Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Umansky.
Laura, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I grew up in the small town of Seguin, Texas which, for those of you who aren’t familiar, is in central Texas just on the outskirts of the Hill Country. Seems far away from designing luxury residences looking back but I was inspired to become a designer in that small town and at an early age. I watched my father design and build two of our homes which gave me the confidence to think I could do the same. And I was slightly obsessed with my own immediate environment and loved to rearrange my things as a little girl. Fast forward to my college years, and I was combining those loves into a study of studio art and architecture. I truly believe that there is a beauty to manipulating a space and the objects within it. When I struck out professionally, I started with the objects. I opened a store on Westheimer that quickly turned into my interior design studio. What began as a little shop of just me has transformed into an award-winning firm of 14 talented people in the span of just a decade.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I think the biggest challenge, and this is probably true of any business, is sustainable growth. I want Laura U to design homes in every city, but at a manageable pace. I started my company with a staff of 1 (me!) and I have grown thoughtfully over time. Still, there are times we struggle with the tactical details and the minutiae of every day. So, last fall, I implemented a new managerial system that has kept us on track. We sat down and developed our yearly plans, our goals, and our vision as a team. I must say that the studio is running better than ever before! But it definitely wasn’t a perfectly smooth road to get there.
Please tell us about Laura U Interior Design.
As a 100% residential interior design firm, we have the honor of our clients’ inviting us into their most personal spaces. We are full-service, which means we handle everything. From furniture selections to custom architectural work, we are your partner in building a home that is timeless, bold, and reflective of what you love. My signature style is Classically Current, inspired by iconic designs with a modern finish. We like to say that we design beautiful legacies for our clients, and our aesthetic ensures livable luxury for generations to come.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
There is always a solution. Take a beat, survey the situation, and give it some thought. You’ll find the answer.
Planning out 10 years and then working backwards to 5, 3, 1 year and quarterly has set Laura U up for intentional growth. Make a plan and then execute it in small doses. It’s the whole “work on your business, not in your business” mindset.
I’ve learned to give myself a break. I don’t have to work 24/7 to have a big impact. Taking time for my family and for myself is inspiring and I bring this back to our designs time and again!
Contact Info:
- Address: 4306 Yoakum Blvd. #150
- Website: www.laurau.com
- Phone: 713-522-0855
- Email: design@laurau.com
Image Credit:
https://www.dropbox.com/home/Voyage%20Houston%20-%20Images Julie Soefer, Bethany Nauert, Alan Blakely, Michael Hunter
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