Simon St. James LeComte

(Forbes 30 Under 30)

www.simonstjames.com

31 October 2019 6 Min Read

Simon St. James LeComte on the Intersection of Art and Fashion

Meet Simon St. James LeComte, an entrepreneur and an industrial designer with a vision and passion for chasing after his dreams. He operates two design entities, NewMade LA and Simon St. James Studio. And his creativity and dedication have earned him a spot on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 US & Canada 2019: Art and Style.

Simon started his career when he got to work with Sally Breer on the project Café Birdie. He has continued collaborating with Sally Breer on his most recent project, Firehouse Hotel. Simon has also done custom pieces for large establishments, such as SOHO House, Oriel Chinatown, and Checker Hall.

Join me and hear Simon’s story about how he uses art to express himself, manages his time while running two design entities, and what advice he would give to others in the industry!

The Logician

First off, thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview with me! Now, can you tell us more about yourself? Who is Simon St. James LeComte? What do you do for a living, and why?

Simon St. James LeComte

My pleasure.

My name is Simon St. James LeComte, born and raised in Los Angeles. Half Dutch, the better half I’d like to think.

I’m a designer by trade. I specialize in lighting design, but I love all aspects of design and creation.

I own and operate 2 design entities, Simon St. James Studio, in which I design and fabricate custom pieces for hotel/hospitality as well as bars and restaurant with some private clientele mixed in, and NewMade LA, which is my product line that focuses on home goods/ housewares.

The Logician

You are an extremely talented individual who deserved his place among the Forbes’ 30 under 30. How was the feeling? What is more important to you, hard or smart work?

Simon St. James LeComte

It was quite surreal, to be honest, and it still is.

I’m honored to have been considered let alone chosen to be a part of such a creative group of likeminded individuals. For me, it just helps to validate what I’m doing.

They say work smarter not harder, but I think that both are equally important. Work hard to get where you want to be, work smart to stay where you want to be.

The Logician

As an artist, what is the best thing about art as a form of expression? How did you start your career as a designer? Which artwork are you most proud of?

Simon St. James LeComte

The best thing about art is being able to express your idea without the use of words. I always try to let my work convey how I’m thinking through my design.

My start came from opportunity, as most beginnings do. I was given the chance to be a part of my first project, Café Birdie in Highland Park, by Sally Breer. Sally is the Founder and Creative Head of ETC for Short, and interior design firm.

Since Birdie, I’ve worked very closely with Breer on multiple projects including my most recent, Firehouse Hotel which is located in the DTLA Arts District.

That by far was my most impressive project. I designed a 35ft long tube light that loops and bends above the bar, it’s more like something that came out of Dr. Seuss book.

All the lights in there that I did in there are some of my most favorite; they’re all special from big to small.

The Logician

Can you tell us more about your product line and the studio? How difficult is it to manage several things at once? What is your secret to good time management?

Simon St. James LeComte

My product line is called NewMade LA, which essentially specializes in mid-century inspired home goods. The line consists of wall and hanging planters, sheet metal toilet paper holders, geometric wire formed wall hooks, folding furniture, and lighting.

Simon St. James Studio is my custom design entity in which I specialize in custom lighting and design. I’ve done custom pieces for establishments such as SOHO House, Hoxton LA, Milk Studios, Oriel Chinatown, Firehouse Hotel, and Checker Hall to name a few.

The actual studio is the heart of the whole operation. That’s the place where the ideas become reality.

I don’t know if I have a formula for time-management but I’ve become a big fan of making lists.

Being able to get everything out of my head and have a visual tracking system for what I have to do definitely helps the process, especially while running two design entities.

The other thing that helps is having a great team behind you, without that it’s almost impossible to do everything.

The Logician

As a young and successful designer, what would you recommend to those who still struggle in this industry? Did you have a hard time making a name for yourself in this field?

Simon St. James LeComte

Work hard, and don’t compromise. If you believe in the importance of a design element or aesthetic, then don’t alter your ideas for anyone.

Be true to yourself.

I feel like I’m still trying to make a name for myself. I’m only at the beginning.

The Logician

When was your ‘’I made it’’ moment? How would you describe success?

Simon St. James LeComte

Honestly, Forbes 30 under 30 was a great moment for me, that just helped to solidify that what I was doing was working.

To be recognized on a level like that alongside other successful creatives was definitely a moment.

While ’30 under 30’ was a great honor, that wasn’t my “I made it” moment, and I don’t think I’ll have that for a while. I’m always looking forward to what’s next.

Success for me has been the recognition that I’ve received for my work.

The Logician

What inspires you to do such a fantastic job? Who is your biggest supporter in life? Who do you look up to and why?

Simon St. James LeComte

My passion.

I love what I do and that’s why I put all my effort into my craft and the final product.

I want my work to be an example of me and the level of devotion that I have.

My biggest supporters have always been my family and my peers. They have the utmost respect and encouragement for what I do. They push to do more.

The Logician

According to you, what role do artists have in society? What is the message you would like to share with the world?

Simon St. James LeComte

I think artists and designers are often overlooked and most people don’t understand the influence that they have in everyday life.

It can be as simple as a lamppost, or a mural that you drive by on the way to work.

“It’s often the little things that have the biggest impact.”

There’s beauty everywhere and it might just take looking at something differently to realize that.

The Logician

Where do you see yourself and your business in the following 5–10 years? Do you have any plans? If so, can you tell us more about your goals?

Simon St. James LeComte

Right now I’m working on setting up my custom entity, Simon St. James Studio, for the retail market.

I have a lot of designs that I want to produce and have more accessible to everyone.

Other than that, I’d like to keep developing my brands and expand on my design entities. There is no destination, only to keep moving forward.

The Logician

In the end, do you have a life motto? What is the one piece of advice you think everyone should hear? Why?

Simon St. James LeComte

Be true to yourself, and be true to your word.

The Logician

Thank you, Simon, for sharing your passion for art with us. You have reminded me to find inspiration in everything around me, even if it’s as simple as a lamppost. In your words, the small things have a significant impact! And I agree 100%! I am excited to see your future work, and I’m sure you will continue to impact the art world with your projects, as you have done to date. I wish you the best of luck in fulfilling your dreams!

The Logician

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