We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Steven Lawrence Meyer a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Steven Lawrence , thanks for joining us today. Do you have a hero? What have you learned from them?

I have long admired Chip and Joanna Gaines. Their commendable work ethic, beautiful designs, and extraordinary journey from home flippers to TV personalities, and ultimately television network owners, is truly inspiring. They’ve built an empire, and their storybook success has laid the blueprint for how I see my own life unfolding. Watching them turn fixer-uppers into dream homes with such flair and authenticity is endlessly inspiring.

They have taught me that I can shape my own future, free from the constraints of any stereotypical career path. Inspired by their example, I’ve realized that there is room in my life and career for everything I find intriguing and special. Their journey has shown me that my passions for design, architecture, real estate, and lighting can coexist and flourish, creating a unique and fulfilling professional landscape.

This spring, I had the fortunate opportunity to visit Waco, TX, and witness much of what the Gaines’ have built. While in town for Roundtop—a massive antique fair outside Austin, TX—I toured their impressive Hotel 1928 and the Silos. The area was bustling with people and showcased their extensive work in design, products, food, and more.

At Haus of Lawrence, I strive to emulate their blend of creativity, authenticity, and ambition in every project. By infusing each design with a touch of elegance and a commitment to quality, I am crafting my own legacy, one beautifully transformed space at a time. Here’s to dreaming grandly and designing with purpose—much like the Gaines.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I have an obsession with handcrafted objects and antiques, and I love repurposing them. I am captivated by their rich histories and unique stories. Anyone can fill a room with pieces of furniture from CB2 or West Elm, and you’ll often see the same pieces in many homes. Antiques and handcrafted items collected abroad, however, are truly one-of-a-kind, and when used thoughtfully, they have the power to transform an entire room. I began collecting these items during my travels in my mid to late 20’s, long before I knew exactly how to incorporate them. Over time, I discovered that these unique pieces could infuse spaces with character and history, making them irreplaceable elements in my designs.

As my design eye developed over the years, I realized that my fascination with history was materializing in restoration. My years spent working in architecture, interior design, and architectural lighting design all came together in a 1920s Spanish home in Coral Gables, FL. With my creativity bursting and a blank canvas before us, my fiancé and I embarked on our dream project, transforming the space into a true reflection of our passion and vision. My authentic yet elevated design with tastefully applied light and darkness, transformed what was once the worst house on the block into the best house in the neighborhood. It became a stunning showcase of timeless beauty and modern functionality – and just like that, Haus was born.

We made a point to entertain frequently and pump images out to the internet. The exposure, along with hard work and heavy networking soon lead to projects —from restaurant lighting design to interior projects throughout Miami and more renovation projects to come!

My expertise in crafting light within architectural design is a defining element that sets me apart in the industry. Unlike many interior designers who need to hire third-party lighting consultants, I offer a comprehensive, in-house solution for all lighting design needs. This not only ensures seamless integration and meticulous attention to detail but also provides cost savings for my clients.

My fascination with lighting began in 2015 when I moved to NYC and found myself working at a lighting design firm. Initially, I never imagined a career in lighting, but I was instantly captivated by the profound impact that lighting has on spaces and human experience. This intrigue quickly developed into a strong skill set, allowing me to master this often-overlooked design element.

The ability to seamlessly integrate lighting into architectural design allows me to create cohesive and harmonious environments. My clients benefit from a holistic approach where every aspect of the design, including lighting, is meticulously planned and executed. This unique expertise not only enhances the aesthetic and functional quality of the spaces I design but also underscores my commitment to providing exceptional, comprehensive service.

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

My reputation within my market has been built on several key factors. Firstly, my distinctive and methodical designs set me apart, offering clients something truly unique. Equally important is my approach to client relationships – I prioritize meeting and connecting with clients. This allows me to gain a deeper understanding of their needs and personalities, enabling me to tailor my designs to suit them perfectly. Honesty and integrity are at the core of my interactions with clients, fostering trust and long-term relationships.

Furthermore, my comprehensive knowledge of lighting design gives me a significant advantage. While many interior designers may need to outsource lighting consultancy, I handle all aspects of lighting design in-house, ensuring meticulous attention to detail without additional costs for clients. This comprehensive approach sets me apart in the market, reinforcing my reputation for excellence and reliability.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

In 2020, I realized I was burnt out. When the world came to a standstill, I finally had a moment to check in with myself. During those few months when my job slowed down, I felt an immense weight lift off my shoulders – but why?

It was a convergence of multiple challenges. Even though I was a partner at my company, it wasn’t my name on the door and therefore I was not the one people remembered and credited. I wanted to establish my own identity and step out from under someone else’s shadow. It was time to make a name for myself. Despite bringing significant success to the firm, the workload and long days, prompted a constant inner question: Why dedicate so much effort to someone else’s gain? The firm’s operational style distanced me from design work, stifling my creativity. As a result, I felt myself drifting away, losing touch with my true self.

I discovered solace in a passion project alongside two of my cousins, known as Trail to Emily’s – a delicious vegan trail mix free from top allergens. Leveraging the challenges of the pandemic, we cultivated the brand and reintroduced joy into our workplaces.

In an unexpected turn of events, Trail to Emily’s reignited a passion within me that had been dormant for quite some time. Despite its stark contrast to my career in design, this venture became my avenue for both creativity and business growth. It empowered me to unleash my creative energies and pave the way for my own firm – Haus of Lawrence. Sometimes, the most rewarding choice is to follow your heart and pursue whatever captivates your interest in the moment. Even if it doesn’t clearly align with your ultimate aspirations, it can still guide you towards them.

Trail to Emily’s is still going strong! We can be found in brick and mortar shops throughout the Hamptons and Vero Beach, FL – or can be purchased online! Our aim is to grow our flavor profiles from 1 to 3 products over the coming year and then work our way into bigger grocery stores throughout the US!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.hausoflawrence.com
• Instagram: @hausoflawrence
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenlawrencemeyer/

Image Credits
Portrait – Nick Garcia Photography Lafayette Steakhouse (Lighting) – Craig Denis Creative Casa Mariana Photos (Design / Renovation Project) – Daniel Petroni Photography