A Profession Embedded in Her Family History
Lauren’s connection to her work goes back two generations. Her grandfather owned a construction company (and her father still does), giving her a deep appreciation for what it takes to bring a project to fruition. While she didn’t imagine herself wielding tools on a job site, she did know that she wanted to be on that job site somehow. And so she pursued architecture.
“I love the pace of it. Every day is different.”
Today, as lead designer at AT6, Lauren spearheads the vision for clients’ projects, and takes them from the earliest steps through construction documents, also helping design the look and feel of the interior spaces. During the construction phase she visits the site regularly to make sure the design is executed accurately and guides clients in making any necessary adjustments along the way.
Finding a Home in Design Build
By the time she found AT6, Lauren had been looking for the right design build firm for some time. She enjoys that the size of the firm allows her to be involved in all aspects of a job on some level, and unlike in a large architectural firm, she knows she won’t be pigeonholed into one type of drawing or design detail.
“I love the pace of it. Every day is different. You’ll be in the weeds looking at a detail for one project and then that afternoon you’re looking at imagery on Pinterest pulling inspiration for a client,” she says. “It keeps me engaged and I never feel bored, and that’s amazing.”
“She elevates our team with her unique mix of sharp intuition and tactfulness but also brings creative energy and serene calmness in our sometimes-hectic design build world”
Motivated by Process and Team
Clearly a fan of process, she loves seeing a project move from idea through construction, not daunted by the inevitable hiccups along the way. And she feels grateful for the ability that design build offers to stay in that process. “Experiencing the space you design isn’t always possible if you are not involved with the construction team like we are here. It’s unique, and I love that.”
The rest of the AT6 team offers glowing reviews when asked about working with Lauren. One example: “I really enjoy working with Lauren, she’s a treasure. She elevates our team with her unique mix of sharp intuition and tactfulness but also brings creative energy and serene calmness in our sometimes-hectic design build world. She has a deft hand at anything she works on; she’s a wonderful collaborator who will often surprise you with solutions to challenging situations.”
Lauren, in turn, appreciates her co-workers—the trust, the camaraderie, Jason’s leadership. “Jason is available when you need him but not trying to control every little thing. I value that and also very much value his opinion,” she says. The entire workplace feels balanced.
“As someone who knows equally well how to ground herself and how to fly, Lauren is a terrific team member, bringing calm and hard work to her projects”
Calm and Adventure
Balance is an apt adjective for Lauren. Having taught yoga since 2012, she knows a thing or two about strength and balance. And then there are the sports designed to elevate your heart rate a bit more—she’s also an accomplished skier and paraglider. Introduced to the latter by her husband, she’s fallen in love with the combination of hiking up to a launch point and flying down from it. They enjoy spots in Milpitas, on Mt. Tamalpais, and along the coast, but they also travel to join the international paragliding community. Coupe Icare in the French Alps—a “film, flying, and fun” festival where she has flown alongside hot air balloons at sunset—holds a particular place in her heart.
As someone who knows equally well how to ground herself and how to fly, Lauren is a terrific team member, bringing calm and hard work to her projects. She compliments the team using words that easily apply to her, as well. “There’s a trust here and I know everyone is going to do their job. It’s a casual environment, but we’re working hard and everyone cares and is putting their best foot forward.”
