We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Theresa Lambrecht ("TL").
Theresa Lambrecht is a contemporary artist and designer, known for her innovative fusion of functionality and aesthetics. As the founder of Lunar Circles and Lambrecht Design, she has made significant contributions in both the art and design worlds. In the realm of packaging design, particularly in the cosmetics industry, Theresa is renowned for creating stylish and practical solutions that set new standards for elegance and usability. As an artist, she specializes in digital photomontages that blend photography with digital artistry to explore themes of nature. Her work, showcased in various exhibitions, is recognized for its unique blend of organic forms and digital techniques. Theresa is also dedicated to mentoring emerging artists and designers, continuously fostering creativity and innovation within the art and design community. Her dedication to both fields has earned her widespread recognition and respect in the industry.
Theresa Lambrecht Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Theresa Lambrecht.
Designer Interview of Theresa Lambrecht:
DI: Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?
TL : I studied design and painting and work both as a designer for exclusive packaging and as an artist. My education has honed my skills and deepened my passion for combining aesthetics and functionality. To summarise, my background in art and design is based on a lifelong passion for creativity and a desire to use my skills to create positive change. Becoming a designer was not just a career choice, but the culmination of my love for art, my interest in functional design and my commitment to sustainability.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
TL : "Lambrecht Design" is a design studio from Berlin, founded by Theresa Lambrecht. The studio is characterised by an innovative approach that combines functionality and aesthetics in a unique way. Lambrecht Design is particularly known for its stylish and practical solutions in the field of packaging design, especially in the cosmetics industry. Theresa Lambrecht sets new standards for elegance and usability. Their commitment to creativity and innovation is clearly reflected in their projects, which are not only aesthetically pleasing but also fulfil high practical requirements.
DI: What is "design" for you?
TL : For me, design is a creative form of expression that combines functionality and aesthetics to create solutions to real problems. It's about creating beautiful yet practical objects, be it in the field of art, graphics, architecture or product design. For me, design also means telling a story and evoking emotions, be it through colours, shapes or materials. Ultimately, for me, design is a way of shaping and improving the world around us by enabling us to respond creatively to problems and initiate positive change.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
TL : I enjoy designing work that combines creativity and practicality, where functionality and aesthetics are in harmonious balance. I am particularly drawn to projects that allow me to explore innovative solutions and push the boundaries of traditional design norms. Whether it's creating user-friendly interfaces, visually striking packaging designs or conceptualising striking artwork, I find fulfilment in designs that engage people on both an emotional and practical level. I am fulfilled by projects that challenge me creatively and intellectually and provide me with the opportunity to make a significant impact through design innovation and aesthetic excellence.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
TL : a campaign for a well-known car manufacturer from Germany.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
TL : Material: Paper. Platform: Instagram.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
TL : I feel most creative when I have the freedom to explore new ideas and approaches without constraints. This often happens during periods of quiet reflection or when I'm surrounded by inspiration from diverse sources such as nature, art, or engaging conversations with other creative minds. Additionally, collaborative environments where I can exchange ideas and perspectives with others stimulate my creativity. Feedback and constructive criticism from peers and mentors also play a crucial role in refining my ideas and pushing me to think differentl
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
TL : During the design process, I focus on several key aspects to ensure that the final outcome meets both functional and aesthetic objectives: User-Centered Design: Understanding the needs, behaviors, and preferences of the end-users is paramount. I prioritize creating designs that are intuitive, user-friendly, and enhance the overall user experience. Aesthetic Appeal: Visual aesthetics are crucial as they create a first impression and influence how users perceive the design. I pay attention to colors, typography, layout, and overall visual harmony to ensure that the design is visually pleasing and communicates effectively. Functionality and Usability: Design must not only look good but also perform well. I focus on ensuring that the design functions effectively, meets its intended purpose, and provides a seamless user experience. Innovation and Creativity: I strive to bring fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to each design challenge. This involves thinking outside the box, exploring unconventional ideas, and pushing boundaries to create something unique and impactful. Sustainability: Incorporating sustainable practices and materials is increasingly important to me. I aim to minimize environmental impact through thoughtful design choices, whether it's in materials selection, manufacturing processes, or end-of-life considerations. Emotional Impact: Design has the power to evoke emotions and create connections with users. I consider how the design will resonate emotionally, aiming to create experiences that are memorable, engaging, and meaningful.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
TL : When I design, I feel a mix of excitement, focus, and a deep sense of satisfaction as ideas come to life.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
TL : When my designs are realized, I feel a profound sense of fulfillment and pride in seeing my ideas take tangible form and positively impact users.
DI: What makes a design successful?
TL : A design is successful when it effectively solves a problem, resonates with its intended audience, and balances aesthetic appeal with functional efficiency.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
TL : When judging a design as good or bad, the first aspect I consider is its functionality: does it effectively fulfill the purpose for which it was created? Following that, I evaluate the usability—is the design intuitive and accessible to its intended users? Finally, aesthetic appeal is assessed, as a well-designed product should also have a visually pleasing appearance that resonates with its audience. These elements combined determine the overall success and quality of a design.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
TL : From my point of view, the responsibilities of a designer for society and the environment include advocating for sustainable practices, designing products that minimize environmental impact, addressing social issues through design solutions, and promoting inclusivity and accessibility in design to benefit all members of society.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
TL : I believe the design field is evolving towards more interdisciplinary collaboration, greater emphasis on sustainability and ethical considerations, integration of advanced technology, and a focus on user-centered design that enhances human experiences across various digital and physical platforms. The future of design lies in its ability to innovate, adapt to changing societal needs, and leverage technology to create meaningful and inclusive solutions that positively impact our lives and the environment.
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
TL : My last exhibition was in Hamburg in February 2024. My next two exhibitions are in September 2024 and in November 2024 both in Berlin/Germany.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
TL : The design inspiration for my work often comes from a variety of sources such as the shapes and patterns of nature, cultural influences, everyday interactions and technological advances. Sometimes it is also special encounters with other people or simple everyday situations that inspire me. I nurture my creativity through exploration, research, collaboration with other creatives, visiting art exhibitions, participating in meaningful discussions and immersing myself in different environments that stimulate new ideas and perspectives.
DI: How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?
TL : My design style is not just a conscious decision, but stems from my inner being and personality. It is minimalist, honest, open and at the same time incredibly creative, characterised by a natural tendency to develop clear and aesthetically pleasing solutions that are functional and create a strong emotional resonance.
DI: Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?
TL : I grew up in Berlin and I live in Berlin, a city with a rich cultural diversity that has a strong influence on my designs. The dynamic history and diverse culture inspire my work, provide creative impetus and encourage an open, innovative design practice.
DI: How do you work with companies?
TL : Same like i work for my clints too.
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
TL : Define Clear Objectives. Review Portfolios and Experience. Communication and Collaboration. Check References and Reviews. Understand Design Process. Commitment to Quality and Sustainability. Contract and Terms.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
TL : My design process typically begins with thorough research and understanding of the project's objectives and user needs. I then brainstorm and sketch ideas, exploring various concepts and solutions. After selecting the most promising direction, I move to digital tools to create detailed designs or prototypes. Throughout this process, feedback loops are crucial, involving stakeholders or users to refine and iterate on the design. Finally, I ensure the design meets functional requirements, aesthetic goals, and often incorporates sustainable practices before final implementation or production.
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
TL : Bialetti - Dolce&Gabanna-coffee maker Vitra Designer Chair Apple Sound Box
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
TL : I get up very early and meditate. Then I have a coffee and look at what I need to do or work on that day. Then I go to the gym. Then I start working. I try to work efficiently and in a planned way so that I still have time for my children and friends.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
TL : For young designers, my advice is to stay true to yourself and stay motivated. It's essential to develop your unique voice and style, which will set you apart in the field. Here are a few more suggestions: Embrace Learning: Continuously seek knowledge and new skills, whether through formal education, online courses, or by experimenting on your own. Seek Feedback: Don’t be discouraged by criticism; instead, use it constructively to refine your work. Feedback is a valuable tool for growth. Stay Resilient: The design industry can be competitive and challenging. Maintain your motivation and resilience in the face of setbacks. Network: Build relationships within the design community. Networking can provide support, inspiration, and opportunities. Keep Exploring: Always be curious and open to new ideas. Inspiration can come from the most unexpected places.
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
TL : Positiv: Creativity and Expression, Impact and Influence, Continuous Learning, Versatility, Satisfaction from Seeing Results. Negativ: Subjectivity and Criticism, Tight Deadlines and Pressure, Client Expectations and Revisions, Job Insecurity in Freelance Roles, Technical Challenges.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
TL : "My 'golden rule' in design is to prioritize both form and function equally. A successful design not only looks visually appealing but also fulfills its intended purpose effectively and enhances the user experience."
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
TL : For a designer, several skills are crucial to success: Creativity and Innovation: The ability to generate unique ideas and solutions. Technical Proficiency: Knowledge of design software and tools relevant to the field, such as Adobe Creative Suite, CAD software, or web development tools. Visual Communication: Understanding how to communicate ideas visually through layout, composition, color theory, and typography. Problem-Solving: The capability to identify problems, think critically, and come up with effective solutions. User-Centered Design Thinking: Focusing on how users will interact with products and designing with their needs and experiences in mind. Attention to Detail: The ability to notice and perfect the smallest components, ensuring the quality and precision of the final product. Collaboration and Communication: Skills necessary to work effectively with other team members and communicate ideas clearly to clients or stakeholders. Adaptability: The willingness and ability to learn new skills and adapt to changing technologies and trends. Project Management: Organizing, planning, and managing projects efficiently to meet deadlines and stay within budget.
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
TL : My I-Mac and the Adobe creative Cloud.
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
TL : I plan my time by prioritising tasks, setting deadlines and maintaining a structured workflow to complete projects efficiently and effectively.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
TL : The time it takes to finalize a design project can vary greatly depending on the complexity of the project, the specific requirements, and the iterative process involved. Some projects can be completed within a few weeks if they are straightforward, while more complex or extensive projects might take several months or even longer. Effective communication with clients, clear goal setting, and efficient workflow management are key factors that influence the project timeline.
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
TL : How long does it take? And how much is it?
DI: What was your most important job experience?
TL : "Do what you feel. Trust your first intuition."
DI: Who are some of your clients?
TL : customers from the cosmetics, foof and lifestyle sectors.
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
TL : I most enjoy working on projects that allow me to blend functionality with artistic expression, particularly in areas like product design and digital media. I find satisfaction in creating designs that not only look visually appealing but also enhance user experience and solve practical problems. This type of work challenges me to think both creatively and pragmatically, pushing the boundaries of what design can achieve while staying grounded in user needs.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
TL : My plans for the future are to continue to innovate in design, explore new creative avenues and collaborate on projects that push the boundaries of art and functionality. In addition, I am planning several exhibitions and the product and brand development of www.lunar-circles.com
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
TL : I develop the designs myself, if I need a specialist in other design aspects I also work together with others
DI: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
TL : My next design project involves an art piece centered around the theme of moon phases, focusing on their graphical representation. In the future, you can expect from me more works that explore natural phenomena through a creative lens, combining artistic aesthetics with meaningful insights into the environment and our connection to it.
DI: How can people contact you?
TL : I am happy when you write to me: kontakt@lambrechtdesign.de
DI: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
TL : Not now:) Thank you.