We were lucky to catch up with Linda Hayslett recently and have shared our conversation below.

Linda, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s something you believe that most people in your industry (or in general) disagree with?

Most people in the design industry and clients in general think of designers as an after thought to the beginning of their planning process. It’s often said that we’re the assistants to architects, but that’s not true. We are as equal to architects if people are looking for a beautifully curated home. When going into major surgery, most people don’t just have the one doctor making sure that the entire surgery goes well. They have specialists and a team to make sure that the outcome is positive and the patient comes out of the surgery in good shape. And that’s how the industry needs to start seeing designers as. Contractors as well need to get that we’re just as important for their jobs as an architect. Having a designer like me come in after framing is done is just going to cause so many issues and slow things down that they are best to get a designer that’s not as involved as I am. But many designers are starting to move in the direction of being more involved with the construction phase of design and the industry is still pushing us off as if we’re not needed until it’s way too late.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I got into construction and design when the 2008 real estate crash happened. I went back to school in downtown LA at FIDM (Fashion Institute for Design & Merchandising). I was burned out of my job and just bought a place. I had a lot of ideas for what I wanted to do in the space. So I decided to go back to school for interior design. And once I went back, I knew I wanted to start my own firm once I was done. So, LH.Designs was born and I focused on construction first then planning for everything and all the details that comes after the build.

LH.Designs is a small boutique design firm in Los Angeles, California. We do new builds, major remodels, renovations, planning, layouts, custom cabinetry and furniture as well as artwork and accessories. We are a TRUE design build firm. We help clients from beginning to end with their construction and design projects. That’s what sets us apart from other firms. You’re coming to a designer first that helps along the process of the build so that when furnishings go in, it all comes together beautifully like a classical song.

When you come to LH.Designs, we are there the entire way of the process. We pride ourselves on making sure that a client gets the home of their dreams and not just a basic design build model home. Personality and unique spaces that feel like curated and interesting yet interesting is what we strive for.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

In any business you have to have resilience, but especially as a minority woman in the construction and design industry. There have been many moments where I’ve had a horrible day or industry people ignored me. But, I realized that I’m not going to make it being like them. I’ve always been unique and want to keep it that way. Being like everyone else in the industry isn’t going to get me to where I want to go. So it’s best to always just work towards what you’re hoping for in your own way. Things will eventually happen and people will have to notice because they’ll realize that you didn’t take the same path yet got to the same place anyways.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My goal and mission is to show as much creativity I can in design and construction. I’m driven for the young girls who were like me when I was little and made fun of, bullied and put down because no one thought she was good enough to be as great as the other girls. I push to show that no matter what circumstances or what anyone says to you, that the only person that needs to believe in you is you.

Contact Info:

• Website: LHDesigned.com
• Instagram: @LHDesigned
• Threads: @LHDesigned

Image Credits
All photography by Lauren Taylor.