A Dialogue with Laura Hur
Luxury Residential Design with Systems That Work
Episode 125
In this week’s episode of Design Dialogues, I’m joined by Washington, DC–based interior designer Laura Hur, founder of Lorla Studio. Laura’s journey into design is anything but conventional — from growing up in Key West surrounded by stacks of shelter magazines, to earning her master’s at Pratt Institute, working for Gensler, and eventually building her own thriving luxury residential practice.
Laura shares the realities of working at the high end of the market — why she spends 80% of her time on client management and only 20% on design — and the pivotal lessons she’s learned through years of trial and error. We also talk about navigating a changing economy, creating smaller service offerings like Design Days, and how outsourcing has allowed her studio to operate like a much larger firm without the heavy overhead.
Whether you’re refining your own market positioning, trying to streamline your client communications, or thinking about how to grow your studio sustainably, Laura’s story is full of practical insights you can apply straight away.
I hope you enjoy the episode
Beth xx
The Power of Strong Systems in Luxury Design
High-end design projects demand more than creative vision — they require structure, foresight, and a clear process that supports both the client experience and the designer’s workflow.
Laura shares how she’s developed and refined her studio’s systems to make sure every stage, from concept to installation, is delivered seamlessly. Whether it’s keeping budgets transparent, ensuring timely decision-making, or communicating proactively with clients, her approach is about minimising stress and maximising results.
Creating Services That Fit the Client (and the Studio)
One of the standout aspects of Laura’s business is her Design Day service — a streamlined, focused offer for clients looking for expert input without committing to a full-scale design project. Paired with her clear preference for hourly billing in certain situations, Laura has created a flexible business model that allows her to meet diverse client needs while protecting her time and profitability.
Her philosophy is simple: when systems are strong, creativity can thrive.
What We Cover in This Episode
Laura’s journey from commercial design into luxury residential interiors
How she structures projects to avoid scope creep and budget surprises
The Design Day model — what it is and why it works
Why hourly billing and weekly client updates improve transparency
The importance of presenting complete design visions, not piecemeal ideas
How systems and templates save time and safeguard the client relationship
Why she keeps her team lean and collaborates with trusted partners instead of scaling too fast
“Design is 20% creativity and 80% client management. If you’re not great at both, you’ll never actually deliver the work you imagine.” – Laura Hur
Why This Matters for Studio Owners
Laura’s approach is a masterclass in building a business that’s both creative and operationally sound. Her story is a reminder that a beautiful design is only as successful as the systems that deliver it — and that refining your process is just as important as refining your creative ideas.
This Episode Is Perfect For:
Interior designers working in or moving toward the luxury residential space
Designers wanting to improve client communication and workflow
Studio owners considering service diversification without losing focus
Anyone looking to balance high creative standards with smooth delivery
Connect with Guest
Follow Laura Hur on Instagram: @lorla_studio
Visit her website: lorlastudio.com