Writer, editor, reader, dreamer, design lover, cat person, tree hugger, sea swimmer, sun worshipper; fuelled by music, film, travel, Arabica coffee, pinot noir, and a guiding philosophy of doing no harm. Former Capetonian, now residing in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, with a husband and two Siamese.

Currently working as an independent journalist and copywriter while considering next career steps. As a writer I am versatile, adaptable and curious, comfortable on different platforms, deft at juggling multiple deadlines. Love deep research, interviewing, finding the glimmers in a story, whether it’s about a person, a place or a brand.

Previous full-time roles include Editor-in-Chief at ELLE Decoration South Africa and Condé Nast International’s House & Garden. Also Deputy Editor and Acting Editor at House & Leisure magazine, serving as lead features writer and commissioning editor. As such, I’ve written widely about architecture, interiors and design, from a sub-Saharan African and a global perspective, and covered events like Design Indaba, 100% Design, Maison&Objet and Salon del Mobile. Also immersing myself into the worlds of art and culture, food, wine, and travel, covering destinations from city to safari to private island retreat.

As an independent writer I’ve contributed to leading African media titles such as Business Day WANTED (for which I won a Sanlam fashion journalism award), reviewed luxe off-the-beaten-track escapes for Perfect Hideaways, and served as a food critic for the EAT OUT restaurant awards. I’ve written for and edited several other leisure and wine-focused magazines across print and digital.

I later used my skills for good at Lalela, a charity offering hope through art and creativity to children in under-resourced communities in South Africa. As Executive Director, I juggled a managerial role with creative direction and communications, designing and launching a new website and blog, producing annual reports, and overseeing social media between funding appeals.

Contact me:

Email: leeleerobertson@gmail.com