Lindsay Bach NCIDQ, IIDA, LEED AP ID+C

I’m from  Rochester, NY.

My education  BFA, Interior Design; MFA, Interior Architecture

My earliest design memory  My grandfather owned a carpentry business, which has been handed down to my uncle. I grew up surrounded by shop talk, with an interest in building things. My grandmother was a crafter who never threw anything away, which led to many creative "second-life" solutions. Those traits were passed down through the generations, and I continued to make, craft and build through any means necessary — cardboard, paint, LEGO, Sims. The combination of artistry and engineering led me to interior architecture — it's in my blood.

I’m drawn to design because  of experiential design, more specifically phenomenology. Through design, we have the opportunity to alter normality in a way that is new and exciting, and paired with new technology, there's no need to do things the way they've always been done.

Materials that excite me  I like to be surrounded by items with a story. A favorite pastime is visiting antique shops and flea markets across the northeast and giving items a second (third, fourth) life. Humans have a deep connection to a memory or a place and I strive to add this layer into my designs, especially in new construction projects.

I’m inspired by  strong and influential women — most often musicians. PJ Harvey, Bjork and Courtney Barnett are a few on a long list of influential artists in my life.

On Saturday mornings, you can usually find me  road tripping on Route 1 through some part of the northeast coast, whether it be Maine or Rhode Island in search of hidden gems.

Cats or dogs?  Cats! Elsie!

Coffee or tea?  Coffee with our special homemade creamer blend of vanilla and almond extract

A secret talent that no one knows about  I deeply love drawing graphite portraits — specifically eyes. Every wrinkle depicts a different emotion. You can really recognize someone by the expression in their eyes, and if you can get that right, you've recreated a memory.

The best piece of advice I've ever been given is  don't strive to be nice, strive to be respectful.