Name: David Lucas
Company: Lucas Design Associates
Position within company: Founding Partner & Creative Director
Website: LucasInterior.com
Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc)
I specialise in interior architectural detailing and space planning, with a holistic design approach to environments and the relationship between interior and exterior. I received a degree in Architecture from Parsons School of Design and began my career working for respected architecture firms in Manhattan. After moving to Seattle, I worked for Terry Hunziker Inc. for several years, before establishing my own firm with my siblings. I enjoy working directly with clients, contractors and my creative team and find it rewarding to see a project develop from concept sketches to final built reality. I’ve loved architectural design and drawing spaces since I was a child, having redesigned the entire Lucas family home as an aspiring 7-year-old architect.
How would you describe your personal design style?
My design style is casual, modern and simple. My style is defined by a blend of classic form with an eye for edited simplicity. I gravitate towards design that feels timeless rather than trendy.
Where does your design inspiration come from?
I am inspired by experiences I have every day. I pay attention to details around me. I’m always interpreting space, objects and form and thinking about what I would do differently to make something better. A design challenge is also inspiring to me. I love the process of design and the creativity it allows me to experience.
In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
I feel that design is moving towards a more globally identifiable style. If you look at the work of designers around the world, they are considering similar themes and working with a client base that is aware of high-level design that is less about a particular region and more about lifestyle and globally-recognized indicators of luxury, quality, taste…etc.
Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2019 and beyond.
Authenticity
Lifestyle
Quality
Function/technology
Accessibility/sustainability
If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?
Be aware of the necessary balance between trusting your instincts and being objective about your work as much as possible.
How important are The International Design & Architecture Awards?
The awards are important for bringing recognition to design talent. It is a way for the design community to come together and elevate the best of what we are capable of.
What projects are you currently working on?
A hotel project in Auckland
The Hotel Britomart
A talent Agency in NYC
Private residences in LA, Seattle, Palm Springs, Sun Valley, and Maui.
Developing additional outdoor furniture for Sutherland
What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
Keeping our clients very happy is the main goal of our office.
In addition to this-Within the year we will be launching a new website, which is a huge undertaking. We are also in the process of designing a new office for ourselves which we want to be in by the end of the year. Getting this right is very important to us!
Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself and your daily inspirations:
Your most treasured possession? My childhood sketch books. I’ve been designing houses since I was 5. Some of them don’t hold up so well!
Your favourite holiday destination? Vieques Island. My whole family manages to get along there!
Your favourite hotel? Lake Quinault Lodge. Nothing fancy, just a beautiful old building in an idyllic setting surrounded by an old growth forest.