Background & Design Philosophy
Born and raised on St. Simons Island, Evan and Lauren were immersed in a hospitality-driven coastal community shaped by tourism and Southern hospitality. This early exposure fostered a passion for creating meaningful hospitality experiences and celebrating a sense of place by shaping memories, creating connections, and honoring local culture.
A deep appreciation for the ways in which the built environment can inspire, connect, and enhance well-being has evolved into the foundation of the Design Love philosophy. This shared passion for bespoke hospitality experiences enhanced by interior design guides the team’s core values: a client-focused approach, creative excellence, and thoughtful attention to detail.
Meet Evan Strother
Evan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design from The University of Alabama and a Master of Fine Arts degree from Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD). After graduating, her professional career began unexpectedly in Event Design at a Forbes Five Star/Five Diamond Resort. There, she worked with affluent clientele, designing for corporate meetings, dinners, weddings, and other social events. Evan loved the opportunity to collaborate with clients to craft elevated design visions, and curate personalized experiences to celebrate life’s milestones while ensuring excellence in customer service.
Though Evan enjoyed the creative challenges of Event Design, she eventually returned to her original passion for Interior Design, relocating to Austin, Texas, to take advantage of the city’s rapid growth and creative opportunities. The local culture values innovation while preserving the city’s unique character, and Evan has been fortunate to establish her design portfolio within a vibrant design community that fosters artistic expression and creative collaboration. Her experience across a range of multi-family, hospitality, and commercial projects has allowed her to blend creativity with strategic thinking throughout the design process.
Meet Lauren Sardo
Lauren is an accomplished interior designer with over a decade of experience and a professional background rooted in both residential and hospitality design. Originally honing her skills in the dynamic design market of Atlanta, Lauren was closely involved in custom home building projects and gained a deep understanding of architectural detailing, space planning, and the construction process from the ground up. Her hands-on experience with bespoke homes allows her to seamlessly bridge the gap between architecture and interiors, ensuring a cohesive design vision from blueprint to final installation.
Lauren’s portfolio spans a diverse range of projects, including coastal residences, boutique hospitality spaces, and high-end homes. Whether designing a serene retreat by the water or curating the guest experience in a hospitality setting, she is known for her thoughtful approach, layered materials, and an eye for detail that brings warmth and personality to every space. Lauren brings bespoke sensibility and high-end aesthetic to clients throughout the Southeast, offering a full spectrum of design services from concept development and materials selection to turnkey project management.