Meet the Founders of LS Design Studio
When working with an Interior Designer, learning who they are beyond their design aesthetic is a great way to gain trust, have a better understanding of each others needs, and foster a great relationship from the beginning. When working with a client, we always send over a personal questionnaire that helps us get to know you so that we can help create a space that is not only conducive to how you plan on using the space, but aligns with who you are as a person.
We decided to put a little twist on our questionnaire and give you our answers so you can get a sneak peak into who we are...
What was the best vacation you ever took and why?
Lilli: Any trip to London has been my absolute favorite. I studied abroad there and have visited since and it is one of those places that immediately felt like home to me on my first visit. The architecture, fashion, parks, pubs & restaurants, people, history- really all of it brings back the best memories.
Sav: My favorite vacation was traveling throughout Europe in 2018! It was the perfect combination of exploring history, eating amazing food, and relaxing on beautiful beaches.
What is your favorite beverage / drink? What is your favorite snack / treat?
Lilli: I pretty much love anything that has gin or whiskey in it. Does baked brie count as a treat?
Sav: My favorite drink is a gin & tonic and I'm always down for chips and guac.
What is your favorite part about living in San Diego?
Lilli: This is a tough question! I think the overall lifestyle is my favorite part. There are so many opportunities to be active everyday and the healthy food options are endless. Plus it is beautiful all the time.
Sav: I absolutely love the San Diego weather! I also love how easy it is to travel to the mountains, desert, or beach.
Where is your "go to" San Diego restaurant?
Lilli: Another tough one. I think I'm going with Le Papagayo in Encinitas!
Sav: Honestly, any Italian restaurant. Buona Forchetta, Maurizios, Vigiluccis, and Ciccioti's are just a few of my current favs.
What made you want to become a designer?
Lilli: It has always been a dream to be an interior designer ever since I was little. When Sav and I first started our business, we actually discovered that when we were younger, we would both draw out detailed, elaborate floor plans for our dream homes- we're working on digging those up to share. I am also someone who is really affected by my surroundings and I know how much of a difference a well designed & decorated space can make someone feel. I love being able to physically create a feeling throughout a space and be able to actually walk through it and see it live- the process of going from an idea to reality is really satisfying.
Sav: From a young age I remember wanting to have a say in the way my room was designed and decorated. Over the next few years I constantly moved the furniture around into new layouts and new floorplans. When I got to high school, I confirmed my love and passion for Interior Design during my first internship, and decided to pursue this as my major in college.
Where do you find your inspiration?
Lilli: Whenever I am feeling a design block and want to get a little spark of inspiration, the first place I head is an antique mall. I don't know if it's the 50's music playing in the background or the plethora of unique items, but something about it brings me so much joy and gets my creative juices flowing. When I see a cool, old piece, I immediately start imagining what kind of room it would work in, what other furniture it could be paired with, and the potential impact it could make in a space.
Sav: On a regular basis I love browsing Pinterest or Instagram to gather design inspo. While I travel, I make sure to take tons of photos of architecture styles, unique designs / design elements, or nature that I can use as inspiration for the design process.
What is your favorite part of the design process?
Lilli: As weird as it sounds, I really love the Initial Consultation. I feel really lucky to be able to walk into a space and see the potential beyond the existing set up and get excited to share the vision with clients.
Sav: I love laying out the client's new space and creating 3D models. I feel like this is the time when our designs really "come to life" and the vision becomes a reality.
What do you think is the most challenging part of the job? Rewarding?
Lilli: I think the most challenging part is narrowing down the design ideas for a space. When we walk in, we have a million thoughts and know the room could go in so many different directions. It is really challenging to pick one and run with it when there is a blank canvas full of opportunity in front of you. The most rewarding part is when the client loves what you have come up with and the design goes into production!
Sav: I would say the most challenging part of being an Interior Designer is figuring out what the client's design aesthetic is. There are so many styles & combination of styles, it is easy to get pulled in different design directions. We combat this challenge by thoroughly reviewing inspiration images, providing questionnaires, and talking through elements they love or dislike. The most rewarding part is when a client finally sees their finished room for the first time. That happiness on their face and knowing that we did something great for them that will influence them and make them happy for years to come, is an incredible feeling.
What is your dream project?
Lilli: I have so many dream projects, I don’t even know where to start! I have to say, designing a boutique hotel is on the bucket list for sure. I love that you can go a little more bold and outside of the box and really make it a dream destination in itself.
Sav: I think it would be so fun to design a space we don't typically work on- for example I saw a show where designers had to renovate airstreams, planes, and train cars and I think it would be so fun and a new challenge to figure out how to make the space most functional.
Who is your favorite designer at the moment?
Lilli: This is really hard! I have to say, Jean Stoffer is always a go-to inspiration for me. Her work is timeless, creative, and puts a new twist on traditional. At the moment though, I am infatuated with the work of Carlay Paige. The way she incorporates architectural details into her rooms and furniture designs is incredible.
Sav: This is such a tricky question because there are so many talented designers- BUT my go to designer for inspiration is Amber Lewis with Amber Interiors.
What is your favorite room to design?
Lilli: This must be what if feels like when people get asked to pick their favorite child! I love a family room or bedroom design- My heart belongs to furniture so any space that needs filled with furniture is my favorite room to design. That said, getting creative with kitchens is so fun and so rewarding when it is completed.
Sav: Sorry I have two! I love family rooms because every client's layout is so unique and different and there are so many ways to add pattern & texture into the space. I also love kitchens because they are like puzzles. When a client comes to us for a kitchen remodel, most of the time there are things they don't love about the layout / function of the space. Our goal is to make sure we not only design a beautiful space, but also one that accommodates all of their needs.
xo
-Lilli & Sav