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THE GREAT INDOORS: Tim Lewis' woodworking magic
Kensington furniture-maker Tim Lewis explains the process that goes into whipping up his one-of-a-kind creations.
THE GREAT INDOORS: Tim Lewis' woodworking magic
Reporter Meg Augustin takes you inside some of Philly's most fab dwellings to showcase our city's unique grasp on design and architecture.
Artists are known to get inspired by a variety of things. Nature. History. Regrettable moments in pop culture. The same holds true for furniture makers. For designer Tim Lewis, inspiration is what takes the trade from ordinary to original. “I’m often inspired by built works,” he says. “The forms and structure that occur in man-made finds is what interests me.” You can see it in his work, too. Lewis’ brilliantly crafted pieces all seem to remind you of something else — something familiar. Take his popular strap chair that made an appearance on Apartment Therapy (and subsequent designers’ wish lists) in early 2010. The interlaying fabric strips were reminiscent of the cheap, aluminum lawn chairs most middle-class families have stacked up in their garages. “Certain old items have feelings … attached to them,” says the UArts grad. “It’s interesting to reinvent with something so familiar.”
Currently, Lewis creates out of a Kensington studio space (1811 N. Howard St., 267-240-2763, 
timlewisstudio.com) with three other furniture makers. The grownup play space, converted from an old textile building, is part of what should be called Woodworkers’ Row. A string of cabinet and furniture craftsman, including the popular Rossi Brothers, litters an unassuming but up-and-coming area. The community may offer further inspiration to Lewis’ structure-loving creativity. Thirteen years in the business, Lewis has performed all types of feats of woodworking magic. Originally working under Jack Larimore for a number of years, he created pieces under his direction while dappling in his own creative process. The experience not only gave him insight into furniture making but the business aspects of running your own woodworking studio. Today, Lewis creates commissioned work for numerous clients ranging from everyday homeowners to museums and galleries. While he quickly creates self-designed items like his new bentwood desk, a mid-century-inspired coffee table inspired by the common “In” and “Out” paper boxes. Lewis also creates many built-in pieces, like an elaborate library in a Fairmount home or a vanity with marble in-lay. And then there are the many “play” items he has about — artistic moldings of wood that keep his ever-going imagination appeased.
Whether inspired by city water towers, kiddy Popsicle creations, long-forgotten, or overlooked furniture structures, or simple office supplies, Lewis’ creations will never be unoriginal. After thirteen-plus years of woodworking, the furniture maker has the eye of an architect and the creativity of a wonderstruck kid. It’s that very fusion that makes this dude so unique. So whether you are looking for a simple table, a one-of-a-kind living room chair or a made-to-fit library, consider passing on the West Elms of the world and indulge in a local business with tons of inspiration.
Would you like to see your home or office space in an upcoming The Great Indoors? Email Meg at megan.augustin@citypaper.net.
Photos by Dan Eberly (1-9) and Phil Jackson (10-13)
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