Background & Design Philosophy
Born and raised in St. Simons Island, GA, Evan and Lauren were immersed in the hospitality industry of a small, coastal community driven by tourism and traditional southern hospitality from an early age. This experience has instilled them both with a love for creating high-quality hospitality experiences, as well as a deep understanding of the importance of celebrating a sense of place in order to enhance memories, give personal meaning, and establish connections rooted in tradition.
Over the years, an appreciation for the ways in which the built environment can inspire, connect, and promote well-being has continued into the ‘Design Love’ philosophy. Evan and Lauren’s shared passion for bespoke hospitality experiences through interior design has shaped the team’s core design values that center around a client-focused approach, creative excellence, and thoughtful attention to detail.
Meet Evan Strother
Evan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design from The University of Alabama and a Master of Fine Arts degree from Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD). After graduating, her professional career began unexpectedly in Event Design at a Forbes Five Star/Five Diamond Resort. There, she worked with affluent clientele, designing for corporate meetings, dinners, weddings, and other social events. Evan loved the opportunity to collaborate with clients to craft elevated design visions, and curate personalized experiences to celebrate life’s milestones while ensuring excellence in customer service.
Though Evan enjoyed the creative challenges of Event Design, she eventually returned to her original passion for Interior Design, relocating to Austin, Texas, to take advantage of the city’s rapid growth and creative opportunities. The local culture values innovation while preserving the city’s unique character, and Evan has been fortunate to establish her design portfolio within a vibrant design community that fosters artistic expression and creative collaboration. Her experience across a range of multi-family, hospitality, and commercial projects has allowed her to blend creativity with strategic thinking throughout the design process.
Meet Lauren Sardo
Lauren is an accomplished interior designer with over a decade of experience and a professional background rooted in both residential and hospitality design. Originally honing her skills in the dynamic design market of Atlanta, Lauren was closely involved in custom home building projects and gained a deep understanding of architectural detailing, space planning, and the construction process from the ground up. Her hands-on experience with bespoke homes allows her to seamlessly bridge the gap between architecture and interiors, ensuring a cohesive design vision from blueprint to final installation.
Lauren’s portfolio spans a diverse range of projects, including coastal residences, boutique hospitality spaces, and high-end homes. Whether designing a serene retreat by the water or curating the guest experience in a hospitality setting, she is known for her thoughtful approach, layered materials, and an eye for detail that brings warmth and personality to every space. Lauren brings bespoke sensibility and high-end aesthetic to clients throughout the Southeast, offering a full spectrum of design services from concept development and materials selection to turnkey project management.