Stephanie Ferrara, founder and head designer of Laidback Lee Design, lives and breathes design. Her Sydney-based high-end commercial and residential design studio focuses on reinventing spaces into something beautiful, dynamic, and polished. Stephanie’s design philosophy is one that tells the story of passion and like-mindedness – “we as a creative design studio value artistic skill and execution,” she says – and that is what she looks for when bringing on board new team members. 

And what excites the designer the most? “The vast range of scale of projects keeps us on our toes and ensures that we are dynamic in the way that we think, work and act. When I am able to push boundaries and be creative, I am excited and recharged which in turn means my clients are getting the very best of me!”

Stephanie shares in Studio xOx’s values regarding the importance of sustainably-driven design products. With a keen interest in understanding the life cycle of a product, her approach to managing the stages of a product’s existence ensures that any negative impact on the environment is minimised. As she sources multiple items for her long list of projects, “I know that some small changes in my studio will make a world of difference. I partner with brands and businesses who have this same consciousness,” she says. 

As for the significance of Australian-made products? “We are a country filled with hardworking, creative, innovative people and Australian companies strive to deliver on the expectations of the country’s high standard,” she says. Another nice perk is lead times: “I love delivering ahead of schedule and local usually means this is a reality!”

Laidback Lee Design’s process for a project is as thorough as any client would dream for when working with a studio. The design process starts with a unique questionnaire, “we then come armed with coffees on site and do a walk through and in-person consultation. We love to know who we are designing for so that every selection and decision matches and meets the needs of the space’s inhabitants.” After the initial site visit, the team commences the specification process in-studio. “This is where we do our best work,” says Stephanie, “I will then research and finalise decisions even after discussing on site so that I am completely happy with the final outcome.”

We’re stoked to be working alongside Stephanie and the Laidback Lee Design team, and it’s nice to know she feels the same way.

“Studio xOx is game changing. It allows good design to be accessible and supports Australian-made, which is so refreshing for myself as a designer, as a consumer, and as someone who is spending money with suppliers.”

Studio xOx is excited to collaborate with Laidback Lee Design and can’t wait to show you what we can achieve when local businesses unite. 

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