As students at the University of Washington, Davis and Lee first worked together on a school project during their studies in industrial design. Since then, the pair has continued to collaborate, cementing a cohesive aesthetic and design style. A later chance to study abroad in Rome, gave the pair an insight into fine craftsmanship and independent design ateliers, an immersion which inspired them to open their own studio.

After graduation, both designers accepted jobs in their field but continued to work together by selling repurposed vintage items on Etsy. By the time they began working as an independent studio full time in 2010, they had developed a recognizable aesthetic, with approachable minimalism and an attention to exceptional craftsmanship. The Ladies & Gentlemen Studio’s opening in Seattle was timely: the city was undergoing a renaissance with independent-minded studios and a lifestyle that allowed them the creative freedom to pursue their quixotic and richly inspired collections.

The duos collections are distinguished by their creativity and fine execution. 2012’s Natural Selections, based on re-contextualizing mundane and everyday materials
into transcendent imaginative and refined contemporary furniture and accessories. 2014’s Shape Up range bought a youthful sensibility and a sculptural rigor to lamps, ceiling lighting and home objects.

Three years after forming Ladies and Gentlemen Studio, the company traversed the country, opening a studio in Brooklyn’s nascent Red Hook area. Defined by their playful spirit and exploratory design philosophy, the studio currently works on a range of products from home accessories to furniture, and tableware to jewelry.

Since its inception Ladies and Gentlemen Studio has been a highly collaborative venture. Lee and Davis have partnered with Calico Wallpaper to create an installation for Sight Unseen as well as with clothing line Kareem to create a look book titled Scales & Folds. They also showed at Hancock Shaker Village in 2015 as part of the exhibit titled “Furnishing Utopia.” Recent projects include a launch with Sight Unseen at New York Fashion Week and new pieces in collaboration with Norwegian studio Vera & Kyte, a look book titled Scales & Folds.