B&B Italia. Photo c/o B&B Italia.

How did your passion for design develop?

I think my interest in 'the detail' developed as a watchmaker. The overlap between design, craftsmanship and luxury transcends several luxury categories. Watchmaking is a very detailed oriented profession, it is precise and focussed. I think this also relates to furniture and interiors. It’s the touch and the detail in the materials that make furniture special and all of those elements are essential to a fine watch. I think there is a synergy there that translates between the two.

How has spending time at Milan Design Week helped inspire you, and what are some of the important things you have learnt?

I am naturally an inquisitive person, so I love the opportunity to explore new places and learn from new people I meet along the way. The Milan Furniture Fair is a very unique week. It’s not just inspiring in the way each brand exhibits and what they show, it’s also the way the exhibitions and events are integrated within the city itself. The fashion brand windows, the influx of a global audience, the installations from brands large and small, and the chance to visit designers’ studios. It’s impossible not absorb the energy and ideas. However, I do think we now need re-look at how we as an industry launch new collections and if there is a better way. As a team we have been talking internally with our suppliers about what the future should look like. As we all move to a more sustainable approach, how can we do this in a more considered way. In the same way that the fashion industry is reviewing their seasonal releases and the car industry is in a complete pivot, furniture also needs to look at how it can improve. Our partners are exploring new technologies and materials and more efficient processes ensuring everything they make is very considered and has a truly sustainable outlook. We are excited to be involved and see these initiatives evolving design.

A house by Vincent Van Duysen in the Belgium countryside just outside Ghent. Photos c/o B&B Italia.

A house by Vincent Van Duysen in the Belgium countryside just outside Ghent. Photos c/o B&B Italia.

I've always admired Vincent Van Duysen's work, it's minimal but with expression.

Leighton Clarke, Space & Poliform Group CEO, Asia Pacific

Design is an extension of who we are, it's very personal. What is the best piece of advice you give someone choosing furniture?

I am a firm believer in buy once, buy well. If you truly appreciate something of quality that is unique in its design approach, it is something you can enjoy every day. In my eyes the need to constantly renew and refresh speaks of not finding a piece that you truly enjoy. I have found that those basic principles begin applying to other aspects of your life. I firmly believe that Space speaks to quality and timeless design and I will always appreciate this proposition. 

What do you enjoy most about sharing your design knowledge?

I just enjoy seeing someone truly excited by design and the way it becomes part of their life. From that special piece of jewellery, to that unique find you carried around the world on your last trip, to the Edra sofa a client may have been dreaming of for years. Design is there to be enjoyed, and it should make us happy and elevate our day-to-day. 

What is you favourite piece in the Space collection?

My favourite product is the B&B Italia Pablo armchair by Vincent Van Duysen. I’ve always admired Van Duysen’s work, it’s minimal but with expression. 

What is it about the Pablo that caught your eye?

It is a chair that looks so simple, a bit like a suspended bridge. It’s very elegant, has great balance and is also very comfortable to sit in. The relationship between the lightness of the wood and the strength of the raw cut leather creates a beautiful dynamic and the vertical-shaped structural elements are softened by the curved seat. Van Duysen is an architect and a designer, and someone I feel deeply understands how to manipulate materials to create design. In a world of big name designers and architects, I like the way he really flies under the radar. He's a visionary designer who understands both the essence and the art of living.

'The relationship between the lightness of the wood and the strength of the raw cut leather creates a beautiful dynamic,' remarks Space CEO Leighton Clark, describing what drew him to the Pablo chair. Portrait © Tim Ashton.

'The relationship between the lightness of the wood and the strength of the raw cut leather creates a beautiful dynamic,' remarks Space CEO Leighton Clark, describing what drew him to the Pablo chair. Portrait © Tim Ashton.

The dynamic play between solid and void in the country house designed by Vincent Van Duysent. Photo c/o B&B Italia.

The dynamic play between solid and void in the country house designed by Vincent Van Duysent. Photo c/o B&B Italia.

Detail sketch of the Pablo chair c/o Vincent Van Duysen's studio.

Detail sketch of the Pablo chair c/o Vincent Van Duysen's studio.

Leighton Clarke, portrait © Tim Ashton.

Leighton Clarke, portrait © Tim Ashton.

I think my interest in 'the detail' developed as a watchmaker where I learnt about the relationship between design and craftsmanship…

Leighton Clarke, Space & Poliform Group CEO, Asia Pacific

What are you working on at the moment, and excited about for 2022?

A business that has grown over 25 years naturally often does so in silos, so we have been focussing on connecting our global teams with technology and setting up the business for its projected growth in the next five years. Over the next few months I am looking forward to actually seeing my teams face-to-face. Our new general manager in Singapore started one year ago and we are yet to meet in person! I also want to try and hold myself and my team to the key positive learnings we have taken from the last two years. This includes critically evaluating what we do, again making sure it is always considered and for the right reasons, and not being afraid to approach things in different ways. I believe the tension of exploring new ideas opens up opportunities and greater outcomes. On a personal note, I am looking forward to seeing family and friends over the Christmas break and hopefully travelling again next year. 

Thanks Leighton, great to chat with you.

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