Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Britt, RID, ASID
Hi Laura, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
From a young age, I was drawn to spatial thinking, often sketching floorplans without fully realizing the significance of this instinct. It wasn’t until I experienced the satisfaction of solving tangible design challenges, particularly through an architectural lens, that I recognized my passion for the field.
A pivotal moment in my interior design journey came early in my career. After completing my undergraduate studies, I began working as a civilian interior designer for the United States Air Force. One of my most impactful projects was designing a modular room system for an airborne conference center, complete with sleeping quarters and workspaces, that could be transported by plane. This experience not only exposed me to innovative design approaches but also introduced me to key industry leaders. A highlight was receiving the Distinguished Civilian Medal from General Fogleman, Secretary of the Air Force – an affirmation of the impact design could have in even the most unconventional settings.
Britt Design Group started somewhat unexpectedly. After completing my graduate studies in sustainable architecture at the University of Texas, I had just begun working at a firm when 9/11 hit, leading to widespread job losses, including mine. That critical moment forced me to reconsider my path, and I saw an opportunity to take a different direction.
I started small, working out of our home, creating hand drawn sketches and colored renderings. That was the beginning of Laura Britt Design, which has since evolved into Britt Design Group. Over the past 24 years, our firm has grown to a team of around 20, supported by a strong business foundation that we certainly didn’t have in the early days. Today, I have the privilege of leading on the design front, while my husband plays a key role in overseeing business operations.
Beyond growth in size, our firm has cultivated a strong culture – one that values its employees and is deeply committed to excellence. We’ve refined our identity, both internally and in how we collaborate with clients. What started with small-scale projects has expanded into complex hospitality, commercial, and residential work, allowing for our leadership team to engage with a diverse range of clients. It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m grateful for how far we’ve come.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Starting my career in rural Oklahoma, I was often the youngest person in the room, and frequently the only woman. These experiences challenged me, but they also strengthened my confidence and ability to advocate for my ideas. Collaborating with top leaders and field professionals further deepened my passion for design and reinforced the importance of bringing diverse perspectives to the table.
Throughout my journey, I’ve grown in many ways as a leader, learning the value of listening, being present, and embracing opportunities for growth. Leadership, I’ve found, is an ongoing learning process – one that requires balancing kindness with directness, navigating tough conversations, managing conflict, and making difficult decisions. There have been moments of uncertainty, where trusting my instincts and thinking strategically were put to the test. Serving as a sounding board for collaborators while ensuring alignment with my vision hasn’t always been easy, but every challenge has been an opportunity to grow and has been incredibly rewarding.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
With over 20 years of award-winning design, I’m proud to say that Britt Design Group has become a leader in the Austin design industry, recognized nationally for our innovative and intentional approach. I founded the firm in 2001 with a focus on wellness-centered interior design, and over the years, we have expanded our expertise to include art curation, sustainable design practices, and a fully integrated approach to crafting unique interiors.
We specialize in luxury residential, hospitality, and commercial spaces, from private estates to large-scale mixed-use developments. At the heart of our work is collaboration – ensuring our clients are heard, partners are engaged, and every detail is thoughtfully executed. I believe what sets us apart is our ability to seamlessly merge artistry with precision. Not only do we have the ability to dream big and push creative boundaries, but we also pay meticulous attention to detail. Our team is a collective of talented designers with diverse backgrounds, all driven by a passion for creating curated experiences that bring joy to our clients and our studio.
At Britt Design Group, excellence and intentionality define everything we do. From initial planning and overseeing design construction to furniture selection and art curation, our turnkey process ensures a seamless experience that not only meets but exceeds expectations. More than anything, I’m incredibly proud of the strong company culture we’ve built and the meaningful relationships we’ve formed – with our clients, our partners, and each other.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
One of my favorite childhood memories is spending time at my grandmother’s house – a treasure trove of beautiful collectibles, art, exquisite glassware, and antiques. At the heart of it all was her beloved baby grand Steinway piano, which I adored and she used to teach me to play. Growing up in such a beautifully curated environment nurtured my creativity and deepened my appreciation for all things unique, artful, and thoughtfully arranged.
Pricing:
- Each project is unique so our scope of work varies and that determines our associated fees.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.brittdesigngroup.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brittdesign.group/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrittDesignGroup/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/britt-design-group
Image Credits
Avery Rubeck
Matt Batista
Chase Daniel
Casey Dunn
Molly Culver
Dror Baldinger, FAIA
Aaron Doughtery
Bromwyn Hibbard
Bonnie Berry
