Today we’d like to introduce you to Linda Hayslett.
Hi Linda, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I lived and worked in New York City for many years working in fashion, initially. After working on the east coast, in 2003 I made a decision to move west and become an Angeleno. I planted roots in Los Angeles and started to absorb the west coast atmosphere. I worked at places like W Magazine, InStyle, Details and with a well-known celebrity stylist who dressed celebrities such as Hillary Swank, Sandra Oh, Charlize Theron, Heather Graham and more in LA. But after the 2008 crash, I was burnt out and wanted something different, I just didn’t know what that was yet.
At the same time, I bought my first home and had so many ideas for it. So, a friend said maybe I should go back to school for interior design as it’s similar to fashion but for homes. At first, I was not interested as my view of designers were old ladies who picked ruffled drapes, ugly flowered sofas, bad rugs and lots of puffy pillows. But I decided to research what interior designers do and spoke to some working designers which led me to go back to school in downtown LA at FIDM (Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising). After graduating Summa Cum Laude in Interior Design, I became interested in construction and planning. While co-designing on projects with other designers and freelancing, I created LH.Designs.
From there I worked my way on small projects and landed my first client from an old boss. I soaked up as much as I could when on construction sites and was able to learn from experienced designers on how they worked and what they did in certain situations. This helped make it easy for me to figure out exactly what I wanted to do in design and lead me to the path of construction and planning first then design comes easily when things fall into place.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t been a smooth road because the construction and design industry are very traditional in the sense that with construction it’s mostly all men and with interior design, it can be very stuffy. So, a woman, who’s edgy and is the opposite of being snooty did not sit well with many people. In construction, people see designers as the last person to contact when getting things done because they don’t want to deal with any changes. Then what I was seeing is that many designers didn’t like to deal with construction, as it can be a lot of hassle and arguing with contractors and subs because they were brought in too late to the project. But, I knew that my road was planning and construction 1st and design along with that. As I kept getting too many projects where clients would say they wanted certain things that had to be addressed during construction. All the walls were already sealed up and no one wanted to go back into construction. Then they’d blame the contractor, but the contractor is just that, he brings the muscle and doesn’t design spaces. And people really aren’t aware of the differences.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
We are a boutique design firm that specializes in luxury design builds. LH.Designs is a full-service firm from the start of planning to construction to design to furnishings and accessories. We do new builds and major remodels but with furniture and artwork in mind because we’ll curate those items as well. What sets us apart is that we truly help clients through the entire process and don’t just do plans and then construction. We do it all and keep everything in mind when planning.
Our brand is here to make homes feel timeless, refreshing, warm and each client’s own space. We’re proud to be known as a firm that can really give creative design solutions for our clients that make them feel invested in their spaces. We offer plans, construction, design, project management, exterior work, hardscaping/landscaping design, fixture and finish choices, furnishings, custom work, window treatments, artwork, accessories and more. We are about creating the entire lifestyle for our clients on the exterior and interior.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
One of my favorite childhood memories is the neighborhood pool. Any chance I got I would love to go swimming. I’d be at the pool all day and just jump off the diving board, float around and just chill poolside. Then the ice cream truck would come and all of us kids would run out to get something yummy. Maybe that’s why as a 2nd career, I didn’t want to just focus on interiors and also equally love designing exteriors as well, including pools.
Contact Info:
- Website: LHDesigned.com
- Instagram: @LHDesigned
- Other: Pinterest: @LHDesigned
Image Credits
Photographer for all photos: Lauren Pressey
