Róisín Lafferty: 'I create spaces that foster a sense of discovery'

But think again — it was the depths of the recession, in 2010, when Róisín was sending out CVs. Career prospects were limited. “I had always been ambitious but did not think that setting up on my own straight from college would be an option,” she says.

She describes founding Kingston Lafferty Design (now Róisín Lafferty) and working for herself as “something of an accidental start, initially just to gain experience in the real world of design”.

“It began as a partnership with a college friend, who eventually moved on,” says Róisín, from Goatstown in Dublin.

“We had always been taught to make mistakes on someone else’s time — but I did not heed this advice. Initially, I wanted to work in London but needed a lot of experience to even get an internship, aside from qualifications.”

Three months turned into three years. 

“I was learning more on sites than any education could have taught me. I had given so much of myself at that time — blood, sweat, and tears — that I couldn’t walk away or work for someone else so I decided to stay, to grow, and develop the creative team and push the business forward,” says Róisín. 

“In 2013, Becky Russell, who is now CEO, came on board.”

Róisín’s instincts proved correct — and she has developed an intuitive interior architecture language that speaks to her many clients across Ireland and globally. 

“Projects range from high-end residential to hotels, one-of-a-kind work environments, spa experiences, members clubs, installations and restaurants spanning international locations,” says Róisín.

In the meantime, she’s been taking the design world by storm. This year Róisín became the first Irish person to make the prestigious Dezeen Interior Designer of the Year award shortlist (Dezeen honours achievements in design internationally). 

“Being a finalist in Dezeen was incredible,” she says.

The nomination followed her win for Best Residential Interior Design Project in January at the high-profile Créateurs Design Awards in Paris.

That accolade was for The Estate, Co Wicklow, a Georgian country house. Materials matter in Róisín’s designs and this residence features raw stone, lime-washed plaster, and mild steel — “nothing pretending to be what it’s not”, as she says.

Flagship assignments in Cork and Dublin secured two more sought-after gongs for Róisín this week. 

On Tuesday, the designer was honoured at the Fit Out Awards in Dublin, winning Project of the Year — Hospitality (Hotel) with Henry J Lyons for Montenotte Woodlands in Cork and the residential (large) category for 2:1 Residence in Dublin.

The Montenotte Woodlands Suites were envisioned to blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape, offering guests a luxury retreat that feels part of nature.

Elevated within the woodland, the suites preserve the terrain while embracing sweeping, open views. “Sustainable elements, like charred timber and living sedum roofs, reflect a commitment to environmental sensitivity,” adds Róisín.

Creating an intimate, yet indulgent atmosphere required careful layout and material choices, she says.

Centred around panoramic views, the design arranges spaces to invite relaxation, where natural textures like timber, travertine, and Irish fabrics bring warmth and depth.

The merging of two Dublin homes into one posed a unique design challenge, blending two entrances and staircases into a unified family residence.

“The concept centres on the ‘2:1’ intersection, where mirrored materials dramatise the connection point across levels, creating a seamless yet distinctive flow,” says Róisín.

“Emphasising both connectivity and individual character, the design features multiple routes for discovery, from the cosy, Japanese-inspired dining room in dark smoked timber to open-plan spaces.

This layout fosters a sense of journey and exploration, with flexible transitions that define the experience of each room.”

Just like Róisín’s own voyage. “Interiors and design is all I wanted to do. From a small child, art and creativity were my passion,” she says.

• roisinlafferty.com