John Tree is a London-based product and furniture designer whose work blends industrial precision with refined simplicity. With a background that includes roles at Sony and Jasper Morrison's studio, he has now established his own practice, creating crafted yet industrial designs that emphasise longevity and essential function.
We have known John for many years (Mark in particular has known John for most of his working life) so in this conversation, we took the opportunity to reflect on early collaborations and their shared experiences from Tokyo. We discuss how the design world, and our roles within it, has evolved over time along with culture and technology. We delve into the challenges of transitioning from creative experimentation to running a business and how personal relationships influence professional growth.
John offers insights into balancing client expectations with design integrity, the emotional resonance of well-executed design, and the complexities of creative independence. Our discussion spans topics from cultural differences to the fine balance of storytelling vs simply great design.
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Our careers have intersected with John in various ways, and so it was a pleasure to sit down and reflect - not only on our shared history but also on the current state of the design industry. John's clarity, calmness and curiosity continue to inspire, and we're excited to share that energy in this episode.
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