Beyond the Design

Lauren Thomsen’s profound connection to architectural environments began with a deeply formative childhood event when she was just seven years old. After her family made the decision to relocate, a young Lauren found herself sitting in the back of her mother's realtor's car, completely mesmerized as they toured a wide array of houses. Walking through those highly varied layouts, she experienced an architectural epiphany, intensely imagining the entirely different types of lives she might live within each distinct boundary. This early realization that spatial layout directly dictates the quality of human life established a permanent lane that she would follow into her adult career.Before gaining the confidence to launch her own independent firm, Lauren pursued a rigorous academic path and built a strong foundation inside prestigious, high-stakes design studios. She describes her years spent working under established mentors as an invaluable phase where she learned the complex operational realities of translating abstract blueprints into physical structures. However, as she sharpened her technical skills, she increasingly felt a strong internal push to express her own unique, holistic design language—one that favored soulful intention and longevity over fast-paced corporate execution.This desire for creative alignment ultimately led to the founding of Philadelphia-based Lauren Thomsen Design. For Lauren, stepping into entrepreneurship was not driven by individual vanity, but by a necessity to craft a practice that could seamlessly blend rigorous architectural discipline with an empathetic understanding of her clients' personal narratives. Her journey stands as a powerful masterclass for emerging designers, illustrating how a pure childhood fascination with spatial possibilities can mature into a celebrated, forward-looking architectural studio.

Laura Williams, founder of Living Oak Design in Austin, Texas, joins the show to share her remarkable journey from opera singer to sought-after interior designer. Growing up in a creative family of musicians and artists, Laura always had an eye for design—she was the kid constantly rearranging furniture in her room. After studying opera through college and working in the fast-paced design scenes of New York City and Miami, Laura developed the grit and work ethic that would later fuel her entrepreneurial success. When she became a mother, she stepped away from corporate life to focus on her young children, but her passion for design never faded.What started as a part-time venture while her kids were in school has evolved into a thriving full-service design firm with a team of seven, a retail showroom, and projects spanning full home renovations to intimate bathroom refreshes. Laura's design philosophy centers on creating cozy, lived-in spaces that reflect the personalities and needs of the families who inhabit them. She believes in timeless design over trends, incorporating meaningful heirlooms and personal stories into every project. Her approach has resonated particularly well with families navigating the same life stage she's in, as she understands firsthand the practical considerations of designing kid-friendly yet sophisticated spaces.Beyond her design work, Laura is launching her podcast "Here With Laura," expanding her retail store with monthly community events, and dreaming of creating a Magnolia-style experience with Living Oak stores across the country. She shares candid insights about learning to delegate as her team grows, the importance of finding your community when starting a business, and her philosophy that "busy is a choice." Laura's story is a testament to turning creative passion into a successful business while maintaining balance as a present mother and entrepreneur.

Interior designer Christine Vroom joins us to discuss the art and craft of creating timeless homes. In this conversation, Christine shares how she defines timeless design—yrooted in history and the evolution of color, materials, and architectural elements across eras—and how she protects her work from fleeting trends. She reveals the common misconceptions about interior design, particularly the "TV show myth" that beautiful spaces happen overnight. Behind every stunning room is meticulous planning, vendor coordination, tradesmen management, and countless unforeseen details that never make it to screen.Christine emphasizes her role as a storyteller and guide rather than simply a designer. She explains how she extracts client personality and lifestyle through intentional conversation and genuine connection, turning their stories into physical spaces that feel deeply personal. Her philosophy of honesty with clients—saying "no" gently but firmly when an idea doesn't serve the overall vision—has built trust and long-term relationships. She also discusses the inseparable relationship between indoor and outdoor design, how travel (particularly to Sevilla, Spain) has shaped her aesthetic, and the emotional sanctuary that painting provides as a counterbalance to client-focused design work.Throughout the interview, Christine reflects on a pivotal challenging project early in her career that taught her the importance of documentation, scope clarity, and "staying in her lane." Rather than seeing this as failure, she frames it as growth and now uses those hard-won lessons to mentor her team. Her approach to luxury is inspired by fine dining and hospitality: it's not just about beautiful objects, but about making clients feel special through attention, listening, and personalized touches. As she looks to the future, Christine is launching a tile product line inspired by her time in Sevilla—a testament to how inspiration, curiosity, and a willingness to evolve keeps her work fresh and her spirit engaged.

For New York–based designer, mom, and former fencer Jennifer Press, home is more than a backdrop—it is a refuge that should either soften a hard day or extend a joyful one. In this conversation, she shares how she listens deeply to clients to build spaces that feel like personal havens, whether that means a fully neutral apartment that quiets the city or a playful, immersive kid’s room with bold, custom elements. Her guiding philosophy is simple: clients are not hiring her to design a home she wants to live in; they are hiring her to create the one they do.Jennifer talks openly about the realities of growing Press Interiors from a solo practice to a team she had to staff far sooner than expected, including suddenly acting as HR, defining policies, and buying the first company laptop. She credits her operational discipline, her supportive husband, and a beloved nanny with making it possible to juggle parenting, client work, installs, and even postpartum site visits. At the same time, she keeps herself grounded by remembering that, while design matters deeply to her clients, it is not life-or-death work—and that perspective fuels gratitude rather than burnout.The episode closes with a look at where she wants to go next: more custom furniture, collaborations with textile or wallpaper designers, and one day, perhaps, a coffee table book worthy of sitting in the homes she creates. She shares the design rules she loves to break—starting with the “always white” ceiling—and the eras and icons that inspire her, from Frank Lloyd Wright to the unapologetic funkiness of the 1980s. Whether you are a design lover, a creative entrepreneur, or someone craving a more intentional home, this episode offers a warm, detailed glimpse into a life built around thoughtful, livable beauty.

In this episode, we delve into the world of John Pomp, a master of transforming raw materials into stunning works of art. Learn about his inspirations, challenges, and the innovative processes that define his craft. John opens up about his journey from a small town in Pennsylvania to becoming a renowned designer, emphasizing the importance of staying true to one's creative vision. Through candid conversations, he reveals the lessons learned from both failures and successes, and how they have contributed to his growth as an artist. Tune in for an engaging discussion on the power of creativity and the beauty of handmade design.