Meet Lee Tripi | Architectural Designer and Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lee Tripi and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lee, how do you think about risk?
I’m a natural born risk-taker. I’ve made many risky moves in my life, some major, many minor. There are varying levels of risk. One major risk I took was at a crossroads in my career and became a re-invention of myself.

In 1990, I was tired of my job and after eight years of working in a corporate sales management position, I left. I wanted to fly on my own as an architectural designer and painter. This is where my real interest resided. Not even the lack of prior technical training would discourage me from my dream. With determination, I set out to teach myself everything I thought I needed to know to get started. I kept thinking about the phrase, “Fake it ’till you make it.” I read classic architecture books and writings like, Towards a New Architecture by Le Corbusier and everything I could get my hands on regarding the profession. I also took a few classes.
Additionally, I wanted to paint. I practiced and honed my innate drawing skills which were latent for years. I bought painting supplies and experimented, through trial and error I taught myself to paint and express my thoughts on canvas. I’m still doing it that way after thirty-four years in the business.
Was it courageous or arrogant to think that I could risk leaving a well-paid job to strike out on my own as a Designer/Artist?
I firmly believe that taking risks is directly tied to self-confidence. But where does it come from? For me, I was shortly out of college when at the dinner table my Dad said he never worried about me because he somehow knew that I would always land on my feet. Those words were the foundation for building my confidence. It’s amazing what one person’s words can do, especially from a parent.
As time went on, I didn’t define bold moves as taking risks. They either worked out or they didn’t. So what is risk after all? Fear of failure? Fear of the resulting humiliation of failure? I’ve never thought that scrutiny, criticism, shame and even failure as fatal. I’ve always thought of these setbacks as just hurdles to leap over. So conversely, when we put ourselves, our ideas, our dreams out there it will likely result in a huge success, or not. It’s not the end of the world. They’re actually lessons to learn from when we don’t succeed. Perhaps, it requires trusting your instincts. Sitting on your hands, fearful of making a mistake will never produce the desired outcome. I believe risk has been and still is an essential component of my success.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My innate talent is my ability to create. Whether its design, art, cooking, gardening, writing, or graphic design, It’s what I was meant to do. I’m very fortunate to have been given the talent and I feel an obligation to develop it to it’s fullest potential.
Without formal training in design and art, I rely heavily on my ability to envision the finished product. Having witnessed, experienced and implemented many creative ideas and concepts over the years, I bring a certain amount of wisdom gravitas to any project.
I’ve been fortunate to have completed weighty projects all over the world. Projects within a broad variety, calling on me to stretch my range and take on the challenge.
What hasn’t been easy is the inconsistency of available work. Especially in the beginning years when my mother likened my job to an actor or musician waiting impatiently for their next gig. I guess it’s the plight of the freelancer or self-employed.
I’ve tried for many years to take my ego out of what I do, especially when it comes to other people’s approval. It’s still a challenge. I have great clients and people that know and appreciate what I do. That should be enough.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’ve actually made this exact list prior to guests coming in from out of town.
Living half-way between Denver and Boulder, we always include interesting spots in both areas.
Denver has many fun things to do including:

The Botanic Gardens to take in the beauty of the Flora and Fawna
The Art Hotel for happy hour cocktails
The Denver Art Museum
Perdida Mexican Restaurant in Wash Park
Platte River Bike Trail
Santa Fe Arts District for top notch art gallery hopping
Cherry Creek Bike Path
Linger restaurant for dinner in Lo Hi
Osteria Alberico in Englewood
Nuggets and Rockies games
Little Man for Ice Cream

In Boulder we like:
Rosetta Hall for drinks and the view of the Flatirons
Oak Restaurant for dinner
Chataugua for hiking
Boulder Creek Trail for biking
Dushanbe Tea House for breakfast
Boulder Contemporary Art Museum
Jeannot’s for the almond croissant
Louisville Farmer’s Market on Saturday morning
Stella’s Cucina for Dinner

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
In the years when I was just getting started as a Designer/Artist, it was my wife who was able to pick up the income drop and get the bills paid. It was her support within those first couple years that allowed me the time to get established with good client projects. It enabled me to work on the craft without having to worry too much about the finances. It only took about three years to get my income back up to the level that I had in my old job. I probably could not have made that ascent without her help.

Website: https://leetripidesign.com

Instagram: @leetripiart and @leetripidesigner1

Facebook: Lee Tripi

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