HUMANS OF THE ISLANDS - LUCY TUPU
Samoan
Furniture, Rug & Lighting Designer.
Born and raised in Wellington, New Zealand. My father is from the village of Falelima, Samoa. I studied industrial design at RMIT in Melbourne and have been in the design industry for over 20 years. I was fortunate enough to open my own design studio in October 2016. We design custom rugs/carpets, furniture and lighting. Living in NYC for the past 14 years with my husband and two beautiful girls.
When did you first realise designing was more than a hobbie?
I have always enjoyed art and have sketched and drawn my entire life. I first discovered industrial design at Wellington Polytechnic 1992 where I completed a 6 month foundation course. I loved every minute of it and I knew as soon as I finished the course this was what I wanted to pursue.
What spurred your initial move to New York?
I came to visit my older brother who is a landscape architect and had been living and working in NYC for 10 years. I originally came for three months but ended up staying for 6. I fell in love with the city and was lucky enough to work for an organisation who ended up sponsoring me and enabling me to get a visa.
Where and who do you draw inspiration from?
My inspiration comes from my roots and heritage of being a New Zealand Samoan and growing up in the 70s. I draw on traditional aspects of both cultures and the bold colorful retro patterns of the 60s and 70s.
Living in a competitive and forward fashioned city like New York, what do you think makes your work unique?
My point of difference is that my work has a distinct polynesian and New Zealand flavor not commonly found here. It is something that comes from within and is an intrinsic part of me and who I am and what I do.
What are some of the challenges you’ve faced so far?
Gaining the confidence to start my own company in a different country was very difficult. Being away from my family and raising my own. Not having the support I am used to growing up in NZ was the hardest but knowing that there are sacrifices and being OK with that. Juggling work with being a mum of two little girls in the big city was and still is a big challenge. However having the opportunity to be my own boss helps me to do all this.
What do you love most about what you do?
I love the creative process and collaborating with other designers.
If you could describe your work in one sentence, what would it be?
Colorful and playful polynesian inspired designs.
Favourite designer in the industry at the moment?
One of my favorite designers is Marcel Wanders who is a Dutch product and interior designer.
What do you hope to see for the future of 'Lucy Tupu Design Studio'?
More collaborations with like-minded people across all platforms of design.
