đď¸ Check out Lauraâs episode on HAVANâs Podcast âMeasure Twice, Cut Onceâ
Tell us about yourself & your company?
Laura: Being the “Big Boss” as everyone in the office likes to tease me about… I get to do a little bit of everything. Day to day management of the company is my main focus and getting our work recognized is a big part of it, but the genius behind LGID, are the people who work there. They are the real backbone of my company. Very good designers who are passionate about what they do and have the wisdom to make it a reality.
How did you get into the residential construction industry?
Laura: Residential construction design is apart of everyone’s life. The way you use things, the way you work and live in your space, the way you entertain others. We are lucky to have influence over peoples spaces so that they find a comfort in just being at home.
What keeps you in the industry?
Laura: Change! There is always something changing in this industry. In one span of a lifetime, I have seen kitchens open up to entertaining spaces, I’ve seen lighting go through so many incarnations that I can’t even count and they are still changing. Appliances are cooking things with magnets! What is next? I don’t know – and that’s why I keep doing this job.
While navigating covid-19, what new opportunities have you discovered?
Laura: We were closed for exactly 4 weeks at the start of COVID and after that, we have been busier than ever. I have learned that when people can’t travel and they have time to look around their space, they want change. And I like that!
Itâs 11AM Saturday morning, what are you up to?
Laura: My mother passed just before COVID and she askes that we would take care of each other meaning my sisters and myself. Every Saturday at around that time, we are Face Timing each other. We have never been closer and it has been the best thing that has happened since COVID.
What are your hobbies?
Laura: GOLFING!!! Please and thank you. And it is not a hobby, it is the foundation of life (too far?).
Does pineapple belong on pizza?
Laura: It belongs everywhere, I am a LGBTQ P(ineapple) inclusive person… it is loved and beloved to me!
Proudest moment?
Laura: Watching my grandaughter be born. The most spectacular thing ever and I thank my daughter for letting me be apart of that.
What have you done in your community in the last year?
Laura: I have always been a volunteer for the Kidney Foundation (29 years) and we have supported the Women’s shelter of Vancouver and also the Ukraine Medical team for medical supplies for family in the war.
Last piece of advice you have received?
Laura: I give the advice around here!
Favourite HAVAN moment and why?
Laura: The Golf Tourney….. duh!
Share an interesting fact about your life / life experiences?
Laura: I went back to school for Interior Design when I was 40…. and I’m bald.
Last HAVAN member you spoke to?
Laura: Sarah Gallop on a zoom meeting.
First concert?
Laura: ACDC… They played at my school gym for a dance in 1976…I am that old.
Starbucks order?
Laura: Tea please!
Best work perk at your job?
Laura: I found out that I had 3.8 million points on my Areoplan.
Favourite destination?
Laura: Turkey….love everything about it.
Where were you born?
Laura: Vancouver…
What inspires you?
Laura: Music and my grandchildren… my grandchildren making music does not.
Pets?
Laura: No thank you…
Song on repeat right now?
Laura: Queen – Don’t Stop Me Now
Last show watched?
Laura: Watching Gentleman Jack on Crave
Fun fact about you?
Laura: I used to sing in bars and restaurants when I was in my 20s.
What do you collect?
Laura: Chestnuts.
What are you excited for / looking forward to right now?
Laura: Taking LGID team down to Palm Springs for a getaway and a look at the mid-century modern weekend.
Netflix guilty pleasure?
Laura: Formula One – Drive to Survive
