We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Taylor Lipman. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Taylor below.

Taylor, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

After graduating from college, I found myself uncertain about my “dream job.” Although my passions at the time didn’t align with potential careers, my detail-oriented and organized nature led me to pursue a business degree. While I was genuinely passionate about fashion and design, I lacked direction in pursuing a career in that field. I dedicated my time and energy to studying business in college, deeming it the logical choice at the time.

Upon completing my degree, I relocated to New York City, immersing myself in a finance career that spanned five years. As my life gradually felt more monotonous, I began to sense a growing discontent with my job, realizing that my creative instincts were not being utilized. Although I knew I desired a change in career and industry, I remained uncertain about my true calling.

The turning point came at the onset of the pandemic when I decided to embark on a home remodeling project. This seemingly “small” endeavor opened the door to the world of interior design. I delved into self-education, gaining firsthand experience in the design process, hiring contractors, collecting samples, and sourcing furnishings. The project’s scope expanded with my burgeoning creativity, revealing my newfound passion for interior design.

Fueled by this revelation, I made the courageous decision to leave my finance job and enrolled in a Masters program for Interior Design in New York City. It was during this educational journey that I met my business partner, and together, we began to envision our future company. As we worked collaboratively, our shared vision materialized, and the dream of establishing our own interior design company started to take shape.

Taylor, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am an Interior Designer and Co-Owner of Lee Taylor Design Studio, a comprehensive interior design firm specializing in luxury interiors for both residential and hospitality spaces. Our array of services includes consulting, space planning, digital renderings, staging, renovating, furnishing, and re-designs. We are currently accepting projects in California, Tennessee, New York City, and Florida.

At Lee Taylor Design Studio, my business partner, Allyshia Gupta, and I helm the creative process. Our collaboration began during our enrollment in a Masters program for Interior Design. Our synergistic approach enables us to draw inspiration from each other’s ideas, infusing a personal touch into every project. Our complementary skills not only enhance each other but also elevate the design to reflect the perspectives of two talented individuals. Rejecting a singular design style, we believe in crafting uniqueness by seamlessly blending various styles. Our hallmark lies in delivering projects that are distinctive, upscale, and, above all, tailored to the functional needs of our clients.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

Perfection has ceased to be my ultimate goal. Historically, my struggles with perfectionism have been evident in my distress over imperfections, whether they manifested in the appearance of my handwriting, an idealistic sketch, or a less-than-pristine spreadsheet. When I made the decision to pursue a career in a creative industry, I recognized the need to shed these detrimental habits.

Being my harshest critic, I acknowledged that my perfectionistic tendencies hindered the growth of my creativity. To confront and overcome this challenge, I consciously initiated the process of unlearning my fixation on perfection. This journey began by sketching without the safety net of an eraser. Embracing each stroke, I learned to build upon my initial sketches, addressing perceived “errors” as opportunities for growth. This intentional practice allowed me to move steadily toward my goal of fostering creativity.

As a result, I’ve come to embrace imperfection in my designs. I actively seek to incorporate elements like asymmetry, natural textures, and unconventional design choices, transforming perceived flaws into distinctive features that contribute to the overall character of my work. This shift from perfectionism to a celebration of imperfection has not only liberated my creative expression but also enriched the depth and authenticity of my designs.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

To cultivate a robust reputation within the interior design industry, my business partner and I leverage our combined skills, strategic networking efforts, and a deliberate showcasing of our work. At Lee Taylor Design Studio, we prioritize the development of a distinctive design style that distinguishes us from our industry peers. Emphasizing the creation of a compelling portfolio, we invest in professional photography to effectively communicate our unique design approach to our audience.

Central to our reputation-building strategy is the establishment of a professional website and an active presence on various social media platforms, facilitating meaningful engagement with our audience. Regular updates to our online platforms showcase our evolving portfolio and insights into our design process.

Lee Taylor Design Studio actively participates in industry events, trade shows, and networking functions nationwide, fostering connections with fellow designers, suppliers, and potential clients. The relationships we cultivate through these engagements provide valuable educational experiences and often result in collaborative opportunities and referrals.

Our commitment to collaboration extends to working with architects, contractors, and other industry professionals. This collaborative approach not only enhances our skills but also broadens our network, opening doors to more comprehensive and impactful projects. Through these concerted efforts, Lee Taylor Design Studio continues to strengthen its position within the interior design industry, emphasizing creativity, professionalism, and meaningful connections.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.leetaylordesignstudio.com/
• Instagram: @taylornicolelipman @leetaylordesignstudio
• Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/taylorlipman
• Other: taylor@leetaylordesignstudio.com

Image Credits
Photographer: Olya Helga