An interview with designer Lindsey Lang who started her company in 2012. The Lindsey Lang Signature Collection encompasses bold and colourful kitchenware and interior accessories, as well as wall and flooring products, including her beloved encaustic tiles. Lindsey has created exclusive collections for John Lewis, including towels and rugs; and also produced a distinctive range of products for The Barbican Centre’s new shop launch in late 2016.
Design-Nation asked: You launched your company in 2012; what has been the best part and what has been the most challenging in your business?
Lindsey Lang: I think the most challenging yet exciting things are that when you first begin you are doing everything for the first time. So, all of the risks feel that much more challenging and scary. The best part about having my own biz is that I can manage my own schedule. I work really hard but, I am my own boss. Now that the company is over five years on I feel much more confident in my decisions, but I still feel terrified about certain risks that I take. You know what they say: Big risk = Big reward. So I try to keep that in mind.
D-N: Could you describe your workplace briefly?
LL: My studio space is a railway arch based in Bermondsey, in South London. It has two levels and thanks to the handy work of my husband it also has a full kitchen which I love. It’s funny… when I think of my first space five years ago it had paper thin walls, no heating or running water. After moving four different times in the past five years I have finally settled into a space that feels really good.
D-N: Where do you get your inspiration from?
LL: Sounds silly, but everywhere. If I’m on the bus I don’t look at my phone and I keep my eyes open at all times. I have more than a few constant sources for inspiration but I do love living in such a vibrant city.
D-N: Who has been your most influential teacher or mentor?
LL: I have had too many to count. I have had the privilege of staying in touch with professors from university, various business mentors, and really value my husband’s opinion as he is a very talented artist/maker as well. I think surrounding yourself with people that you love and trust is the best foundation for life and business. I am lucky that I absolutely adore my team and my family.
D-N: How do you go about designing new work?
LL: It’s a process that consists of the same steps for each project. Research loads, sketch and map out ideas, edit, explore each idea individually until the right solutions arises, then edit and double-check it all over again. Eventually the best solution presents itself and I just live for that moment when I know that I’ve cracked it!
D-N: You have had a lot of good press over the years. How do you organise your marketing? Do you use a PR agency or do you do it yourself?
LL: It is a mix of hard work in-house as well as some occasional press/PR agency.
D-N: How did you get involved with John Lewis?
LL: I was lucky enough to be directly approached by them when I was showing my designs at a trade show. I am now in my 7th/8th season of designs with them I have really enjoyed working with them.
D-N: What are your plans for the next twelve months and have you got some exciting exhibitions/events coming up?
LL: In September I launched a collaboration with The Window Film Company which was fun and still on show in Clerkenwell. In the Spring I am launching a new range of rugs. Some for selling direct and others will also be selling with John Lewis. I also have a new range of decorative accessories and cushions, for which I will have to keep the details close until we have official dates for the launch. But the most exciting news for us this year is that I will be giving birth to my first little born bundle of joy in the New Year.
Interview by Laura Jacometti.
Lindsey also launched a new vase collection for BlissHome at Top Drawer London’s spring/summer 2018 edition.
The team at Design-Nation wish Lindsey and her partner Richard much joy with their new arrival.
Photos: Lindsey in her studio; the new rug collection launched in December 2017; Lindsey’s mood board for her encaustic tile collection, lifestyle interior with Lindsey Lang tiles. All images courtesy Lindsey Lang.
