OnOffice sat down with Laurence Carr to discuss her show Chez Laurence on EarthxTV and sharing her knowledge of circular design with a global audience
OnOffice: Can you tell us about your work as an interior designer and ambassador for Maison & Objet (M&O)?
Laurence Carr: Before embarking on a career in the architecture and design industry, I worked in the performing arts, television and event production management – the experiences of which all play into my approach to design now. I have a unique insight into fostering movement and flow in space for maximum comfort, efficiency and visual effect.
Advocacy and education are hallmarks of my professional ethos, so, in addition to my design work, I am proud to be a member of the United Nations Conscious Fashion and Lifestyle Network advisory committee, executive producer and host of my EarthxTV original series on sustainability and circularity in design, Chez Laurence, and a Maison & Objet sustainability ambassador.
I was born and raised in France, so working with M&O is a full-circle opportunity for me to reconnect with my roots and bring my expertise on sustainability and circularity to a high-profile and incredibly respected European trade fair.
OO: When did your interest in circular design begin?
LC: I consider myself a global citizen. I’ve lived on four continents so far and seen the effects of many cultures on their environments, for better or worse. These experiences deeply shaped my worldview. Then, early in my design career, I learned more about the harmful impact of the built environment, design and furnishings industries on our Earth’s resources, which ignited my passion for environmental sustainability in the field. This sense of responsibility extends into my personal and professional mission and is reflected in everything I do.
OO: Can you share about your tv show Chez Laurence on EarthxTV and the idea behind your episode ‘A Duty to Create Things that Last’?
LC: I wanted to find ways to educate about circularity to the mainstream audience and market, and a TV series seemed the most effective way to reach a global audience and share these innovative principles. EarthxTV is the ideal global TV network dedicated to promoting the environment and sustainability for this docu-series.
In the episode, ‘A Duty to Create Things That Last’ I was able to feature how the US’s largest home furnishings trade show – High Point Market, North Carolina – shone a spotlight on circular design, as well as highlight expert trend forecasting on sustainability and discuss responsible design with manufacturers at the trade show. It was a tremendous opportunity to highlight the burgeoning trend of circular design for both professionals and consumers alike.
OO: Can you describe your own workspace and how this aligns with your design ethos?
LC: My current workspace was designed to support wellness, focus and hyperproductivity. I run a multi-faceted design business, so I do my best work when I feel connected with nature.
My work area blends the indoors and outdoors seamlessly, with plenty of natural sunlight and greenery. For my health, wellbeing and aesthetics, I chose only the healthiest noble materials for the walls and furnishings. My office features FSC-certified woods, VOC-free wall paint, a smart-tech lamp scheduled to my circadian rhythms, neutral colours to enhance my focus and comfortable furnishings, fibres and textiles. It is my home away from home, and the heart of my creative process, so I had very high standards for this space!
OO: Can you describe an ideal working day?
LC: 6-8am: I rise early in the morning and jump into my daily walking routine that includes meditation, fitness, showering and getting dressed. 8-9am: I check in with my email communications and prioritise my workday. 9-10am: I take a brief break and enjoy a nature walk with my dog, Louis. 10-12pm: I go into hyperfocus to tackle deep work like writing, strategy, design and meetings. 12-1pm: Lunch break. 1-4pm: More deep work time. 4-5pm: I wind down with another nature walk with my dog and meditation. 5-6pm: The family gathers for dinner. 6-7pm: I do a final check-in on email and wrap up the day. 7pm: Relaxing time with family, reading, then bedtime.
OO: Can you tell us about some of your future projects?
LC: Later this spring, we are launching a luxury home goods brand with my first product line, a capsule collection, in the US and Europe – so stay tuned by getting on our mailing list at studiolaurence.com. I’m also consulting on new international trade projects and curating several international trade events and activations for late 2023 and 2024. Lots of exciting things coming up!
OO: What are you currently reading or listening to?
LC: Lately, I’m fascinated by podcasts about AI, and how business has evolved since the industrial revolution of the early 20th century. My reading list includes titles about climate change, biotech, open AI, Web3 and the metaverse. I find such inspiration in the ways we can plan for the future.
OO: Where can we follow you and find out more about your work?
LC: You can find me on my website, laurencecarr.com; @laurencecarrinc on Instagram; and please follow studiolaurence.com for news on my upcoming capsule collection launch.
Image by Kelly Marshall
As featured in OnOffice 163, Summer 2023. Read a digital version of the issue for free.
