Meet Shannon Ahern of Shannon Ahern Design in Burbank

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shannon Ahern.

Shannon, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
When I was growing up in South Texas, I was drawn to creating spaces, I wanted my room to be like Marsha Mason’s apartment in the Goodbye Girl, I wanted a clubhouse like Swiss Family Robinsons’ tree house — but I was sorely disappointed when all my step-father could build me was a two-story structure that looked more like a deer blind.

In my mid-twenties, while working as a Photo Editor for TV Guide Magazine, I realized how much I loved homes and gardens. That’s when I decided to completely change my career and become a landscape designer and enrolled in UCLA’s school for Landscape Architecture.

A year later, my husband and I moved to San Antonio to help my parents with their real estate company where my job was to design all the rehabs. Once they purchased a home in disrepair, I created the updated look, including new floor plans, if needed.

After a few years of designing homes for the family business, I was asked to re-design a friend’s house. That led to other friends’ homes and as I gathered clients, I formed Shannon Ahern Design. After working several years in Texas, my husband, two daughters and I moved back to Los Angeles to begin our own real estate venture here.

Has it been a smooth road?
I would say that, initially, my biggest obstacle was that I didn’t work under a mentor. I had to figure out a lot on my own – what to charge, how to put together a presentation, etc. For a few years, I was consistently tweaking things, but no matter where I’ve been in my career, the main objective was always to create beautiful spaces.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
I design both interiors and exteriors and specialize in converting ugly or outdated houses into beautiful spaces that feel like home. My clients often use the word “cozy” when they describe my work because, with each project I design, I represent the client’s taste and lifestyle — creating spaces that they never want to leave. When designing, I go through the client’s daily routine from when they arrive home to when they depart. I design spaces that reflect my client’s style and works with how they move through each day.

My favorite room to design is the kitchen because I think it’s the room where most people hang out. Whenever friends or family are over, everyone is drawn to the warmth of the kitchen, even if it’s the smallest space in the house. Whether a kitchen is large or small, the social life of the family begins there, and my goal is always to make it beautiful.

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Yes! I love Los Angeles because the design community is enormous and there is so much inspiration here. The climate and architectural diversity in Los Angeles make it a great place to be an interior and exterior designer.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.shannonahern.com
• Email: [email protected]

 

Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.