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.

Read the full article here: Professional Profile: Stephanie L’Estrange — Lab Design News