Designer Crush: Laura Sievers
Author:Michelle Konstantinovsky1. Who is your biggest role model?
Cheryl Rowley. I worked for her company Cheryl Rowley Design early in my career and learned so much about design and business from her. My career accomplishments are a direct result of her mentorship and the opportunities that she gave me.
2. Which movie or play do you wish you could have designed the set for?
I loved the set in Ex Machina. The whole movie takes place inside one stunning modern house.
3. What is the best way to gauge a client’s personality before starting a project?
Everyone interprets and speaks design in a different way. I try to listen carefully and then use their words to describe my ideas back to them. Sharing the same “design language” makes for a successful collaborative partnership.
4. What new design elements are you excited to integrate into your work?
I am very excited about the innovations in LED lighting that have come out in the last couple years. There was a time period a few years ago where our need to be energy conscious fought with our desire to incorporate beautiful lighting. Now we can have low profile fixtures, exposed Edison style bulbs or super modern linear beams of light – so many possibilities!
5. How do you completely unwind?
A walk or a hike. I use it to clear my head and get fresh air. In the Bay Area, I get the bonus of a great view.
6. If you hadn’t become a designer, which career would you have pursued?
A large animal veterinarian. I never outgrew my little girl obsession with horses.
7. What’s the worst pre-designer job you’ve ever had and why?
A children’s clothing store in college. At 20, I had no interest in babies and those tiny clothes are so difficult to get on a hanger!
8. What’s your favorite recipe?
Bourbon Old Fashioned:
Ingredients:
1 oz Bourbon (Bulleit Bourbon or similar)
0.25 oz angostura bitters
1 tsp sugar
1 splash of water
1 bourbon cherry
1 orange wheel
Preparation:
In a rocks glass, muddle sugar, bitters, cherry and orange
Add the bourbon and water over large ice cube
9. Create your perfect playlist for us.
10. Who is your designer crush?
I love everything Patricia Urquiola does. From interiors to product design, she is such an innovator. Her use of color, texture and pattern are equally playful and sophisticated; modern and classic.
Lightning round!
11. Would you rather shop new or vintage?
In my work, being able to customize everything to exactly the dimensions, material and quality required for a commercial project is an absolute necessity. At home, I have a pretty solid mix of new, vintage and iconic mid-century modern pieces. My most prized possession is my Saarinen tulip table.
12. First celebrity crush?
Patrick Swayze, because nobody puts baby in a corner.
13. What’s your hidden talent?
I have an excellent visual memory.
14. Best restaurant in your area? Where is it?
I’m still relatively new to the Bay Area and love trying all the amazing restaurants that the area has to offer. It’s too soon to say I’ve found “the best” yet.
15.SF or LA?
Do I have to choose? I lived in LA for many years and have spent the last two in San Francisco. I love them both for their very different experiences, scenery and weather.
