DesignHER is a platform that celebrates the vision, craftsmanship, and innovation of women in design. By curating stories from leading female designers, artisans, and creatives, our latest series, in collaboration with Women Create, offers an intimate look at the diverse paths these women take to shape their industries and their own businesses. Through thoughtful interviews and features, the platform illuminates the artistry and technical mastery that define their work, while exploring the deeper narratives of creativity, resilience, and leadership. DesignHER honors the unique perspectives of women, fostering a community where design excellence and empowerment intersect to inspire the next generation of trailblazers.
Lauren Andersen is the founder and creative director of S•E•N Creative, a boutique creative agency specializing in capturing stunning interior and architectural visual assets. As the creative director and the team’s strategic cheerleader, Lauren brings a distinctive vision to each project. With a sharp eye for detail, she uncovers insights into every design, product, and architectural feature, ensuring that each image — whether still or moving — tells its own compelling story. Today, Lauren and her team at S•E•N Creative offer a comprehensive range of services, including photography, video, graphic design, styling and public relations. This unique combination enables them to provide clients with a complete, holistic, creative experience. See how Lauren tells a story through photography in today’s DesignHer.
Lauren harnesses natural light to highlight the authentic beauty of each project, creating images that feel warm, vibrant and true to life. Design by Decorotation Interiors | Photos by Lauren Andersen/SEN Creative
aspire design and home: Can you share an example of a project where your perspective as a woman played a significant role in the outcome?
Lauren Andersen: I have many examples of women seeing their portraits for the first time — often in raw form on my laptop — and being stunned by how beautiful they look and feel. Many have shared that their previous experiences with male photographers left them disappointed due to unflattering angles or a lack of sensitivity. I believe women naturally see each other’s beauty, and that perspective allows me to capture and translate it, no matter who is in front of my camera.
adh: What advice would you give to other women looking to enter the field of high-end artisanal crafts?
LA: To sustain a creative practice, you need to listen, stay flexible and hold a clear conviction in your decisions. My clients invest time and money into our projects because they value my perspective and how it informs my decisions. However, even in a high-end service, collaboration is key, and gracious compromise is part of the process.
Lauren believes that women have an innate ability to recognize each other’s beauty, which she aims to capture and reflect through her lens. Portrait of Candace Cavanaugh, Candance Cavanaugh Interiors (L); Portrait of Suna Lock, Stripe Design Services (R) | Photos by Lauren Andersen/SEN Creative
adh: Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you got started in your craft?
LA: I attended Pratt Institute, where I learned the importance of critical thinking in art, as well as the value of collaboration and constructive criticism. Even then, I was drawn to the shelter industry. My senior thesis focused on a historic carpet manufacturer outside of Philadelphia. Growing up in an artistic community left a lasting impact on me, and I look forward to creating the same experience for my daughter.
adh: What role do you think community and collaboration play in your creative process?
LA: When I moved to San Francisco and discovered the interior and design community, I found the creative collaboration I had experienced earlier in my life. I love working in a commercial space because of the natural collaboration between me and my clients. I also find that bringing in my video team, stylists and my incredible assistant, all women, is also essential to creating my best work.
One of the longtime workers at Langhorne Carpet Company hand feeds the loom for a large area rug. Photo by Lauren Andersen/SEN Creative
adh: How do you stay motivated and inspired in your work?
LA: Part of what inspires me in my work is the ever-changing scenery of each project. Every location, design, and backstory is unique, which keeps me motivated. Between shoots, a change of scenery is the best reset. I take my digital pinhole camera out and challenge myself to see my surroundings from a new perspective. I also find inspiration in listening to my clients’ experiences — their trials, tribulations and the stories behind their design or art choices. I love a good story.
“Photographs are a way of imprisoning reality… One can’t possess reality, one can possess images — one can’t possess the present but one can possess the past.” – Susan Sontag
adh: How do you approach the business side of your craft, such as marketing and sales?
LA: I’ve learned that collaboration is also essential in this part of my business. Finding the right storytelling partners took time, but it has made all the difference. I also draw marketing inspiration from conversations with clients, learning about their stories, struggles and needs. Over the years, this has led me to expand my services to include graphic design, video and PR. Listening to other small business owners is invaluable.
When not photographing for work, Lauren loves practicing digital pinhole photography. Photo by Lauren Andersen/SEN Creative
adh: How do you manage work-life balance, especially in an industry that demands both creativity and business acumen?
LA: I’m lucky to have an amazing and supportive partner who takes on a lot of the work at home and with our daughter. I’ve also learned the value of bringing in experts, whether it’s a lawyer drafting a comprehensive contract, a meticulous bookkeeper, or an SEO specialist. Whenever possible, I invest in their expertise so I can focus on my own creative work. This also allows me to connect my clients with other incredible professionals!
adh: How do you think your work has evolved over the years, and what factors have driven that evolution?
LA: Over the years, I’ve developed more technical skills, which have shaped my process. I’m also driven by editorial work and by listening to others in my community of creatives.
Design by Decorotation Interiors | Photos by Lauren Andersen/SEN Creative
adh: What are the most important values or principles that guide your work?
LA: The most important values that guide my work are collaboration and listening. I believe women are naturally attuned to these principles, and the feedback from my clients supports that. The shoots are fun, productive and truly a team effort.
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