Lauren Williams Of Lauren Jayne Design On Five Things You Need To Create A Highly Successful Career As A Commercial Designer
An Interview With Athalia Monae
Travel and new experiences are vital to my creative process. My trips to Europe, in particular, are a constant source of inspiration. I’m captivated by the ancient patinas, finishes, and the way layers of history blend together over time. I find immense beauty in these imperfections and the rich stories that time has imprinted, especially when translating that inspiration into commercial design.
As a part of my series about the ‘Five Things You Need To Know To Create A Highly Successful Career As A Commercial Designer,’ I had the pleasure of interviewing Lauren Williams.
Lauren Williams is the founder and principal of Lauren Jayne Design, a boutique interior design studio that takes a holistic approach to every project, ensuring that designs are thoughtfully tailored to meet the needs and vision of her clients. LJ is known for using soft lines, natural materials and refined textures as the cornerstones of her design aesthetic. Her studio’s portfolio includes a wide array of hospitality and luxury residential projects across the country, with notable designs located in Aspen, Las Vegas, Miami and New York.
Thank you for joining us today! Can you share the story of what led you to pursue a career in commercial design?
Thank you for taking the time to chat!
During my time at Pratt Institute, while pursuing my bachelor’s degree, I landed an internship at a leading interior design firm. This experience was a game-changer, launching my career in hospitality design. My very first project was a lounge in Manhattan’s Lower East Side — a project I not only worked on but successfully brought into the firm myself.
Alongside my studies, I worked as a waitress, which gave me invaluable, firsthand insight into the behind-the-scenes operations and inner workings of a restaurant and lounge.
After graduating from Pratt in 2009, I joined Meyer Davis, where I had the privilege of working closely with Will Meyer and Gray Davis. Their mentorship was instrumental in shaping my design philosophy, giving me the creative freedom to explore and refine my aesthetic. It was during the 1 Hotel South Beach project that I truly hit my stride as a designer, embracing a holistic approach to both design and the creative process.
What’s the most interesting or amusing experience you’ve had in your career so far, and what lesson did you learn from it?
It’s fascinating to reflect on how much has changed since I began my journey as a designer. In that first year, I was all in — giving 200% of myself, working every single day, often pulling double shifts. I vividly remember turning down fun invitations from friends, all to say yes to every business opportunity that came my way. By the end of that whirlwind year, I was already designing two projects in Aspen, the 1 Hotel South Beach, a newly constructed apartment building and a luxury condo in Miami Beach. What started as a one-person operation — Lauren Jayne Design — quickly grew as I brought on an intern and built a network of talented designers and colleagues to collaborate with. Reflecting back, I’ve realized that dedication and consistency are invaluable — they lay the foundation for everything that follows.
Do you have a favorite life lesson quote? Can you share a story about how it has been relevant in your life?
My mom always reminded me, “Love what you do. Do what you love. And the rest will follow.” She taught me never to be driven by money, but by what truly fulfills and inspires me because that’s where your gifts lie.
I didn’t initially set out to start a company, but when the opportunities came knocking, I knew I had to embrace them — and do it well. I didn’t have a formal business plan; instead, I absorbed everything I could from friends who had their own companies, asking countless questions. It was my passion for design and an unwavering determination to succeed that fueled my journey.
As a successful business leader, which three character traits have been most crucial to your success? Can you share a story or example for each?
Determination, dedication and passion have been traits that have guided me throughout my career and shaped my design journey.
Determination is essential in the design industry, where tight deadlines and high expectations are the norm. As I’ve grown as a designer and business owner, I’ve learned to streamline processes while allowing creativity to remain organic. With the right mindset, any challenge can be overcome. I’m relentless and never quit. My passion is what drives me, and it’s the force that led me to build the business I have today. I pour my heart into my work, showing up with dedication and determination every single day.
Dedication is what keeps me grounded. Balancing the operational demands of Lauren Jayne Design with multiple projects is no small feat, but my commitment to my craft and clients ensures that every detail is handled with care.
Passion fuels my creativity and is the driving force behind Lauren Jayne Design. When I first leaped into entrepreneurship, I had no formal plan — just a deep passion for design. That passion guided me through the uncertainties and continues to inspire me to create beautiful and meaningful spaces.
Can you describe a recent project you completed and what your specific contributions were?
I recently led the design for The Juliet Cocktail Room at The Venetian Las Vegas, revitalizing the lounge’s interior to create an intimate space that feels like a private members club. A lounge in Vegas is unlike any other. The high volume of traffic that the space experiences means that every aspect of the design demands extra durability in materials. We tailored fabrics and rugs to endure the test of time, especially for this space, while ensuring the design achieved a harmonious blend of intimacy and luxury. Creating a space that feels like an exclusive social lounge was a central focus, while at the same time seamlessly transitioning into the vibrant nightlife scene that Las Vegas is known for.
How do you approach balancing aesthetics and functionality in your designs?
Aesthetics and functionality are symbiotic, each enhancing the other to create beautiful and practical spaces. It’s about crafting environments where visual appeal and utility work in harmony, ensuring that every space is as captivating as it is functional. For me, the goal is to design spaces where beauty and practicality coexist, elevating the overall experience and making every environment both stunning and livable through scale, material choice and spatial planning.
What is your design philosophy when it comes to commercial spaces?
My design philosophy is all about embracing creativity and pushing limits. Have fun and take risks — go for it! Push the boundaries and don’t shy away from layering elements. Great lighting is crucial. It sets the energy. In commercial design, it’s not just about functionality, it’s about leaving a lasting impression.
Where do you draw your inspiration for your designs?
The essence of a space lies in crafting a specific mood or feeling, and that’s where I find my inspiration. I’m particularly inspired by interior architecture, especially new builds and large renovations, where I get to select every detail and play with the scale and proportions. The bones of the space serve as my thesis, while the furniture becomes the supporting structure.
What strategies do you use to ensure your designs meet the needs of the end-users?
Everything I do is driven by instinct, tuned into my clients’ visions. I listen closely to their words, feelings, and the functions they imagine for their space, using that insight to shape every detail.
How do you approach sustainability in your commercial projects?
A focus on longevity with a design always comes first. I’m constantly aiming for a timeless look and love to bring as many natural elements as possible into a project.
What impact do you think remote work and digital transformation will have on the design of commercial spaces?
Integrating digital accessibility into our designs is crucial in today’s tech-driven world. It’s essential to blend technology seamlessly and stylishly, anticipating rapid changes and creating spaces that are as innovative as the tools they house.
What are the five things you believe are essential for creating a highly successful career in commercial design? Can you share a story or example for each?
1. Embrace the challenges.
I find that challenges lead to the most innovative solutions. Whether it’s dealing with low ceiling heights, an inconveniently placed column, or misaligned floor plates that create a multitude of room types for a hotel, each obstacle sparks unique outcomes. Embracing these challenges often results in beautifully crafted solutions that bring out details and creativity that might not have emerged otherwise.
2. Keep creating.
I thrive on exploring different mediums — be it cooking, painting, antiquing, foraging, writing, styling or setting the table. Each creative pursuit sharpens my eye and builds a versatile skill set that enriches every project. What excites me about commercial design is the opportunity to craft immersive experiences that transport guests from one engaging moment to another. Embracing a variety of creative avenues enhances my ability to bring unique and dynamic elements to each project.
3. Stay inspired.
Travel and new experiences are vital to my creative process. My trips to Europe, in particular, are a constant source of inspiration. I’m captivated by the ancient patinas, finishes, and the way layers of history blend together over time. I find immense beauty in these imperfections and the rich stories that time has imprinted, especially when translating that inspiration into commercial design.
4. Give yourself grace.
When I first started as a designer I would get a bit down when facing a big deadline or a lull in progress. I remember spending a lot of time contemplating the work before diving in. Reflecting on those times, I remind myself now that it’s perfectly okay to step back and give myself space to breathe and reassess. Facing a creative block is just part of the journey — taking quiet moments to let my thoughts and ideas simmer is often a crucial step in the creative process.
5. Trust yourself.
I’ve faced plenty of naysayers along the way. It’s always easier to dismiss something as impossible or too difficult than to invest the time and effort to make it happen. But don’t let that discourage you — embrace the challenge and prove that what seems unfeasible can be crafted into something extraordinary.
What role do you think commercial design plays in community building and social interaction?
It becomes the fabric that supports the heartbeat of a community. A new restaurant, local hangout, or hotel injects excitement and fresh energy, creating vibrant spaces that bring people together and spark new connections.
Given your influence, if you could inspire a movement to bring the best results and solutions to the greatest number of people, what would it be? You never know what impact your idea might have!
If I could spark a movement to make a lasting impact, it would be about inspiring young people to chase their dreams and stay true to their passions. There’s nothing that brings me greater joy than hearing stories of young individuals who follow their hearts and turn their passions into fulfilling careers.
How can our readers follow your work online?
Check out our Instagram page (@laurenjaynedesign) or our project page on laurenjaynedesign.com!
Thank you for your time and excellent insights! We wish you continued success.
About the Interviewer: Athalia Monae is a product creator, published author, entrepreneur, advocate for Feed Our Starving Children, contributing writer for Entrepreneur Media, and founder of Pouches By Alahta.
Lauren Williams Of Lauren Jayne Design On Five Things You Need To Create A Highly Successful Career… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.