Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Livia Shi

Livia Shi shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hi Livia, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Outside of work, I’m an avid foodie and lately I’ve been whipping up beautiful & tasty gourmet meals for my folks.

Whether it’s making a gourmet meal or dining out at the best restaurants in town, you’ll find that I’m a true foodie & have a genuine appreciate for all things culinary.

During the pandemic, I honed my culinary skills to the point where I can whip up a gourmet meal that will rival your local four star restaurant in presentation and taste.

I find cooking to be a big stress reliever and a perfect outlet for my creative juices.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Livia Shi and I’m Design Principal & Founder of Atelier LSM2 Inc, a full service architecture & furniture design firm based in the Los Angeles area. After finishing my undergraduate degree in architecture at UC Berkeley, I immediately moved back to the LA area where I grew up. For the next eight years, I worked for companies where I garnered the training and skills to be a skilled architectural professional. In 2007, I decided to open up my own design practice, Livia Shi, Designer, which focused on the design of custom single family residences & furniture design. As my own boss, I found a freedom that I didn’t have before when I worked for others. I really enjoyed interacting with my clients on a daily basis, listening to their ideas and coming up with a collaborative design without having to worry about office politics or answering to anyone but myself in terms of project decisions.

Eventually, in 2015 my sole proprietorship morphed into Atelier LSM2 Inc., a full-service architecture & furniture design firm based in the San Fernando Valley. Atelier LSM2 Inc. is comprised of a small, but skilled staff of experienced architects & designers. As Principal of the firm, I oversee the company’s business opportunities & day-to-day operations of the firm. As Director of Design of the firm, I generate each project’s overall conceptual design and unique vision & make sure that the design theme is carried through from conception through construction. Although we do all types of projects, I’m most proud of our residential architecture & furniture design projects which have been featured in magazines like Azure, Inhabitat, Archello, Re-Thinking the Future, Valley Scene Magazine, Interior Design Magazine’s Fall Market Tabloid, & Interior Design Magazine’s Decade of Design Book. For the record, I was also a founding partner of Architecture LS3, Inc. from 2011-2015, a bi-coastal architecture & design firm headquartered in Los Angeles.

Atelier LSM2 Inc. is a design-oriented, Los Angeles based, architecture & furniture design studio specializing in commercial, residential, institutional, civic and hospitality projects. Our focus is on the conception and delivery of exceptionally designed projects which exceed our client’s expectations. At Atelier LSM2, we make sure our client’s needs are addressed on every level and we create our designs to adapt to the ever-changing global environment. We believe that good design not only comes from innovation from our staff’s design expertise but also from collaboration with our client’s agenda. Each design is unique and blends in harmoniously with its surrounding environment. Whether the project is for a new building or furniture piece, at Atelier LSM2, Inc., our goal is to provide friendly and quality professional service. We strive to create exciting designs that are cutting edge yet cost-effective, buildable, and feasible. Our designs are unique but tailor made to a customer’s needs. This is what sets our design services apart from our competitors. We make sure that each project is delivered on schedule and budget. Through extensive survey of existing conditions, we come up with creative solutions that are customized for each particular site. Atelier LSM2 staff also have considerable experience in providing construction management services. The firm utilizes prime engineering consulting, computer graphics and rigorous quality control standards to ensure success of every single project. Most of all, we give confidence to our clients that no project is a daunting feat; the only limitation is our infinite imagination and ability to create a unique, timeless design. Furthermore, at Atelier LSM2 Inc., we are dedicated to serving our client’s best interests and strive to create a building that is not only beautiful but safe. We make every effort to apply the latest codes and standards to ensure the best quality design work for our clients. We consider each project to be our best advertisement and every client to be our best potential reference for future work.

Although I’m excited about each project that my company undertakes, I’m most proud of the projects that have achieved recognition through publications. A modern glass eagle-winged gazebo that I designed in the San Fernando Valley was featured in high profile magazines like Azure, Inhabitat and also included in Interior Design Magazine’s Decade of Design hardback publication. Furthermore, a high end coffee table that was prototyped in my Defying Gravity furniture line was also recognized in various publications like Interior Design Magazine’s Fall Market Tabloid and Archello. Aside from publications, I was particularly excited about a three story commercial building that I designed for a project in the Woodland Hills, CA. The third story of the building was to house a high end restaurant, so I designed a very futuristic curved looking structure to house this eatery. A majestic waterfall entrance to the building added a magical touch to the inherently spectacular design. I’m also particularly proud of two recent designs that I did for a new apartment building in the Los Angeles area and also a new custom ocean view home in Ventura.

In the end, I want everyone to know that creating inspiring, cutting edge designs is just part of my brand or story. The most important thing I want readers to understand is that the success of your brand is all contingent on how you handle the journey along the way.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
There are a few moments that come to my mind immediately in regards to this question.

The first moment that I can recall feeling powerful was when I saw my first ground up architectural project come to life. It was a custom glass gazebo that I designed with free reign for a client in the San Fernando Valley. The end result was a spectacular and magnificent structure that was a pure expression of my creative prowess. I relished every moment of its construction.

The second moment that I can recall feeling powerful was when I was approached by your organization, for the first time, to do an interview. This was the first time that I was able to let the world hear my side of the story regarding my life’s experiences and journey as an entrepreneur. For the first time, I had a voice to the world and for that, I am forever grateful!

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
The tough times have definitely taught me to be resilient and to work through a predicament no matter how painful or difficult. If success came easily, I would have wilted in tough times. Although I don’t wish suffering on anyone, I think the struggle makes you appreciate the small successes even more and more importantly it builds internal stamina.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
I think my closest friends would say that integrity and honesty are the most important values to me. They know that I can’t stand liars and fakes.

On a lighter note, I know they would also say that I value good food. Fine dining and gourmet cooking are really important to me. A delicious dish is art and a direct translation of the chef’s soul.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people will always remember me as a creative and talented person in many arenas. Creativity is the core essence of my personality and throughout my life, I have found many ways to express it in tangible forms. I also hope people will remember me as a good person who is devoted to her parents and feathered babies. Finally, I would also like to be remembered as someone with high integrity & moral values.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.atlsm2.com/
• Instagram: atelier_lsm2inc
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/livia-shi-65662849/

Image Credits
John Linden – Glass Gazebo
Sarah Carmody – Ventura Custom Home