So in an effort to keep up, we asked Lauren how she works— what is it that pulls it all together? I imagine it comes down to a ton of hard work and a thirst for honing her craft. But there have to be a few tricks or tools, right?
Leana Becker & Kathryn Sanders: What tool changed the way you practice your craft?
Lauren Ashley Allan: One of the most fun and rewarding tools for us is to be able to share our collaborative ideas with our clients through 3D visualizations. We are able to dream, draw, and render spaces for them, and really bring into focus how they will be living in their spaces. Design is not only an art, design is a form of storytelling.
LB & KS: What are three tools you can’t live without?
LAA: The ability to be a great listener for our clients, come up with a concept or overall vision for the project and be able to execute that vision together. Clients will come to us with imagery they have collected, and often need help deciding which direction they want to take. We really listen and get to know our clients and how they want to live – we go through the imagery and bring together all the ideas and materials into a complete vision, to then be able to communicate with everyone else on the team such as a contractor or architect… collectively bringing that vision to life. For furniture, we have an online portal system we just developed for our clients to keep our purchasing process seamless for our clients. We believe a home should be a reflection of its inhabitants, the places they’ve traveled to and the objects and ideas that have inspired them. Throughout the design process, our approach remains personal, intuitive and considered.
LB & KS: If you could recommend one tool to other artists/designers, what would it be?
LAA: It’s the ability to have unlimited curiosity, to always be learning, growing, and inspired by new experiences. I think as a creative this is what keeps me going the most. Also, great friendship is just good business… stay connected, because I feel you are who you surround yourself with, and over the past 20 years some of my greatest friends have come from working in this industry for so long.
LB & KS: What’s your dream tool that hasn’t been invented yet?
LAA: I dream a lot about my work and my projects, sometimes it’s where I solve design elements or get my ideas. I would love to be able to print ideas from my dreams, I often find myself waking up quickly in the morning, trying to sketch out what happened, and to not lose details from the dream I just had.
LB & KS: Do you have any tools that you can’t leave home (or studio) without?
LAA: I love being in the studio because I feel organized and everything has a function. I have all of my inspiration on the walls, photos of my kids and husband are on my desk, letters that I have collected over the years, markers and pencils for sketching ideas… I love being in the space. It’s this culmination of a well-designed space that is the most powerful tool for me at home. It allows me to feel free and creative. When I leave this space, I always have with me my computer, things to sketch ideas with and phone.
LB & KS: What tool in your toolkit gives you and your practice an edge?
LAA: Each day and each client is so different. I think it’s the layers of tools that we have at every level, so that we can function in a fast-paced organized environment. For instance, our fabric and stone libraries are grouped by color – this level of organization allows me the peace of mind to be creative and deliver the best service for our clients. This culmination is where the magic happens! It allows us to push the boundaries and challenge the traditional rules of architecture, product and interior design. Juxtapositions are at the heart of our process – mixing technology with the craft of design, modern and traditional, new emerging artists with vintage flea market finds, neutrals with bold textures and patterns. We enjoy playing with the quiet tension between design that is both poetic and unexpected, while also firmly rooted in practicality and purpose. Each space is grounded in history and culture, combined with a vision launching us forward, pushing limits, and shaping philosophies. Design is an opportunity to share our passion and help people around the world, made possible by consistent collaboration with talented creatives and incredible clients. We will also need a bio and can list any awards or accolades you wish to share, upcoming news about your firm, etc. in closing statements.
Lauren Ashley Allan is a full-service interior design firm based in Illinois. The firm specializes in residential, commercial and boutique hotel design. They serve clients worldwide with services ranging from interior design, interior architecture to furniture and product design. Lauren launched her business in September of 2020, with Architectural Digest officially announcing the launch. Lauren is currently working on a line of custom fabrics and wallpapers inspired by a cast of favorite designers from the past.
Lauren has a master’s degree in architecture from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC), where her love for Mies Van der Rohe and modern architecture flourished. While at SAIC Lauren studied abroad in Vienna and Prague where she fell in love with the Muller Villa by Adolf Loos and work by Josef Hoffmann. Lauren has a BFA from Miami of Ohio in Interior Design where she also played Division I NCAA soccer for Miami’s women’s team. This duality of being both creative and athletic has set her apart in her career. Sports taught her about leadership, teamwork, and collaboration.
Lauren lives in Illinois with her husband and two children. Lauren is passionate about the design community and giving back. She does this through alumni involvement at SAIC, The Art Institute of Chicago alumni Evening Associates board, Baby2baby, and Soccer Without Borders.
Phew! An athlete-cum-designer— no wonder she has the stamina to keep charging forth. If you ever have the pleasure of meeting Lauren we are sure she will give you the boost you need whether you are a client that wants some direction, an artist that needs an outlet or a designer that could use a little motivation. We can’t wait to see what she does next. Onward!
Photography by Heather Talbert.
Read more of The Toolkit here.
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