Conversations with Lee Tripi

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lee Tripi

Hi lee, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
When I started my career right out of college, I thought I could manifest my creative ability in the printing business, where I would sometimes get to design graphically for the purpose of printing business forms. As it turned out, that didn’t satisfy my desire to design on a grander scale. I was also working for a large, publicly traded company with all its demands to churn and burn my work for the purpose of more and more profit. Like many of us who have worked in the corporate world, there was dissatisfaction with the direction of my career.
I sought to re-invent my career around the age of 30, utilizing my innate ability and passion. I, unsurprisingly, found out at this time that I didn’t want to work for a boss looking over my shoulder where decisions were made for me, not by me. After much research to find that thing that could satisfy my artistic ability and desire to be independent, I started to teach myself how to be an architectural designer and artistic painter. Being self-taught has allowed me to be free to experiment and through trial and error, develop a rich knowledge of my chosen vocation. That was thirty-five years ago and counting. I feel extremely fortunate to have has a long and successful career doing the things that I love. The friendships I have formed over the years with clients and business associates has been very rewarding. There’s nothing better than to have great clients that appreciate the work I’ve done for them.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The struggles have been numerous. There’s no such thing as a smooth road. If one experiences it that way, I would venture to guess that challenging oneself is not within one’s interest.

Even today after 35 years as a designer/artist there is no consistency. It’s a road with steep hills and descending valleys. It’s the nature of being a freelancer or self-employed service provider. The key to success is to not be afraid to jump over those hurdles with determination and resilience. Developing a tolerance for an up and down journey certainly helps a lot. If there are expectations for only an upward trajectory, there will be some discouraging episodes along the way.

I’ve experienced recession in the economy, bad business partners, bipolar clients, and hundreds of smaller challenges that cause frustration and stress. I used to say that, “My service is only as good as the service that is provided to me.” As a designer, I will always rely on someone else to provide materials and implement my plan. It’s very important to work with people that share your vision and dedication to quality service.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Most of my work has an undercurrent of simple Asian/Modern aesthetics. Whether it’s design plans or a painting, I strongly believe in the fundamental principles of harmony, purity, authenticity, organic nature and clean, minimal lines.

Over the years I have been involved in a wide variety of design projects both residential and commercial. On the residential side its typically been kitchen and bathroom remodeling. Landscape design is a favorite of mine. Japanese style gardens, for both residential and commercial grounds. Architectural hardscapes such as pergolas, decks, retaining walls, paved paths, fences, bridges, lighting and irrigation. I’m a Master Gardner in both Colorado and North Carolina.

On the art side of things, I typically take on both abstract portrait painting and abstract ‘scapes (land, sea, and city). I use oil and acrylic mediums on canvas and hardboard. The work utilizes integrating saturated color and texture including encaustic techniques.

I’m proud of the range of projects I’ve been able to complete. I once designed a large retail space for a furniture store in Ireland. I’ve designed Japanese and Mexican restaurants, an Arthur Murray dance studio, hair salons, coffee shops, an exterior courtyard garden in a re-purpose police station/jail, and landscape plans for several Eichler homes.

I think what sets me apart from other Designers is my innate ability to visualize the finished space almost immediately after I see it and interview the client. Based on my reviews and testimonials from clients, they appreciate that I use my expertise and knowledge of materials and the potential uses for those materials to solve problems and create something unique that they would not have thought of independently.

Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
With design projects, I’m usually the first person that a client will talk with. I act as their advocate to get the projects done professionally and expediently. I will bring in the contractor and other important licensed trades and artisans that might be required for the project.

I can be contacted through my website, www.leetripidesign.com or email, leetripi8@gmail.com or phone/text at 919-271-8506. I know it sounds old school in todays world, but I will answer the phone or call back promptly.

The painting are available for purchase at any time and exhibition in galleries, art shows, and fairs. See the work on Instagram @leetripiart.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.leetripidesign.com
• Instagram: @leetripidesigner1 and @leetripiart
• Facebook: Lee Tripi

Image Credits
Peggy Penberthy
Lee Tripi