Architect and designer Lula Galeano has been in tune with her surrounding environment for as long as she can remember. Here, the founder of New York-based multidisciplinary firm Studio Galeón discusses how design continues to influence her present and future.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in a small town in Patagonia, Argentina. From an early age, I started to repurpose everyday objects to entertain myself and to transform my surroundings into entirely different places—looking back now I can see this being a big influence on the way I create.
What are some of your first memories of design?
I vividly remember being in the desert, seeing the monochromatic horizon line. The horizon was simple in construct, but very rich in textures. Woody Allen’s Interiors was another early influence. Despite the shifting perceptions of his work, Interiors introduced to me the beauty of subtle palettes and everyday poetry in a home. And I won’t forget discovering Vogue at 9 years old. My grandmother would bring me a copy every month, which was an exceptional luxury in Patagonia.
Tell us a bit more about your background: college, first jobs, early lessons learned.
I went to architecture school in Buenos Aires and taught for four years while simultaneously working as an architect. I had the opportunity to work on large-scale projects and gained such meaningful experience doing so but had a breakthrough when collaborating with Studio Putman designing airport lounges. I had the opportunity to create more imaginative spaces reminiscent of the worlds I envisioned as a child and this made me realize the endless possibilities of design when you can start something from scratch. There, I learned how you can design it all and work in unison with craftsmen to bring something new to life. I remember they did a circular rug with a drawing of a constellation, and I was struck by the fact that you could draw anything and turn it into a rug. It showed me the intimate journey you can create by spending time on the small things.
Studio Galeón designed Audemar Piguet’s headquarters in Wynwood, Miami
When and why did you decide to launch Studio Galeón?
I took the leap into the unknown in 2017. I had always wanted to develop a platform where I could work with a team across all disciplines and scales of design. Not exclusively doing interiors and architecture, but engaging experiential and AR/VR, too.
Tell us about some of your favorite projects.
I’m very grateful to Audemars Piguet, who trusted us to design its East Hampton location. We designed everything in the boutique, from the sofas to glass-blown lamps and custom-made door knobs, using natural materials made by the finest craftsmen. For us, luxury is a gentle solution, a horizon line where your eyes can rest. It was very meaningful for me to materialize this vision with them.
Audemars Piguet’s East Hampton boutique
What do you find are the most challenging and exciting aspects of your job?
It’s an exciting challenge to play with imagination without waiting for results. You need to get in a zone of playfulness as if you were a child and not expect results immediately. For all creative disciplines, to have the time and people with you that encourage this initial stage is crucial. Working across disciplines and not being afraid to bring different people together has taught me a great deal. I see creativity as a spiderweb. The challenge now is seeing how our jobs will shift since retail is changing, but I’m excited to be part of the new wave.
What is your dream project?
Any place that is built for contemplation, like an oasis. You see them in New York, walking around Midtown or [the Financial District]. Amidst all of this architecture for productivity, there are hidden gems where you can slow down and find quiet. I remember coming across Phillip Johnson’s water garden in Dallas, or the ‘Queen’s Dairy’ at the Château de Rambouillet [in France], where a nymph appears to be bathing as the room fills up with water.
If you could have dinner with anyone, living or dead, who would it be?
Can I have dinner with Eileen Grey, Georgia O’Keeffe, Bryan Ferry, Ram Dass, and Constantin Brâncuși? We will all bring our friends.
Where would you eat and what would you be having?
A masseria in Puglia, Italy, with orecchiette and wine, and dulce de leche gelato for dessert.
If you weren’t in your current career, what would you be doing?
A perfumer and a musician. I’m currently in a perfume club with two friends who are musicians, so I’m getting a bit of both worlds by proxy.
The jewelry and watch store Date & Time in Boston
Photography by Santiago Sierra, Eric Petschek, and Adriana Glaviano
