Lauren Goldman discovered her interest in architecture and design as a child. It wasn’t a passing interest, but a passion that led her to study art, architecture and design at the University of Michigan, Harvard and UC Berkeley. The Northern California native started her career in New York before returning to the Bay Area to work for Fergus Garber Architects. In 2012, she struck out on her own, launching LORO, a full-service, multifaceted architecture and interior design firm. LORO specializes in “bespoke spaces for the modern family,” designing thoughtful spaces with longevity in mind. Her work considers its environment: each structure is not only designed for the family who lives there, but its location and surroundings. Her team relies on clean modern lines, natural light and materials, cohesive flow between the interior and exterior living spaces…and, most importantly, comfort is key. She tells us more about her creative process.

MY LIGHT BULB MOMENT:
While I was doing an undergraduate summer program at Harvard’s GSD and would spend hours upon hours building architectural models and never look at a clock. One late night ending at 3:45 AM, I thought, “aha! This is my passion.”  

I CAN’T START MY DAY UNTIL:
I clear my mind with an hour of hot yoga or swimming. This sliver of “me time” is sacred and catalyzes my creativity for the day.  

SUCCESS IS:
A happy client.

YOU’LL NEVER SEE ME WITHOUT:
My phone. Guilty. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯  It’s my primary connection to my team, my clients, contractors needing a quick answer, drawings demanding an urgent review. But you will see me without it. It does get ignored during nightly story time with my three kids.  

MY DREAM COLLABORATION:
To work with a client who has a diverse art and sculpture collection. To design a home that is both functional and showcase these pieces. I was an art history major in college, that study still informs my design work.  

THE ONLY PLACE BETTER THAN SAN FRANCISCO:
Japan. Their craftsmanship and attention to detail in everything they do, from fashion, design, food, and architecture is uniquely exceptional and consistent.

WHEN I FEEL UNINSPIRED:
Travel and fashion fuel my inspiration. Seeing a designer put together a unique ensemble always gets me thinking about color, textures, symmetries. Or, taking in a new city, soaking up the distinctive architecture, always gets my flowing with ideas.  

ADVICE I WISH I HAD 5 YEARS AGO:
The most successful collaborations are between the client and the architect. Better to take the projects that have this positive dynamic and turn away from the ones that don’t. No question that quality vs. quantity resonantes more clearly to me now.  

IN 5 YEARS, FIND ME:
Working with more sustainable products and techniques in a readily available and affordable manner in residential design. Custom homes will hopefully take bigger strides in ecological design, while enhancing the overall look and feel of the home. Being part of the solution to embrace the natural environment should be intrinsic for even the smallest of our projects, whether they are urban, suburban or rural.

ABOVE ALL ELSE: 
Building a home should be a joy and a dream. Work with exceptional people with whom you have an exceptional connection. I especially love working with families to make their home their own; to reflect their lives at the present, future, always evolving alongside the family.