Podcast Summary: Elizabeth Lawrence // Rising from Intern to Partner with Bunny Williams
Talk Shop with Ariel Okin: A Fenimore Lane Production
Host: Ariel Okin
Guest: Elizabeth Lawrence
Release Date: January 22, 2025
1. Introduction
Ariel Okin welcomes Elizabeth Lawrence, a classically trained interior designer from Wilmington, Delaware. Elizabeth's remarkable journey from an intern to a partner at Bunny Williams Interior Design, now known as Williams Lawrence, serves as the cornerstone of this episode. Her work has been recognized by prestigious publications like Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, and House Beautiful, and she contributes to Bunny's interior design courses on Create Academy.
2. Elizabeth's Career Journey
Elizabeth shares her path into the interior design world, highlighting the pivotal role her mother played in guiding her career choices.
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Internship Beginnings:
"I started as an intern when I was at Nice Ed New York School of Interior Design... my mom said, well, what about Bunny Williams?" [04:14] -
Persistence Pays Off:
Elizabeth emphasizes the importance of perseverance and advocacy for one's desired role.
"I held out, and they called me back. That was big." [07:18] -
Becoming a Partner:
The conversation delves into how Elizabeth became the firm's first partner, a rare achievement in the industry.
"Bunny was very forward-thinking about this... I took the advice that my father always gives me." [05:13]
3. Mentorship and Partnership with Bunny Williams
A significant portion of the discussion focuses on Elizabeth's relationship with Bunny Williams, illustrating the profound impact mentorship can have.
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Mutual Growth:
"Bunny has been totally on board about it from day one." [05:57] -
Collaboration Dynamics:
Elizabeth describes their collaborative approach, where both professionals contribute to projects while maintaining their unique clienteles.
"We have things we work on together... sometimes we get to work on something together again." [16:19]
4. Design Philosophy and Inspirations
Elizabeth elaborates on her design ethos, emphasizing personalization and thoughtful scaling.
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Personalized Design:
"I really try to listen to what people want... I want to make sure I'm paying attention to that." [02:41] -
Importance of Scale:
"Scale is the one thing that you can get wrong... you really have to study that and measure things out." [20:37] -
Inspirations:
Drawing inspiration from her mother, childhood experiences, and travels, Elizabeth highlights the sources that shape her aesthetic.
"My mother is an artist... doing dollhouses and my own room." [09:01]
5. Working Together at Williams Lawrence
The episode explores the day-to-day operations of Williams Lawrence and how Elizabeth and Bunny manage the firm collaboratively.
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Operational Roles:
"I took over more of the day-to-day running and overseeing everyone." [15:02] -
Project Management:
Elizabeth discusses ongoing projects, including a hotel renovation and residential apartments, showcasing their diverse portfolio.
"We're working on a hotel project together... some apartments in the city." [39:01]
6. Personal Insights and Advice
Elizabeth offers valuable advice for aspiring interior designers, drawn from her extensive experience.
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Standing Up for Yourself:
"As women running businesses, you constantly be building ourselves up and thinking about that." [08:17] -
Embracing Mistakes:
She stresses the importance of learning from errors within a supportive environment.
"You can make so many mistakes... it's a lot of trial and error, for sure." [14:56] -
Defining Your Style:
Elizabeth encourages individuals to explore their preferences without fear of judgment.
"Find the things you like... don’t be embarrassed or apologetic about what you like." [40:20]
7. Rapid Fire Questions Highlights
In a fun segment, Elizabeth shares personal preferences that offer a glimpse into her personality:
- Favorite Food: Sushi [33:13]
- Favorite Film: Auntie Mame and A Room with a View [33:34]
- Favorite Hotel: Ballyfin in Ireland [34:00]
- Favorite City: New York City [34:33]
- Favorite Bedding: Percale sheets from Casa del Bianco [35:30]
- Favorite Drink: Grey Goose and soda with extra lime [33:29]
- Favorite Weekend Activity: Central Park and the Met Museum with family [36:30]
8. Conclusion and Final Thoughts
As the episode wraps up, Elizabeth discusses her current projects and future endeavors, expressing excitement about continuing her work alongside Bunny Williams. Ariel Okin commends Elizabeth for her engaging storytelling and insightful contributions to the design world.
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Current Projects:
"I'm working on a really great house with a young client in Connecticut... We're excited about a hotel project together." [39:01] -
Final Advice:
Elizabeth reiterates the importance of exploration and authenticity in developing one's interior style.
"Don't be afraid to put the pencil to the paper... there's no wrong answer." [40:20]
Ariel concludes by directing listeners to follow Elizabeth on Instagram and encourages them to check out Bunny Williams' Create Academy course for further learning.
Notable Quotes
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On Partnership and Industry Practices:
"If I'm successful, this will go on beyond me and there will be other people." [00:00] -
On Personalization in Design:
"I want someone to say, this looks like you." [02:58] -
On Standing Up for Desires:
"We don't apologize." [07:19] -
On Learning and Growth:
"The thing Bunny says to everyone is, have you scaled it in?" [20:37]
Final Words
Elizabeth Lawrence's journey exemplifies dedication, mentorship, and a deep-seated passion for interior design. Her partnership with Bunny Williams not only reflects personal growth but also sets a benchmark for fostering talent within the industry. Listeners are inspired to pursue their design aspirations with confidence and authenticity.
Follow Elizabeth Lawrence:
- Instagram: Elizabeth M. Lawrence
- Williams Lawrence: @WilliamsLawrence
Explore Bunny Williams' Create Academy Course:
How to Design Your Dream Home – featuring insights from Elizabeth and Bunny Williams.
This summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting Elizabeth Lawrence's professional trajectory, design philosophies, and personal insights, enriched with notable quotes and timestamps for reference.