Fred Rigby
Furniture and Interior Designer
Meet Fred Rigby, an interiors and furniture designer whose work spans from home objects and furniture to retail, gallery and restaurant spaces.
As a longtime friend and design collaborator of the brand, he is the creative mind behind LESTRANGE’s retail spaces, blending his meticulous eye and affinity for organic shapes and materials with our vision of creating calm spaces in connection with nature. Some of his work extends into the contemporary art gallery, Francis Gallery in Bath, as well as the newly opened deep dish pizza & natural wine bar, Ria’s. His approach is beyond conventional, shaping spaces that are not only functional but also create visual interest and tranquility. In this conversation, we delve into Fred's creative process, inspirations drawn from diverse sources, and the deliberate choices that have defined his career.
LESTRANGE
How did you start your design career? Have you always started with furniture, or was it interiors first and then venturing into home objects?
Fred
I graduated in Furniture Design and began my career working in set design and art direction for music videos and commercials, I was randomly asked to help design a menswear store in Shoreditch, which led to designing retail spaces, hotels and restaurants, leading to working with brands like Lestrange. The stores became a showcase for our work, acting as a physical calling card leading to designing furniture for private clients homes. For example, when we were designing Francis Gallery, we also designed a desk and sofa for the space and naturally, they became part of our collection. A lot of the pieces have been informed by the spaces that we designed.
LESTRANGE
What’s your favourite art gallery or space?
Fred
I'm biased, but I've got to say Francis Gallery in Bath! I love to visit galleries and unique and inspiring spaces such as Kettle's Yard in Cambridge, I just love the way the space has been designed, it's such a magical place.
LESTRANGE
Where do you go to get a bit of calm and clarity?
Fred
Escape to nature!
LESTRANGE
What's one thing you wish you had more time for?
Fred
Travel.
LESTRANGE
What’s your favourite restaurant?
Fred
It changes weekly but being biased at the moment it’s Ria's, a new deep dish pizza and natural wine bar we designed in Notting Hill.
LESTRANGE
Who did you want to be when you were growing up?
Fred
I always loved drawing and dreamt of designing cars.
LESTRANGE
Favourite clothing item?
Fred
I love mixing new with old and I love bringing pieces into my wardrobe when I'm traveling. such as finding a vintage jumper in New York which I like to pair with a staple item like The 24 Overshirt.
LESTRANGE
It's Sunday and it's 2pm, where are you and what are you doing?
Fred
Either at a gallery or hiking in the countryside.
LESTRANGE
What's essential to you?
Fred
Home, a sanctuary, a place to recharge and relax.
LESTRANGE
What's your favourite LESTRANGE clothing item and why? How does it fit your style?
Fred
I wore The Fine Knit Polo shirts all summer, they're comfortable, smart and relaxed.
