Ten with Tom: Leandesk

With a focus on sustainability and agile working, we find out more about the award-winning Leandesk sit-stand desk concept, and Henry's favourite spots in and around his hometown of Falmouth in Cornwall.

TR: Tell us the story behind Leandesk and how it all began?

HS: I've always loved a good Chandlery! Boats are full of materials and innovations that simply have to work, because when something fails at sea, the consequences can be serious. It was in a chandlery in Penryn that I first discovered Dyneema, a remarkable cord that's stronger than stainless steel, virtually stretch-free, yet handles like ordinary rope. Fascinated, I began experimenting with it. What started as a series of folding shelves soon evolved into a wall-mounted folding desk, and then into the first Leandesk prototype. Seeing that prototype work for the first time was a genuinely exciting moment, it proved the idea had real potential. At the same time, I'd been exploring bamboo for years and had come to appreciate what an extraordinary material it is. Bringing the two together felt like a natural next step, and that combination of innovative design, remarkable materials and lots of hands-on prototyping is really where the Leandesk story began.

TR: Sustainability plays a big role in your brand ethos. What inspired that focus, and how does it shape the way Leandesk operates today?

HS: Sustainability has always been central to my work. Much of that was shaped by conversations with my elder sister, a research scientist and animal behaviourist, who challenged me to think deeply about humanity's impact on the natural world and our responsibility towards it. As a designer and maker, I believe there's a responsibility to consider environmental impact from the very beginning of the design process. For me, that means carefully choosing materials, using as little as possible, and designing out anything that doesn't serve a purpose. I've always been guided by Dieter Rams' principle of "less, but better", creating products that are functional, durable and thoughtful in their use of resources.

That philosophy continues to shape every aspect of Leandesk today, from material selection to the simplicity and efficiency of the design itself.

TR: What do you love most about your role as Founder at Leandesk?

HS: First and foremost, I'm a designer - more specifically, a prototyping designer. I'm always eager to move beyond the sketchpad or computer and start making something. For me, the best way to truly understand a design is to build it, test it, refine it and build it again. That process reveals what's essential and what can be stripped away. There are no shortcuts to that understanding.

I'm also fascinated by manufacturing. I enjoy designing with a clear understanding of how something will be made, always looking for the most efficient use of materials, processes and resources. The challenge is creating something that is both beautifully simple and intelligently made.

TR: What's your proudest business moment so far?

HS: Unboxing the first finished Leandesk was a very proud moment. I've always believed that the customer experience begins long before the product is used, so we put a huge amount of thought into the packaging as well as the desk itself. Seeing everything come together, the design, the materials, the packaging, and the product, was the culmination of years of work and incredibly rewarding.

Receiving awards is also gratifying, particularly when they come from organisations with genuine rigour behind them. The Design Guild Mark stands out for me because of the depth of scrutiny involved in the judging process. Having experienced that firsthand, being recognised with the award felt especially meaningful.

TR: Could you take us through what a typical day looks like for you?

HS: What's a typical day? Like most people running their own business, I'm not sure there really is one. Every day brings a different mix of design, problem-solving, product development and the countless other tasks that come with building a business. That said, the most consistent feature of my day is probably sitting at my computer in the office, which is perhaps less glamorous than people imagine. I'm always happiest when I can step away from the screen and get back to making, prototyping and working with materials.

TR: Being based in Falmouth, are there any local spots you love? Whether for creative inspiration, interior finds, or just a really great coffee?!

HS: I work from home, and we live fairly remotely, about five miles outside Falmouth. I adore the peace that it offers, and of course the proximity to some stunning coastline. I have a favourite spot near home, it's a little off the beaten track but it's my go-to. I've pondered why I love it so much: tides really matter there (and there are few things more humbling, or ironically 'grounding' than a tide) but it's a low tide spot, with epic rockpools. Within the rockpools is abundant life, and to find abundant life in our nature depleted world is a wonderful thing. There is always something new to see or find.

TR: We're always curious about personal style. How would you describe your interior style, and what elements make your house feel like home?

HS: We live in a granite farmhouse which I renovated when I first came to Cornwall 17 years ago. I am more minimal than my wife, and a lot more minimal than our children(!) but we try and find happy compromises when it comes to the house interior.

In a nutshell, respectful of the house's heritage, comfortable, but quite pared back, a blend of old and new, and a lot of pieces of furniture made by me!

TR: When it comes to home office design, what's one feature you absolutely couldn't live without, and why?

HS: The capacity to switch between sitting and standing at my desk. I have both a Leandesk and a rather ugly rise and fall contraption for my dual monitor set up. There are some tasks where standing is just preferable (online meetings particularly) and having the freedom to choose where those happen is something I really value, so it's a change of scene as well as all the medical/postural benefits that the medical profession categorically agree on.

TR: We would love to know what your favourite Tom Raffield design is, and why?

HS: Funnily enough, Tom had recently launched when I was doing up the house. We bought a No. 1 Pendant in ash for our bedroom, where it still hangs! Soon after buying it we took it back, to what I guess may have been the original workshop, to say we loved it but we wanted it bigger! Tom duly obliged, and it was enlarged (great service!). We then bought an Eddy Wall Light as a companion piece, but the No. 1 remains my No.1.

TR: What's on the horizon for Leandesk? Any exciting projects or plans you can share with us?

HS: We are just back from Clerkenwell Design Week, where we were exhibiting at The British Collection. We had an amazing show and are booked to go back there next year, by which time a number of other products will be ready for launch. So, sorry, but not much I can share at this point, but watch this space for more product launches coming soon.

Posted: 25.06.26