OPEN DESIGN Q&A: TRACY LEE LYNCH

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https://visi.co.za/open-design-qa-tracy-lee-lynch/

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Tracy Lee Lynch is well known both locally and internationally for her cutting-edge ideas and bold aesthetic. Don’t miss her Talk100 Session at Open Design Cape Town at the V&A Waterfront’s Watershed on 14 August 2015 at 1pm, where she will be discussing the design journey of local restaurant chain, Nando’s (featured on the cover of VISI 76 earlier this year).

We caught up with her to chat about design, interiors and creativity.

Where do you look for creative direction?

The creative people around me, a design challenge, fashion, the landscape, history, a story. I keep an open mind when I start working on a project and allow my thoughts to roam, as this is usually when I have my best creative moments – when I’m out running, or talking or walking. Not often at my desk. Then I buckle down, find the focus and do the work.

What inspires you?

Many different things, but passion inspires me, as well as dedicated people with uncompromising focus, art, and the crazy side of life.

Who do you look up to in the local design realm?

Karen Roos, Laduma Ngxokolo, Boyd Ferguson, Annemarie Meintjes, David Krynauw, Sumien Brink, Atang Tshikare, Binky Newman, Anatomy Design. The list goes on…

What are some of your favourite projects and / or collaborations you have worked on?

My work with VISI and Elle Decoration, as well as the Singita Explore Mobile Tented Camp and Singita Mara River Tented Camp with Boyd Ferguson of Cécile & Boyd. Also, any project with artist Sarah Pratt.

What initially drew you to the world of interiors?

I fell in love with the idea of transformation at a very young age. I used to paint back then. The materials I use for the transformation process may have grown, but the principle remains the same.

Where do you see both interior design and design in general headed in 2016?

Big business is embracing the potential of creativity in South Africa. Interior design has the potential to transform the way people work, and in turn, the way they approach their work challenges. This is a very important shift for SA. It’s been growing slowly, but I think we have reached the tipping point – the value of good design and its positive influence cannot be ignored.

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