Professional Profile: Stephanie L'Estrange
Stephanie L'Estrange is the interior design director & principal at Taylor Design in San Francisco. Stephanie spoke about her career journey, hobbies, and the biggest career challenge she faces.
Q: How did you get started in your career? Did you major in your field in college, get an internship, switch careers mid-stream, etc.?
A: My first job out of college was with an interior design firm that specialized in retail furniture store design. They focused primarily on big box stores in the Midwest. I was fortunate that the firm had shrunk from a 40-person firm to a one-person firm because there had been a downturn in the market. I benefited from this because the owner interviewed me, hired me, and mentored me for two solid years. He taught me how to run a business, pay bills, interview, and market for new work. I was extremely lucky.
Q: What is a typical day at work like for you?
A: I check my calendar every morning at 6:00 a.m. to plan my day mentally. I think about what I will be focusing on. I make notes about what I want to cover, and I do this over two cups of very strong coffee. Then I gear up for a day full of meetings where I review design work in progress. I provide critique on the design story, concept, and whether we have crafted a memorable experience that touches on all the senses.
Q: Tell us about a great book, movie, song, or TV show you’ve enjoyed recently.
A: Book: “The 7 Husbands of Evelyn Hugo.” I was so touched by the main character. It hit a nerve because it was about the deep desire to connect, love, and be loved. [It touched on the] harsh reality of what keeps us from attaining what should be unconditional and unjudged.
Q: If you weren’t in this profession, what job would you like to have instead?
A: I would be a creative director for a fashion magazine. I would like to be Anna Wintour.
Q: What is the biggest work-related challenge you’ve faced? How did you overcome it?
A: I haven’t overcome it. The commercial field of architecture and design is still behind the times when it comes to gender equality.
Q: What is your favorite building, lab-related or not?
A: Zaha Hadid’s residential building in New York on the high line. 528 W 28th Street, NY.
Q: What is the best piece of professional advice you have received?
A: Overcommunicate with your client. Some of them might even want to hear from you every day, and invite them behind the scenes. Let them be part of the process.
Q: What’s your typical order when you visit a coffee shop?
A: Black coffee with a splash of 1% milk. Pretty boring.
Q: What is one important skill you think that all lab design experts should have?
A: Be curious. More likely than not you will have two clients that are equally important, and you need to hear them both. One scientist and one CEO. Give them equal time and consideration.
Q: If you could teleport to any destination in the world, where would you go?
A: Paris!
Q: What kinds of hobbies or interests do you have outside of work?
A: Walking, antique shows, art shows, and cooking with friends.
Q: What’s a common misconception about your job?
A: That I only focus on design. Design is shaped and influenced by budget, other design disciplines, code constraints, and market constraints. These are all integral to creating good solid lasting design solutions.
