Leyden Lewis
A cutting-edge New York designer bridges the gap between art, architecture, and design.
Leyden Lewis Design Studio is truly multidisciplinary: Founder and Creative Director Leyden Lewis is a trained architect, a fine artist, and an interior designer. His mother and father are from Trinidad and Tobago, and his rich Caribbean heritage informs his aesthetic, which Lewis says blends elements of urban sophistication and European modernism.
A member of Black Artist + Designers Guild (BADG), Lewis recently played an integral role in developing Obsidian, a virtual concept house set in the Oakland Hills in the year 2025. The project addressed decades of environmental injustice. It allowed the creators an opportunity to pair inspiration with aspiration, drawing from their perspective, expertise, and experience to ask the question—What should home look like for Black families?
When did you first discover your love of design?
I grew up in an artistic family, so I’ve always felt in touch with my creative side. I’d go so far as to say that I’ve always been an artist, so pinpointing a specific event or revelation is difficult to do since continuing this legacy from my family has contributed to who I am today.
What are the hallmarks of a Leyden Lewis space?
I would describe our studio’s aesthetics as art-filled. We prefer simple geometries and elevate the beauty in them. We like to play with saturated colors and, where we can, have a conscious effort to be a fluid continuation of space. At the same time, we love to keep things clean and comfortable, and focused on form, architecture, and space.
How has your Caribbean heritage influenced your aesthetic?
This question, in a way, is also connected to my style. My heritage is my aesthetic and comes from the idea of electrifying people into states of joy and expression. It is the reliance on color and gold, and all the elements of Trinidad and Tobago, especially during the time of carnival—laughter and joy. It is our hope that the production of spaces evokes the same emotions. Spaces are there to be productive, occupied, and inspiring—we want our clients to feel these emotions whenever they walk into our creations.
What is the accomplishment you’re most proud of?
Right now, it’s all my work with the Black Artists + Designers Guild and my co-architectural team with Nina Cooke John. It is important for me to work with like-minded people and connecting with BADG to design the Obsidian Virtual House has been a dream I never knew I had. It’s something that I had never been part of before and thinking about spaces that are created for Black bodies to exist is thrilling.
In addition to design, you’re trained as a fine artist and offer art consultations. What would you tell someone who is curious about collecting art but doesn’t know where to begin?
It is important to collect objects that reflect your passions and interests. Find something you really love and learn to talk about it.
“My heritage is my aesthetic and comes from the idea of electrifying people into states of joy and expression.”
What do you love most about living and working in Brooklyn?
Authenticity—plain and simple! I feel that true diversity and culture exists outside of Manhattan. When you get on the A and head to Queens, you experience a different New York. It’s the 167 languages spoken and the more varied persons of interest in the boroughs where cultures come together that does more for me than a stroll down Park Avenue.
What do you think every room should have?
Light, art, and cross ventilation. These are the fundamental elements that should be incorporated in all spaces.
What does “home” mean to you?
My idea of home is summed up in a line from The Wiz—”Where there’s love overflowing.” For me it’s an overabundance of friends, food, laughter, and joy.