Thoughtful Design, Made to Last.
Tailored rugs that bring warmth and life to interiors.
Lucy Tupu founded her studio in 2015 with a simple idea, to create work that feels thoughtful, tactile, and made to last. Her design approach is intuitive and collaborative. She cares deeply about materials, especially natural fibres like New Zealand wool, choosing them for their integrity and the way they hold their quality over time.
I have worked on several projects with Lucy Tupu. The quality and the design of her carpets are outstanding! Her warm and professional service makes working with her a pleasure. I highly recommend Lucy Tupu!
FOGARTY FINGER
Alexandra Cuber, Director
Lucy Tupu is a classically trained industrial designer with over 25 years of experience creating custom rugs, carpets, furniture, and lighting. Born in Wellington, New Zealand, to a Samoan father and a Kiwi mother of English and Scottish descent, Lucy’s design practice is rooted in her rich cultural heritage.
After earning her Bachelor of Design in Industrial Design from RMIT in 1997, Lucy spent 19 years in New York building her career as a designer and artist. In 2015, she launched her own studio and debuted her first collection, South Pacific, at ICFF—a vibrant reflection of her Polynesian roots.
The pandemic offered Lucy a rare chance to reconnect with family in Aotearoa. Realizing the potential to run her practice across continents, she returned to NZ in 2021 to open a second studio and take on a full-time teaching role for 2 years at Victoria University of Wellington, Te Herenga Waka.
In 2025, Lucy returned to New York City and now works across both places she calls home.
Exhibitions
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We exhibited our Max Gimblett Rug Collection and our Sulu Blanket Collection in May 2025. This was the second year we exhibited at the NZ Art Show.
Cey Adams, Departure - 40 Years of Art & Design
In collaboration with Cey Adams we created seven rug designs as part of our Cey Adams Collection. In Cey's travelling exhibition, out Halrem rug featured. ‘Harlem’ plays homage to his family’s neighborhood and to his father who served in the military.
Lucy Tupu Studio officially launched in Aotearoa, New Zealand, Nov 29th, 2023. What better way to celebrate than by showcasing our stunning Max Gimblett Rug Collection. A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for the opening party!