Designer Q & A with Martha Lopacki

Designer Series

April 02, 2024

Designer Q & A with Martha Lopacki

Martha Lopacki is a lifetime explorer with over 30 years of design experience in apparel, jewelry, lighting, furniture design and more. Informed and inspired by her experiences in all these disciplines, Martha uniquely balances beauty, compassion, scale and contrast in her work.

Her designs have been award industry top honors. They are featured in the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum and the Philadelphia Museum of Art, while other designs and patents have been used to summit Mount Everest and win PGA titles.

An avid traveler, Martha finds inspiration in the unique experiences found in the emersion of everyday life and the people that live them and the simple things most overlook or under realize.

UnEdit Designer Series

Welcome to our Interior Designer Series, where we delve into the creative minds and innovative designs of our talented collaborators. Here we will feature exclusive interviews with top professionals in the field, offering insights into their inspirations, design philosophies, and the latest trends shaping the world of interior design. Join us as we uncover the stories behind the stunning spaces that these designers bring to life, and gain a deeper appreciation for the artistry and craftsmanship that goes into creating beautiful and functional interiors.

How did you get started as an Interior Designer?

I’ve had an unconventional path through an extremely diverse design career.

I started in fashion design in a very conservative womenswear brand. Ventured into technical garments at the North Face and Nike and from there into hardgoods like tents, luggage, lighting and furniture.

About 18 years ago, I took some interior design classes at night with the interest in changing careers. One of the classes was an architectural lighting design class and I was hooked!

Architectural lighting design made me an overall better designer. You have to be aware of all the elements – material, texture, color, use of space, and visual destinations, etc. Then, approach the lighting of that space to best highlight the most important elements. Successful lighting design is something you feel and don’t see which is quite different and yet very similar to successful interior design.

How would you describe your design style and where do you find inspiration?

A soulful approach to minimalism.

I would say my designs are a refined modern aesthetic with a selective touch of personality adding a warmth to the space missing from a strictly modern design.

I find inspiration by looking at things in unexpected ways or nonconventional angles. Often I do deep dives into processes that take me to a beautiful surprise. Like how to execute a specific metal finish or patina can lead to a mix and match of finishes in a space I would have never considered without exploring that specific patina formula. I also see beauty in a thousand year old window latch and how it might translate to ultra sophisticated cabinet hardware.

What is the best part of your job as an Interior Designer?

Working with so many other talented professionals. Whether it is collaborating with other interior designers, architects, or lighting designers. The people make the project and are an endless source of creativity and inspiration.