Mark Lee

Architect Mark Lee is a partner at One 17 Design, Huddersfield. He specialises in residential design, but he has also created the Dyehouse range of furniture.

Describe your home style? I like design to feel natural not forced. My style often encompasses large open-plan spaces filled with lots of natural light and a clear palette of natural materials and simple forms in the fixtures and fittings. I see interior design as a fundamental part of the architecture not an afterthought. I come across too many interior designers who are no more than decorators. I like to think my designs are layered spaces with a simple sophistication, hopefully beautiful at first glance, but slowly revealing an even deeper inner beauty. What is your favourite piece of furniture and why? I love the Shell chair designed in 1963 by Hans Wegner and still available through Carl Hansen & Son. Described as a sculptural easy chair, its triangular footprint gives near perfect stability. I think it is beautiful from all angles and is a perfect statement piece in virtually any residential interior.

Where do you shop for homeware? Close to home, I love the convenience of homeware department store Redbrick Mill in Batley, The Home at Salts Mill, Saltaire and, for impulsive purchases, the gift shop at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park. The David Mellor design museum, shop, café and cutlery factory in Hathersage in the Peak District is well worth a visit.

What is your interiors wish list? Just about everything at the moment. After 20 years in The Round House we have just started thinking seriously about a full interior refit, so it will be new kitchen, bathroom and fixtures and fittings. Making decisions and recommendations about light, colour, texture etc. is an everyday part of my job but making the choices for yourself is very, very different.