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Poetry in Physical Form: Róisín Lafferty on Craft, Colour, and Building a Creative Legacy
Description
In this episode of the OLISE Podcast, Annie sits down with award-winning designer Róisín Lafferty, founder of Róisín Lafferty Studio and Róisín Lafferty Gallery, for a rich and generous conversation about creativity, craftsmanship, and building a design business with no script to follow.
Roisín shares the story of starting her studio at just 24, with no funding, no safety net and no real business plan, and how sixteen years of discipline, curiosity and self-belief have grown it into a team of 26. She speaks candidly about the intimidation of working with far more experienced consultants in her early years, and the importance of asking questions, even the ones that feel stupid.
The conversation explores her immersive, installation-style approach to design, fresh from her standout library concept at WOW!house 2026, her decade-long dream of opening Róisín Lafferty Gallery in Dublin's Fitzwilliam Square, and the sensory, emotionally-driven philosophy behind how she designs with colour, materiality and atmosphere.
Róisín also reflects on the creative industries more broadly, from her early career in fashion journalism to her belief that technical skill should never overshadow storytelling, sketching and true creative voice, and shares what travel, art and simply looking up has taught her about inspiration.
This episode is a celebration of craft, curiosity, and the quiet confidence of building something entirely your own.
In this episode:
- Inside the WOW!house 2026 library installation, and the concept behind it
- Starting a design studio at 24, with no funding and no safety net
- Building a 26-person studio over sixteen years
- The reality of construction, and why creativity must never get lost in process
- Opening Róisín Lafferty Gallery, a decade-long dream realised in Dublin
- Designing through colour, tone and atmosphere
- Why technical skill should never overshadow storytelling and sketching
- The power of travel, observation, and simply looking up
- Advice for the next generation: find your true voice, don't imitate
- What's next for Roisín Lafferty Studio and Gallery
Headline Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Moroso, the iconic Italian furniture house founded in 1952. Renowned for sculptural form, bold colour and artisanal craftsmanship, Moroso has spent over seventy years collaborating with the world's most influential designers, including Patricia Urquiola and Ron Arad, to create furniture that lives at the intersection of design, contemporary art and fashion. https://moroso.it
Perfect for: Interior designers, architects, creatives, entrepreneurs, students, and anyone interested in craftsmanship, colour, and building a design business rooted in authenticity.
Listen & Watch: Full video available on YouTube. Audio on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major platforms
Guest Links:
Roisín Lafferty
https://www.instagram.com/roisinlafferty/
Roisín Lafferty Gallery
https://www.instagram.com/roisinlaffertygallery/
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Website: https://olisemagazine.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/olisemagazine/