Los Angeles, CA – At an age when many professionals begin to wind down their careers, Todd Hewitt is launching into his most ambitious venture yet. At 50, the seasoned maker has founded Last Ditch Design, a handcrafted furniture brand that embodies his unwavering determination to pursue his entrepreneurial dreams. The name itself, “Last Ditch Design,” symbolizes Hewitt’s belief that it’s never too late to chase one’s passions and that sometimes the most significant achievements come from our most earnest efforts.
The term “last ditch” often refers to a final, wholehearted attempt to achieve something meaningful against all odds. For Todd Hewitt, it represents a culmination of his near 30-year journey in furniture production, engineering and design. “Starting Last Ditch Design is my way of putting everything on the line for what I truly believe in,” says Hewitt. “It’s about never giving up on your dreams, no matter where you are in life.”
Hewitt’s signature style has been shaped by nearly three decades in the design industry, where his journey through various influences and practices has informed his approach to furniture making. His early experience crafting lodgepole furniture in Wyoming gave him a deep connection to natural materials, a theme that continues to resonate in Last Ditch Design’s commitment to sustainability.
His role as Director of Production at Henrybuilt, a leader in contemporary minimalist design, brought a new dimension to his work, reinforcing the idea that furniture should be functional without sacrificing artistry. “Minimalism is more than just simplicity,” Hewitt says. “
“It’s about refining details and stripping away excess to reveal the core beauty of a piece. For me, that principle aligns perfectly with the clean lines and organic forms of Mid-Century Modern design.”
This philosophy has been further honed through his past collaboration with Lawson-Fenning, an iconic design studio known for its reverence for California craftsmanship from the golden age of 20th-century design. These experiences collectively form the foundation of Last Ditch Design’s unique aesthetic. These cumulative experiences set the stage for what would become his most personal and profound endeavor—Last Ditch Design.
Hewitt’s Los Angeles workshop is the heart of this venture, where each piece of furniture is crafted with the same care and attention to detail that have defined his career. The designs are inspired by a blend of Mid-Century Modern and Scandinavian influences, contemporary minimalism, and organic forms, resulting in furniture that is both timeless and cutting-edge. Every piece is a testament to Hewitt’s commitment to quality, sustainability, and above all, the belief that great design should be both beautiful and functional.
The launch of Last Ditch Design at 50 is more than just a business story; it’s a tale of resilience, passion, and the refusal to let go of a dream. In an era where entrepreneurship is often associated with youth and rapid innovation, Hewitt’s story stands out as a powerful reminder that the most meaningful ventures can come later in life, fueled by decades of experience and a deep-seated determination to succeed.
“Last Ditch Design is about more than just creating furniture,” Hewitt reflects. “It’s about creating a legacy. It’s about proving that no matter where you are in life, if you have a dream, it’s worth fighting for. This company is my last ditch effort, and I’m proud of every piece that comes out of it.”
