Mark Lewis is no stranger to enduring design, with his furniture business preparing to celebrate 80 years in 2026. While his brand new showroom bursts with creative seating solutions, his favourite swivel chair takes pride of place.

Words Kim Newth

The vision behind this influential Christchurch furniture business goes back to Mark Lewis’ father, David Arthur Lewis, a cabinetmaker who launched D A Lewis & Company in 1946 to fulfil his dream of making quality furniture for the local market. Initially supplying local retailers with fine furniture, the business quickly grew to meet nationwide demand.

‘Dad was always passionate about furniture and we grew up immersed in it from the start – as kids, we lived right next door to the first factory in Torrens Road,’ says Mark, whose son Ben inherited the family flair for New Zealand-made furniture and today runs his own premium Christchurch brand, Trenzseater.

Ben proudly took the lead in shaping the inspiring layout of the contemporary Blenheim Road showroom, now winning praise as one of the best in the country. Along with this exciting showpiece of exclusive New Zealand-made furniture and select international pieces, a recent brand refresh has smartly positioned Lewis & Co as an intergenerational, iconic family business.

When Mark and his late brother Brent first joined their father at D A Lewis in the 1970s, the factory and store were based on Manchester Street. Following a devastating fire in 1985 that almost destroyed the factory, the business relocated to Sockburn, where the current factory and warehouse still operates today. Bringing the best of local design to New Zealand consumers has long been a key priority. Mark has seen many designs come and go, but sometimes the right design becomes a classic.

‘You can collapse in it with a glass of wine, relax and recharge. Whenever I sit in it, I just feel at peace.’

One such timeless gem is their Roma Swivel Chair, first made in the early 2000s. Mark says the enduring popularity of this top notch chill-out chair owes much to its Italian-inspired design, beautiful proportions and built-in comfort. ‘It looks good from any angle and is really comfortable to sit in. You can collapse in it with a glass of wine, relax and recharge. Whenever I sit in it, I just feel at peace.’

Whether as a standalone chair or a pair, the Roma is an easy mixer with other design selections. Finished in nubby white bouclé fabric, it is perfect for either seaside bach or inner city apartment living. Mark says it can be made in leather, if preferred, and a myriad of gorgeous fabric options are available too. The Roma is quality Christchurch-made, right down to the powder-coated swivel that brings levity to living. ‘My wife Liz and I are fortunate to have nine grandchildren – swivel chairs and grandchildren are a recipe for swinging things around!’

Mark thinks his father would be pleased to know how his legacy is evolving as it approaches its 80th year, with a sensational new showroom, an updated brand and timeless pieces like the Roma winning admiration from a whole new generation.