For the past few weeks, we’ve been catching up with our IDEA 2022 winners. From Colour to Residential Multi, and the Gold Medal – IDEA celebrates all aspects of design. Today, we speak to Object – Furniture & Lighting – Professional winner Fiona Lynch.

Fiona Lynch’s eponymous studio was founded in 2013 and has since worked on a range of residential, retail, office, hospitality, institutional and hotel projects.

Incorporating architectural and interior design services, Fiona Lynch’s atmospheric creations embody a spirited minimalism with a keen emphasis on custom joinery, furniture and lighting design.

Her winning project Workshop x Future Archive was inspired by the studio’s commitment to working with local artisans and exploring sustainability through materiality. It uses reclaimed Oregon timber and developed pigment created from waste materials, which were then used to create a custom fabric.

The Object – Furniture & Lighting – Professional category is sponsored by Tongue & Groove and serves as a showcase of the best Australian furniture and lighting design. Work submitted to this category is judged on form and function; however, objects that demonstrate genuine innovation (be it in terms of materials, manufacturing, distribution or functionality etc) will be highly regarded

Today, Lynch tells ADR what it meant to be recognised for a project “to a degree experimental and one we truly believe in”.

ADR: What did it mean for you to win the Object – Furniture & Lighting – Professional award for IDEA 2022?

Fiona Lynch: I think recognition by your industry and peers is always a great thing – it creates goodwill and respect amongst everyone and that’s a great thing.

I was surprised and delighted when we won – to be recognised as a multidisciplinary designer and studio for a project that is to a degree experimental and one we truly believe in was really special.

Tell us about your winning project Workshop x Future Archive. What was its inspiration and how did you achieve it?

FL: Inspired by the studio’s interior design for Kiln at Ace Hotel Sydney where we’ve custom-designed furniture, textiles and joinery elements, the collection expands on our commitment to sustainable materials and is produced with waste materials and local fabrication.

With expanded proportions and materials, it gave us a chance to work with local makers and artisans and to push ourselves creatively and sustainably.

How would you describe the past year? What stood out to you?

FL: The past year has been creatively productive for the studio with a great moment being the opening of Kiln at Ace Hotel Sydney.  It was a three-year-long project and to see it realised after lockdowns and challenging times (for everyone) was a thrill.

Around me, I’ve seen great progress in the exploration of and use of innovative, sustainable materials both here and abroad, which is of great interest to me personally and the studio.

What’s next? Can you share any upcoming or current projects you’re working on?

FL: We have several high-end residential projects we can’t wait to share including one we’ve designed a brass-clad glass pavilion in South Yarra.  We also have a hospitality project that brings a historic landmark and an iconic cultural entrepreneur together.

How do you plan to wrap up the end of the year? Any plans to travel, celebrate, reflect or relax?

FL: The end of the year is a great time to reflect on the year that’s been and think about what is to come creatively here and abroad.  It’s also time to relax with family and friends which always involves beach life and farm life, good food, wine, reading and afternoon snoozes.  There’s travel on the horizon in the first quarter of 2023 to major design events that are always inspiring and great fun.

Photography by Tess Kelly.

The winner’s edition of inside magazine is out now – Grab your copy here!