January 22, 2019

Meet Lauren Moore of Design Assembly in Silverlake

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Moore.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Lauren. So, let’s start at the beginning, and we can move on from there.
I started my professional career in photography about eight years ago and began working in design five years ago. As a kid, I always loved taking pictures and getting film back. (I was obsessed with my camera that took panoramic photos in the 90s!) I was never able to nail down a degree- I was too much of a free spirit to commit to anything at that age!

Through all of that, I was always working on some kind of creative project on my own, from re-imagining vintage ballgowns into streetwear, designing jewelry pieces or handbags, rearranging my friend’s apartments, helping them buy furniture and art. In my early 20s, I moved downtown into a tiny, cool studio in a renovated 1920’s hotel. I didn’t have a car then and spent a lot of time walking, taking in the street and incredible architecture in Downtown LA.

I loved photographing what inspired me on my walks. At the same time, I became interested in rearranging and styling my apartment and taking photos of that, which I shared with nobody! I bought my first professional Canon and started shooting (almost) anything anyone wanted for free. I started to learn quickly what I loved shooting, and what wasn’t for me. I put up a website and spent hours and hours sending my work out to agencies and blogs while holding down a “9-5” job.

In 2012, I had a baby, and my entire work ethic and focus changed. As a new parent, you find your “free time” and “time to yourself” in short supply. I did not have a nanny or any help in the early years, so I spent hundreds of very VERY late nights when he was sleeping editing photos and working. What I didn’t know, I taught myself. (Website design, branding, graphic design, etc. etc.)

I created a small company consulting, creating content, and helping to pull together brand websites. I have never been so tired and missed out on so many social functions! In 2013, I started working at a small development firm, SheetrockLA, on the Eastside and my interest in and love for design grew. I was fortunate to work on some great projects with them and shoot some really cool stuff for them as well.

I loved visiting job sites, pulling samples, seeing everything come together. I eventually moved into decorating furnished rentals for them while consulting on website design, branding, and photography for other clients. I found an incredible team of guys I trust my life with, who has been with me for years now. We have installed more than 60 projects together!

Two years ago, I started working as creative director at Integrated Development, a development firm building unique, design-driven, and beautiful projects in LA. I also head my own design studio called Design Assembly, which is focused on commercial and residential design. I still take on photography projects that I feel really inspired by.

Now my favorite thing is to design, style, and shoot my own projects! For me, the three practices all flow together very organically,

Has it been a smooth road?
I had to sacrifice a lot of time with friends and family to sustain my career. I put work above a lot of other important things, and it is always a struggle trying to divide time between your work and a child. All that said, I am incredibly proud of the fact that my son can now see that I am able to provide a life for the two of us that grew out of my creative skills and hard work!

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Design Assembly – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I have my own design studio called Design Assembly, which is focused on commercial and residential design. I love a neutral palette where the textures rather than color really sing. I strive to always create a lived in, comfortable, and soft feel with natural textures and unique accessories. ‘Elegant coziness’ is what I think I strive for the most in my design and decorating work.

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
The city is so beautiful. I love the hills and the palm trees, Griffith Observatory perched on the crest of the park, homes of all architectural styles dotting the green and floral landscape. I love the walls of bougainvillea and midcentury masterpieces we have here.

I love the old brick buildings in many Eastside neighborhoods. I love the light here- it is magical when the sun begins to set, and the city is dowsed in golden, hazy California sun. I love the restaurants here, full of fresh produce and seafood! I hate the traffic, lack of convenient public transit, and antiquated building + zoning laws!

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