The Pedersen + Lennard Story
A passion for good design
Our Story
Founded in 2008 in South Africa, Pedersen + Lennard is proudly made under one roof in Cape Town and sought after around the world. With Scandinavian blood in their veins, our co-founders have coined the phrase ‘Afro-Scandi’ to describe Pedersen + Lennard pieces: think clean lines and a timeless aesthetic with bright pops of colour. We are committed to South Africa, and do everything we can to bolster the lives of those who have a hand in making each Pedersen + Lennard piece.
Considered design informs every aspect of our business; from our in-house creative design team to our production line, from our careful choice of materials, to our rigorous testing processes, right through to the small, hidden details that make our furniture as good to look at upside down as the right way up.
Our dedication to producing high-quality furniture, right here in Cape Town, sets us apart as despite the unique hurdles presented by our environment, we've embraced these challenges as opportunities for growth and innovation.
We seek to create designer furniture that will last a lifetime with the aim to better the lives of those who have a hand in making it, as well as those who choose to invest in it. That’s why we take the long view when it comes to quality service, timeless design and long-term staff development.
Our small but mighty team works tirelessly to craft high-quality products and deliver exceptional service to our customers, all while nurturing their personal development and seeking growth opportunities for the business.
We’ve also learnt that good design demands good production. An ongoing investment in our own production and design team has allowed us more control over every aspect of the manufacturing process. This means more flexibility, shorter lead times and paying closer attention to the quality of our work.
meet the founders
About Luke and James
The dynamic pair behind Pedersen + Lennard met as industrial design students in Cape Town, and over carpooling every day, they dreamed and schemed about their futures. Brought together by their common love for simple lines, a timeless aesthetic, and the country they’re proud to call home, James Lennard and Luke Pedersen are amazed by all they’ve achieved in the last 15 years.
Over a decade since founding their creative partnership, considered design still informs everything James and Luke do. It’s evident in each piece of furniture they craft, and it’s embodied in the way they’ve built their business too; investing in people has proven to be more sustainable than any product design. Taking care of their team means that James and Luke are cultivating a dynamic of ownership, dignity, and longevity among the men and women of Pedersen + Lennard.
Proudly rooted in South Africa, James and Luke seek to grow South Africa’s economy, broaden Pedersen + Lennard’s reach to the rest of the world, and create a momentum of opportunities that others can share in.
Our Journal
Stories are not just found in books, but in every line of our furniture.
Our Journal is a trove of insight into our design process and inspiration – get to the heart of why we do what we do, and nerd out with us over dowels and bowtie joints. The Pedersen + Lennard team is grateful to work with exciting collaborators and industry leaders, and our shared exploits are explored here too, as well as stories that celebrate our team.
Breathing New Life into a Cape Country classic: Rediscovering the Tulbagh Chair
We paid homage to the Western Cape’s rich design history through our reinterpretation of the classic Tulbagh Chair. After turning out several prototypes in our Maitland...
Building Community through their Craft: A Conversation with Cedar Coffee Roasters
Dive into our latest journal piece which features an inspiring interview with the talented duo behind Cedar Coffee Roasters, Winston Thomas and Leigh Wentzel. With...
The Art of Collaboration: A Look Inside Design Week Challenge 2023
Design Week Challenge is an embodiment of three core values: the discipline of creativity, transparency, and the mandate to champion design in South Africa. It is...