Up Close & Personal With Leonardo Design’s Frank Brand

For the past 30 years, local furniture brand Leonardo Design has remained passionate about producing quality furniture. We speak to owner Frank Brand about what their design philosophy and some of their timeless creations.

The award-wining Houghton Hotel, Spa, Wellness & Golf Club is amongst the top 10 hotels in South Africa, and we are honoured to have supplied some of the furnishings for this acclaimed establishment when it opened in 2018. In the foreground are our Batuka Side Tables finished in gold with a custom-made oval Coffee Table taking pride of place in this stylish seating area.

What is behind the naming of your company Leonardo Design and how long have you been operating?

Leonardo Design was an existing business that I bought into 20 years ago. It was named after the previous owner. Leonardo Design turned 30 years this year, which is quite a milestone.

Leonardo Design is a true one-stop shop with many handcrafted furniture items – are all the products made in South Africa?

Yes all our products are made in our factory in Johannesburg. We are a proudly South African company and have a level 2 BBBEE status. Teboho Shongwe is my partner in our business.

Are you able to customise products?

Yes we are able to tailor make our products to our clients requirements. The majority of our business is custom furniture.

Which international designers are currently an inspiration to you?

I find the outrageous Bill Bensley quite inspiring followed by 2 American designers Amber Lewis and Nicky Dobree inspiring

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Having a successful business, and starting our wood division, last year during a challenging time.

Your favourite business tool or resource?

Solidworks which is a CAD programme.

The most timeless design piece you created?

Our Lafayette Console table and Coffee tables

When it comes to statement Dining Tables – what is your favourite size?

My favourite Dining table is our Naomi dining table and size of 3500 x 1200mm which is an ideal 12 seater.

Love Happens: What first sparked your passion for furniture design?

I was first inspired by architecture and then that grew into furniture. When I was younger, I used to go into Head Interiors in Dunkeld to check out their looks which were just absolutely timeless.

Your design philosophy?

Keep it simple and we put quality first.

If you were to select a favourite piece from your collections, which piece would you pick, and why?

I would choose our Lafayette Console table with a smokey grey glass top. With it having 2 lower shelves it is very useful to place selected object and books.

Lafayette Console table

What’s next for Leonardo Design and any exciting current/future projects?

We have lots on the go. I will keep that one under my hat.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Being in nature.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Jo Malone Fragrance.

The design project you will never forget?

Working with Jacket Interiors on The Westcliff Four Seasons Hotel.

Timeless. Classic. Elegant. These are just some of the words that describe the furniture available from Leonardo Design. But don’t take our word for it. Check out what they have available at  Leonardo Design.