Going Beyond the Project with Shelly Lynch-Sparks

with Shelly Lynch-Sparks, Founder & Principal

“If I’m looking for an [inspiration] image and I can't find what I'm looking for or it doesn’t exist, then I know that I’m on the right track.”

Shelly Lynch-Sparks has worked in a myriad of interior design roles, designing movie and music video sets, working in high-end hospitality design, on HGTV shows, and — of course — as the founder of Hyphen. She is greatly influenced by her travels throughout Europe and the United States, taking inspiration from a variety of design styles.

H&Co: What was the “aha” moment when you knew design would be it for you?
SLS: After I graduated undergrad, I took a year off and I traveled everywhere. Seeing interiors of spaces all over the world resonated with me and I realized this is what I want to do, I want to design spaces.

H&Co: What led you to create Hyphen?
SLS: I spent a lot of time working with different interior designers, and different types of firms. I met a lot of people, worked with friends, and designed on my own. It was my friends and clients that encouraged me to start my own business and go out on my own.

H&Co: Where does your creative process typically start?
SLS: Sometimes I start with one single thing whether it's a color or a piece of art. Sometimes I walk the space like it’s a blank canvas and think about the points of entry and how people are going to experience and take in the space. From there I kind of build it, sleep on it a little bit, and then start pulling imagery. If I’m looking for an image and I can't find what I'm looking for or it doesn’t exist, then I know that I’m on the right track.

H&Co: As a female founder, what advice would you give to someone just starting out?
SLS: I think the main thing is to take your time. In the beginning, I was really busy and in a hurry. I was building out things pretty quickly to meet the demands of clients and I feel like if I had a little bit more time I could’ve built things out differently. Also, tap into your network and get advice from people.

H&Co: What has been your favorite design project at Hyphen?
SLS: Oh my gosh, that’s so hard! Gotham Burger Social Club is a new one that we had a lot of fun doing — it turned out really well. I love our West Village Townhouse because there are a lot of really fun design details in there. I really liked doing both Elephant spaces – their offices are beautiful. And of course, there’s Prose! There are so many it's hard to decide!

H&Co: What is your current design obsession?
SLS: I’m obsessed with lighting right now – I can never get enough of it. It’s one thing that I'm always looking at and learning about.

H&Co: Who is your favorite designer and why?
SLS: I love Heidi Caillier and Jeremiah Brent – two totally different styles but they’re my favorite right now.