In this new episode of "Designers in Dialogue", we're delighted to unveil the portrait of Suzanne Lovell, with whom we've had the honor of collaborating on different occasions, including the design of a radiant penthouse in Naples, Florida. A true erudite with a passion for creation, Suzanne Lovell is the founder of her eponymous agency, specializing in architecture, residential interior design and art consultancy. Her talent and vision has earned her studio a place in Architectural Digest's Top 100 Visionary Designers.
Hello Suzanne, thank you for your time! It's a pleasure to meet you! First of all, how are you?
Wonderful after a trip to Naples last week for a client. New York is the end of this week, and on we go!
We'd like to start with a little background. Could you tell us about your career?
I began with a professional degree in Architecture from Virginia Tech and moved to Chicago to work for Skidmore Owings and Merrill. I shifted my focus to residential architectural interiors, I started Suzanne Lovell Inc, and have since built a treasured community of makers and professionals as we work with families for many residences and generations.
How would you define your relationship with artisan houses in your work?
Our relationships with artisan houses are integral to our process. We cultivate trust relationships as we curate and commission makers with each project to a very different result each time, but with a consistent thread of quality and attention to detail. We pride ourselves on our work with craftsmen, makers and artists – with luck, we create together work that pushes the boundaries of what they have ever done before, that we help them see through to success, and that provides a creative growth and new energy to their practice as well as ours.
What inspires you in your work? In your life or environment.
I’m inspired by the process of creation. The opportunity to dream, and to be able to create with perfection a platform for moments where materials are celebrated with curated dialogues of Makers - is a gift. Certainly travels – to very remote adventures, often fly fishing, and escapes to the Seychelles. Antarctica was certainly an extraordinary gift. And, Amsterdam to see all of the many Vermeers together at the Rijksmuseum, allowing time for pause and reflection. Real pleasure comes through reading, from French philosophy and historic biographies, to an artist monograph. All of this heading towards an accredited Doctorate of Philosophy in Architecture and Design Research from Virginia Tech.
What were your impressions of the work you did with Jouffre?
We are meticulous in our selection of quality partners that we interweave into our process. Jouffre is a partner workshop that we look to with trust and experience based upon our achievements together. Their expert team of artisans execute a premium result that allows us to create, for example, an 18-foot serpentine two-sided sofa, fully upholstered with clean finish seams in 28-yards of a woven jacquard, concentric circle pattern by Pierre Frey.
Do you have any plans for the future with Jouffre, any new ideas or inspirations?
We are thrilled about so many recently completed and in-progress works with Jouffre, and we are so pleased with the result of your collaborations with The Invisible Collection and with the uber-talented Pierre Yovanovitch.
Which project has had the greatest impact on your career?
We are currently installing a labor of love residence for a private client that they conceived of as a space for them to live with and celebrate their renowned collection of modern and contemporary art. We were able to integrate with the technical architect to create a consistent platform and light-filled space that is experiential and atmospheric with a celebration of architectural materials, both inside and out. As we are always thrilled to celebrate our current and future work, this one will be one for the history books!
What are the key values of your practice (sustainability, materiality, etc.)?
I always work to bring a depth of understanding around the history and quality of craftsmanship to every project. It lends credibility to the dialogue of a residence.
The fine tradition of the craftsman’s profession developed over many generations interwoven with an understanding of luxury in order to create what is timeless in every aspect of the private residence of a patron. Technical specifications that serve to create a balance between perfection in our expectation of craftsmanship, dimensions and details with the beauty and inspiration created by the artisan who has expertise and skills that are nuanced. I believe that it is my professional responsibility to create with intention and depth of consideration an environment that is a personal holding of one’s dreams and the best expression of each individual client.
Our interview with Suzanne Lovell reveals the passion and commitment that drive her work. Her approach, inspired by a deep respect for history, craftsmanship and art, reflects a constant search for excellence and authenticity. We were touched by the way she combines her travels and intellectual curiosity to enrich each project, and by her vision of design that goes far beyond aesthetics, by embracing her customers' dreams. We thank Suzanne for this inspiring conversation, a true testament to her devotion to creating works that are as timeless as they are emotional.