Name: Lucy Robinson
Company: DesignLSM
Position within company: Senior Designer
Website: www.designlsm.com
Tell us a little about your background in design
After studying Art Foundation at City College Brighton, I went to Nottingham Trent University to complete a degree in Interior Architecture. The degree included a placement year and I was lucky enough to go to Fitch during this year. The experience was invaluable and set me up for joining DesignLSM when I graduated.
How would you describe your personal design style?
My family are from Norway so I’ve always had a strong draw to the Scandinavian design style. I like clean, simple lines and elegant spaces. The opulence of the 20’s and 30’s also plays a big part in my detailing.
Where does your design inspiration come from?
I eat out A LOT so everywhere I go is an inspiration, from the look and feel down to place settings. Pinterest and design magazines are also a great source to get the imagination going.
In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
Design as a subject is constantly evolving which is part of the reason I love it. There is always something to get excited by. 2013 – 2014 seemed to be dominated by the influence of New York bars and the prohibition era. Lots of exposed brickwork, industrial lighting and reclaimed furniture. The end of 2014 has already seen interiors move away from this, introducing a bit more elegance into the space. Creating zones for customers to feel special in seems to be cropping up a lot more, along with open kitchens that show the diner exactly how the food is prepared.
Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2015 and beyond.
1. Soft pastel palettes against strong backdrops
2. Cleaner lines against natural timbers
3. More classic materials such as marble and brass
4. Investing in well crafted furniture
5. Creating more tranquil environments
If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design, what would it be?
Be yourself and stay confident. As a designer, don’t ignore your clients’ brief but develop it. Listen to the needs of your clients and end users and be accommodating.
How important are The International Hotel and Property Awards as recognition of talent and achievement?
The International Hotel and Property Awards are very important as the awards highlight specialist skill within the industry to future clients and promote a sound and stimulating criticism as the voting is open to industry professionals and design enthusiasts from all over the world.
What projects are you currently working on?
Here at DesignLSM, we design a variety and number of projects at any one time. Currently I’m working on a modern Indian restaurant in London, a 30’s style steak restaurant in London, a feminine all day dining restaurant in Dubai and a rotisserie, also in Dubai.
What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
I’m very pleased to have recently received a promotion at DesignLSM, so over the next 12 months I will relish the opportunities my new role offers and keep designing spaces I’d love to be in.
Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself
Your most treasured possession?
Photos of my family and friends, my memories along with my phone!
Your favourite holiday destination?
It would have to be Thailand. I’ve been a few times now and there is still so much to discover.
Your favourite hotel / restaurant / bar?
These are pretty hard to pinpoint as it changes all the time! Most recently I stayed at Amberley Castle hotel which was gorgeous – the room even has its own turret!
Restaurant wise I love Haakasan. It’s my favourite type of food and I’d been dying to go there for ages.
There are too many bars to choose from, so locally in Brighton I love to go to The Lion & Lobster, which is a treasure trove of spaces to explore by an open fire.
Your favourite book / film / song?
BOOK – Great Gatsby, by F Scott Fitzgerald
FILM – A Wonderful Life
SONG – Get Lucky, by Daft Punk
Your favourite food and drink?
Anything cooked by my mother, washed down with a glass of white wine.
Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?
Heading up to London to see friends, visit an art gallery and eat at a new restaurant.
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?
Having studied fine art in the past I think I would be a portrait painter or an art teacher.