Community Highlights: Meet Dre Shapiro of Dre Design

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dre Shapiro

Dre, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Until I turned 50, I was dividing my time between two loves – being a full-time artist and DJ. However, my passion for interior design, cultivated since my teenage years, gradually became my primary focus.
My professional journey formally began when I was convinced to gut renovate a residential property in Venice, CA. This opportunity served as a catalyst for my career which quickly took off by word of mouth.
In 2019, I pursued a long time dream to create a commercial space that epitomized creativity and versatility. After an extensive search, I discovered the ideal building in West Adams, Los Angeles, and despite enduring challenges posed by the pandemic and a protracted 4 1/2-year process of permits, construction, and inspections, I finally realized my vision with the launch of LACUNA.
LACUNA, by definition – “ an unfilled space or interval” – is what I call, “a creative space waiting to be filled.” It’s beautiful boutique indoor/outdoor venue with warm, natural finishes and exceptional attention to detail. I’ve collaborated with many artists and artisans on all elements from the lighting, to the countertops and wood finishes. It’s available for event rentals, photo shoots, and serves as my design headquarters.
In addition to renting the space to others, I’ve put together a team of talented, dynamic individuals and we’ve been brainstorming some exciting, unique projects for LACUNA

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There was absolutely nothing smooth about this journey!
Getting the funds to kickstart this project was a nightmare —it was definitely one of the most stressful experiences I’ve ever had. And just when I thought things couldn’t get any crazier, Covid hit like a wrecking ball, turning the world upside down. Businesses were closing left and right, a curfew was in effect, and it felt like the entire city was holding its breath. The permit offices practically ground to a halt, adding a year and a half of nail-biting waiting just to get the green light.
But the challenges didn’t stop there. Securing supplies became a whole new obstacle course, with prices for essentials like wood shooting through the roof. My budget seemed to have a mind of its own, ballooning faster than I could keep track, while the calendar pages flew by.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, we reached the inspection phase, which dragged on for another agonizing year. Eventually, we got our coveted C of O, and in March of 2024, after four and a half years of blood, sweat, and tears, we had our launch party.
Perseverance and patience paid off in the end.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Dre Design is an interior/exterior design firm based in Los Angeles, California. Our work is a reflection of my passion for creating warm, modern spaces that embrace natural materials and textures. I strive for a vibe that’s casual, playful, and yes, a bit sexy too. It’s about crafting environments that feel inviting and never too formal or stuffy.
What makes my approach unique is my background as an artist. With roots in graphic design and abstract painting, I bring a keen understanding of color theory, spacing, balance, and composition to every project. I treat each space like a canvas, layering textures and elements to achieve a cohesive and striking final composition.
I take immense pride in the projects we’ve completed and the satisfaction of our clients. Many return to us, knowing they can trust my integrity and dedication. For me, it’s not just about the end result; it’s about ensuring everyone involved enjoys the journey. I approach each job with passion and enthusiasm, nurturing meaningful relationships along the way.

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
In addition to my design skills, I believe several key elements are essential for running a successful business:

Firstly, listening attentively to my clients is crucial. Understanding their needs and desires—sometimes even better than they do—allows me to create spaces that truly resonate with them.

Secondly, having a stellar team is paramount. From assistants and contractors to architects, subcontractors, and artisans, collaborating with talented professionals ensures each project runs smoothly and efficiently.

Adaptability is also critical. Being able to navigate unexpected challenges and swiftly troubleshoot issues as they arise is essential in delivering exceptional results.

Furthermore, I pride myself on thinking outside of the box. I enjoy exploring creative solutions and incorporating unexpected elements that elevate each project.

Above all, my passion for what I do fuels my dedication to every job. Loving my work is the ultimate ingredient for success!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lacunaspace.com
• Instagram: @lacunaspacela. @dre_design_
• Other: dredesign.co andreashapiroart.com

Image Credits
Brandon Andre – portrait photo
Deborah Jaffe – interior/exterior photos