Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Torbert.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Laura. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I studied interior design and art history at the University of Georgia. After college, I worked in marketing at Turner Broadcasting for a number of years and then started my family. When I had my oldest son, I decided I wanted more time at home with him and left the corporate world. Speaking frankly, being a stay at home mom was a challenge for me; I missed working. Over the following few years, I took an opportunity to get back into design working for Susan Negri, a wonderful designer in Atlanta, who served as my mentor in the business. Once my boys were both old enough and my schedule allowed it, I went out on my own. Now, I am coming up on the 5 year anniversary of running my own design firm!
Has it been a smooth road?
Yes… and no… ha! I have definitely made some mistakes along the way (still do!). In fact, I repeat the old adage “measure twice, cut once” to myself daily! That said, it’s important to remember that every mistake is an opportunity to learn for the future.
I think for me the initial struggle was building a portfolio. When you are starting out, you have to find people to not only trust your vision but also people who are willing to spend the money to carry it through. That said, in my experience, you can kickstart a business with one really good project. So, if you are starting out and find yourself with one great client, focus on every detail, design a space that represents your aesthetic, and then hire a professional to photograph the finished product.
My other piece of advice would be to find people you trust to work with. From your drapery workroom to your contractors, build a team of people you can communicate freely with as well as learn from. There are a lot of moving pieces to every project, and it can be overwhelming if you feel like you have to micromanage them all. Lastly, trust yourself. Your clients chose you because they like what you have to offer!
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Laura Torbert Interiors – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Laura Torbert Interiors is a full-service residential design firm. From new construction to large scale remodels to single room “facelifts”, we assist clients with services of varying scale including a selection of architectural finishes, collaboration with architects and builders, and decorating interiors with furniture, fabrics, accessories, and custom designed pieces.
Our goal in each space is to create a cultivated look and feel, blending contemporary, traditional, and organic elements. We find that the magic is in the mix, where different style characteristics of each element incorporated into the design work to enhance the other. Our hope for each client is to create a space that is simple yet interesting, unique, and livable.
As a wife and a mom of two boys and a large shedding dog I understand how a house needs to function (ie durability and comfort are essential)! To that point most of my clients are young families as well, so the knowledge of where to splurge and where to save is also key. I think understanding this “stage of life”, and knowing how the needs that accompany it can be paired with great design is a distinguishing factor of our firm.
Do you think there are structural or other barriers impeding the emergence of more female leaders?
As a whole, I believe the design world is very welcoming to women, and quite frankly, I haven’t experienced any gender barriers in the most straight forward sense of the term. I believe one of the biggest challenges today for working women is the societal pressure to “do it all.” As a mom and small business owner, there is always something that needs to be accomplished, and time is always divided between family and work. Trying to find the balance can be challenging, to say the least.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: lauratorbertinteriors
Image Credit:
Laura Negri Childers
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