LAUREN CALLAWAY PH DESIGN FIRM

What is your design background and experience?

I’ve owned my design business since 2017. I started designing for friends and family, and it grew from there. I have worked on over 50 commercial and residential projects since then.

What are your greatest strengths as a designer?

I think my greatest strength is the ability to listen to my clients and give them what they want. I also help them achieve what they never thought possible by pushing them a bit outside their comfort zone to really give them the “wow” factor. I am able to design many different styles, so I am typically sought after not because I have a certain look but because I can give a client what they want. I am also a real estate agent, so knowing the market and resale value in design decisions is a key factor in my decision-making.

Where do you find design inspiration?

Everywhere. Nature, fashion, music and travel are all very important to me.

What do you consider more important in a design project: aesthetic or functionality? Why? Really, neither is more important than the other. Without the functionality of a space, what’s the point of it? Without it being aesthetically pleasing to the client, what’s the point of using the space? They go hand-in-hand and are both equally important.

How do you stay on-trend within the industry?

I do not necessarily do “trends.” I do not believe in designing a home based on a trend. I like to design to stand the test of time. The finishes in your home need to be something that you are not going to get tired of in five years. I design based on the needs and wants of each individual client rather than what’s on-trend. If you want something trendy, let’s plan on adding that in with furnishings; those can be changed a lot easier!

Is there a project that you are most proud of?

I’m not the most proud of one single project over another. All of my projects tend to be very different, so they are all fun. I do love when I have clients who really trust me because that’s when the real magic happens!