Furniture Designer, Educator, Creative Director

Tom Skeehan, the founder of SKEEHAN Studio, brings a unique,
material-driven design philosophy to his work. For over a decade, he has been pushing the boundaries of industrial design through speculative and curatorial projects. This platform showcases the sincere artistry and innovative spirit that define each of his creations.

Tom's journey began as a fine furniture maker, where he developed a keen understanding of craftsmanship and the intrinsic value of materials. This foundational experience inspired him to pursue a career in industrial design, gaining valuable insights from working with brands across Australia before establishing SKEEHAN Studio in 2014.

A steadfast commitment to material-driven principles and thoughtful manufacturing processes marks Tom's design approach. His work bridges the gap between handcrafted traditions and contemporary manufacturing techniques, transforming everyday objects into unique experiences through innovative combinations of materials.

This philosophy informs every project at SKEEHAN Studio, from bespoke pieces for the Washington Embassy to collaborative exhibitions in Milan, NYC, London, and Australia. Tom consistently explores the potential of materials, elevating them through his innovative design.

Through SKEEHAN Studio and initiatives like Friends and Associates, Tom actively contributes to the broader design community, advocating for design education and lifelong learning. This platform extends that ethos, delving into speculative and curatorial projects that challenge conventional design boundaries and celebrate the craftsmanship behind each object.

Attributes

2010
Young Australian of the Year, Palerang Council
2012
Emerging Contemporary’s Award, University of Canberra
2013
DIA Graduate of the Year Award, Design Institute of Australia
Dean’s Excellence Award, University of Canberra
Accredited Professional Membership, Craft ACT: Craft and Design
LAUNCHPAD Competition, Aruku Stool
INSIDE Magazines, Object and Furniture, Stay Stools
INSIDE Magazine, Emerging Designer, Finalist
2014
LAUNCHPAD Competition, Finalist, Ki Mirror
2015
Indesign Magazine, Top Ten Australian Designers
2017
INDIE Award Winner, Object Design, Hup Hup Chair
2019
Good Design Award, NAVE Collection
IDEA Awards, Finalist, Welcome to Wasteland
2020
Patrone Studio Design Award Winner
Good Design Award, Best in Class, ROU House
2021
ADA Award, Best in State, Canberra Glassworks
2022
Good Design Award Winner, HIVE Collection
Dezeen, Emerging Studio of the Year, Longlist
2023
Good Design Award Winner, Willow Cot, Tasman Eco
2011
Gallery of Australian Design: Best of the Best
2012
Craft ACT: Craft and Design: Emerging Contemporary
Traders Gallery: SKEEHAN Product Launch
2013
Gallery of Australian Design: Young Hot Canberra
Workshopped Exhibition: STAY Stool, Sydney
Craft ACT: Craft and Design: APM Exhibition
Sydney Indesign: Galleria, Ki Collection
Pecha Kucha: Guest Speaker, Canberra
2014
Workshopped Exhibition: Henko + SETTO, Sydney
Singapore Indesign: Galleria, STAY Stool
Friend Gallery: Product Launch, Canberra
Galleria Sydney Indesign: SETTO Collection
Canberra Glassworks: Design x Glass
Design Canberra Festival: Keynote Speaker
Sharing Light Exhibition: FINK Design, Canberra
2015
Galleria Sydney Indesign: HOSHI Collection
Brooklyn Chasm Gallery NYC: STAY Stools
Craft ACT: Craft and Design: Solo Exhibition, Thought Process
2016
Milan Furniture Fair: HUP HUP Folding Chair
2017
Milan Furniture Fair: HOLO Light Launch
NISHI Gallery: Book Launch
New York ICFF: HUP HUP Folding Chair
2018
Milan Furniture Fair: NAVE Armchair
2019
Lane Crawford Hong Kong: Aviso Chair
Milan Furniture Fair: AVISO Chair, Haru Light
Melbourne Design Week: AGM Exhibition, NAVE, HARU Light
Melbourne Design Week: Welcome to Wasteland, Friends & Associates
2020
Melbourne Design Week: Community Bench, Friends & Associates
Melbourne Design Week: Friends and Associates, NGV Melbourne
Melbourne Design Week: Alt Material, Metta Chair
Craft ACT: Craft and Design: Fink Collaborative Jug
2021
Melbourne Design Week: A World We Don't Want, Friends & Associates
Venice Glass Biennial: HARU Light, Venice
The Glassworks: Local Canberra Local Design, Ray Lights
2022
Melbourne Design Week: RMIT F&A, Self Portrait, Friends & Associates
Sydney Indesign: HIVE Product Launch
Sturt Gallery: Coalesce Exhibition
Powerhouse Museum: Design Icons
2023
Milan Furniture Fair: HARU and SO Light Rakumba
Melbourne Design Week: 1 Hr Exhibition, Friends & Associates
2024
Melbourne Design Week: Souvenir, Friends & Associates
State Chair, Design Institute of Australia (DIA)
2021 - Present
Artistic Selection Panel, Craft ACT: Craft and Design
2022 - Present
The Design Files: Skeehan 2017
The Local Project: HOSHI Collection by Skeehan 2017
Architecture AU: Pursuit of Perfection: Studio Skeehan 2022
Yellowtrace: Australian design studio SKEEHAN reveals major rebrand & new products 2020
Yellowtrace: Australian Industrial Designer Tom Skeehan 2020
ABC: ACT Design week: Meet Canberra furniture designer Tom Skeehan in his studio 2020
Core77: Industrial Designer Devises Unusual, Mostly Timber Folding Chair 2023
Delicious: Canberra furniture designer Tom Skeehan wins Patrón's new national grant
Architecture AU: GOTYA NSW and ACT 2012
Architecture AU: Editors’ picks: Milan Design Week 2023
The Sydney Morning Herald: The Aussies who are part of the furniture in Milan 2919