Lauren Geremia is the principal designer of Geremia Design, an AD100 multi-disciplinary studio focused on interior design and art consulting. Lauren’s innovative design vision comes from a background in fine art and an appreciation for hand-crafted sensibilities. After studying painting at the Rhode Island School of Design, Lauren established her business creating sleek and imaginative headquarters for a host of tech-industry power players before pausing to educate herself more deeply in furniture and residential architecture.

Inspired by historical references in design and pattern, Lauren embraces color at every turn. She traditionally begins her process by selecting art and hand-mixing her own paint colors to develop the groundwork for each project palette. Intrigued by the juxtaposition of old and new, novel and familiar, subtle and dramatic; she leads her team in creating spaces with an unexpected alchemy. Creativity is central to everything we do.

Lauren has been acclaimed by Forbes Magazine’s “30 Under 30”, Architectural Digest’s AD100, 1stDibs ‘1stDibs 50,’ and has received numerous accolades for her work.

1. Could you tell us how your journey into interior design started?

My journey into interior design began with a background in painting. I was drawn to curating and design, and I thought that would be my path. After moving to San Francisco, I found myself immersed in the vibrant restaurant scene just as the tech industry was taking off. This led me to shift my focus toward tech office design, where I had the opportunity to work with several major tech companies during their early start-up days. After a few years, I made a deliberate shift to residential design, where I found my true passion — really my career evolved organically, driven by the opportunities and experiences that came my way.

2. Do you think there has been a defining moment in your career?

A defining moment in my career came when I landed the Dropbox account. It was a massive project, spanning about 80,000 square feet, which gave me the opportunity to hire a team. This shift from working solo to leading a team fundamentally changed my perspective and approach. My mind started to work in a more entrepreneurial way, focusing not just on creativity but on how to balance that with the growth of the company. As a result, we were able to scale more consistently while ensuring our creative vision remained intact.

3. What do you think is the key to a successful interior design? And in your business in general?

For me, the key to success in this business is a kind of constant forward motion. It’s about staying engaged, always learning, and embracing the ever-evolving nature of the field. There are so many facets to interiors, and the magic lies in finding the things that inspire you and working those things into your projects. Beyond the design itself, there’s an art to how we navigate people and situations. It’s about responding with agility, and balancing that quick thinking with empathy and creativity. It’s this delicate dance between adaptability and understanding that really fuels both my work and the growth of the business.

Every project begins with a series of conversations — a deep dive into understanding the client. We ask questions, sometimes over dinner, to truly get a sense of who they are, what excites them, and what they want their space to feel like. It’s a deeply personal process, and we’ll often create moments tailored to their interests to get to know them on a deeper level, and to set boundaries and clarify their goals and aspirations.

Then the creative process takes shape. I immerse myself in research — watching films, collecting vintage fabrics, mixing my own paint colors, diving into books, and imagining the artwork that will bring the space to life. It’s all about layering and discovery, establishing a mood that feels authentic to both the architecture of the house and the people it’s for. This is how a concept starts to develop, not from a single element or keyword, but from a curated experience that reflects the client’s world and dreams.

5. How would you define your signature style? Do you have “a mantra” that encapsulates your taste in design?

I’d say our signature style isn’t about one specific look or trend; it’s more about creating a narrative that feels timeless and deeply connected to the home itself. We work on projects that span from more traditional to pretty modern, but the heart of each project lies in blending different time periods and influences that stem from the client’s background or building’s history. It’s this mix that gives the spaces their unique character, shaped by the research and discovery we do at the very start of every project.

One through thread in our work is the curation of art, which is a service we offer that allows us to collaborate with clients to refine their style through carefully chosen pieces. Art, for us, is at the heart of every project. It is the starting point, and the finishing touch, and no Geremia project is complete without it.

6.  Could you tell us about one of the favorite projects that you worked on?

Every year, there is a project that pushes our design vision forward, one that deepens our understanding of our craft and broadens the possibilities of what we can do. This year, that project is a 1920s penthouse in San Francisco. It’s a restoration project with a lot of interior garden spaces — something that we’re learning a lot about. It’s been a fun and educational process, working alongside very supportive clients, to blend historical preservation with modern needs, and explore the relationship between indoor and outdoor environments in a truly urban setting.

7. What would be your advice to beginner interior designers?

My advice to beginner interior designers would be to draw as much as possible. There’s something about sketching with your hand, away from the screen, that allows for a level of inventiveness and spontaneity that just can’t be replicated when you’re relying on technical tools. Those moments in sketchbooks often lead to the freshest ideas, ones that come from a more intuitive place.

It’s also important to carve out time for exploration. The design process takes time, patience, and a willingness to let ideas evolve. Building in time to play and experiment is just as crucial as studying imagery or history. It’s in that playful space where you might stumble upon something unexpected that feels truly right for a project.

“A home is often a reflection of a new phase in someone’s life — moving to a new place, starting a family, empty nesting. Being a conduit for that change, my goal is to help our clients move into that next chapter with comfort, confidence, and clarity.”

8. What was one of the hardest learned lessons in your journey?

One of the hardest lessons I learned came when I made the shift from commercial to residential design. In commercial spaces, the focus is often more transient — designs are updated every few years, and the needs of the space can change quickly. But residential design, especially when creating homes meant to last a lifetime, requires a different kind of sensitivity and foresight. It’s about understanding not just the aesthetics, but the empathy required to build spaces that people live in, grow in, and build memories in.

I didn’t realize how different the skills required would be until I dove into it. The patience and thoughtfulness that it takes to create something truly enduring was a whole new challenge. Looking back, it was absolutely the right choice for me — it gave me a whole new educational runway and a much deeper appreciation for the personal, lasting nature of home design.

9. What was the best advice you have received in your path?

The best advice I’ve received on my path was the reminder that designing a house is often about guiding the client through a transition. A home is often a reflection of a new phase in someone’s life — moving to a new place, starting a family, empty nesting. Being a conduit for that change, my goal is to help our clients move into that next chapter with comfort, confidence, and clarity.

There’s a subtle shift that happens during this process, a moment of understanding that shapes the relationship with the client. It’s in those moments that you can ask the right questions and create the kind of connection that makes for a successful, meaningful project.

10. What are your 3 favorite pieces from the Philia Collection?

Giulia from Ohla Studio used to work with us. She is a real gem, and we love their line of thoughtful furniture and lighting!

11. Are there any books/podcasts you would like to recommend to our readers?

I’m a big believer in the power of books — I probably spend more money on them than anything else! Our library is, without a doubt, our company’s most valuable resource. We make a habit of sharing and discussing books as a team during our weekly morning book share. It’s a great way to inspire one another and explore new ideas together.

Personally, I’m drawn to books that dive into the history of the home. Understanding the evolution of spaces and how people have lived over time is endlessly fascinating. I’ve always cherished World of Interiors — it’s a publication that’s deeply rooted in history and always provides a fresh perspective. I also love browsing auction sites, especially Phillips. There’s something about seeing rare pieces of art and design that sparks new ideas and keeps the creative energy flowing.

Two favorites: 

• New York Apartments by David Netto
• Home: A Short History of an Idea by Witold Rybczynski

12. Finally, what are your upcoming projects? Anything you’d like to share or add to the interview?

We’re currently finishing up an Eichler remodel in the Bay Area, which has been a really exciting project. The floorplan is super compact, which has encouraged us to get creative with custom projects. We’ve also been involved in consulting on the pool design and landscaping, which is always fun to dream about. The size of the home and the fact that the client lives elsewhere has given us the freedom to experiment, and a little break from our more traditional projects. It’s been a refreshing change of pace and style that we’re excited to share!

We’re also gearing up to install a ski house in Lake Tahoe for a wonderful family, which promises to be an entirely different kind of project. It’s a space that will blend warmth and functionality, with a strong focus on natural materials and comfort. A retreat from the city designed for family time and friends to gather. We’re all looking forward to seeing it come together.

Thank you so much Lauren, for sharing your answers!

All project images © Laure Joliet