We were lucky to catch up with Laura Lee recently and have shared our conversation below.
Laura, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?
My optimism comes from a deep-rooted belief in reinvention and the potential to create meaningful change. As a child, I was often told I wasn’t a good writer, which was disheartening because I loved storytelling. Instead of letting that define me, I turned to drawing to capture the moments and memories that mattered most—like sketching my grandparents during a quiet lunch together. That passion for storytelling eventually led me to architecture, where I found a way to express myself through spaces and places that could inspire and bring joy to others. For me, optimism is about finding creative ways to tell stories and connect with people, even when the world says ‘no.’
This mindset has carried me through every stage of my life. When I studied mathematics, I wasn’t just learning formulas—I was learning to find solutions in uncertainty. When I pivoted to architecture and design, I shifted from asking “What’s probable?” to “What’s possible?” Each step taught me to see challenges not as roadblocks but as opportunities to create and inspire.
Now, as I venture into entrepreneurship, that same optimism fuels my vision for a circular, sustainable world. Years of confronting inefficiencies in construction inspired me to act, and my belief in the potential for better systems motivates me to push boundaries. Optimism, for me, is more than a perspective—it’s a catalyst for action.
I’ve learned that optimism isn’t blind faith; it’s grounded in growth and reinvention. It’s the courage to believe that every failure carries seeds of success. It’s why I can see the big picture, embrace challenges, and inspire others to imagine what’s possible. Just as I did as a child, I’m still reimagining the world—only now, with the confidence that optimism, creativity, and belief in myself can turn ideas into reality.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m building an entrepreneurial venture that merges my passions for design, sustainability, and innovation. After years in architecture, I saw the construction industry’s inefficiencies and waste firsthand and felt compelled to challenge the status quo. That realization sparked my current project: developing modular building materials from recycled waste to reduce construction waste and offer a more adaptable, sustainable way to build.
This work isn’t just about creating a product—it’s about rethinking how we design and build systems that adapt and endure. I focus on solutions that work with nature, not against it, and every decision—from material composition to module design—aims to answer a single question: ‘How can this be better for people and the planet?’
I’m still in the early stages, prototyping and testing to meet structural and environmental goals. The outcome isn’t certain, but this process pushes me to think boldly, act with purpose, and embrace reinvention. My hope is that my journey encourages others to carve their own path and see how creativity, curiosity, and persistence can drive meaningful change.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, three qualities have been most impactful in my journey: curiosity, grit, and courage.
Curiosity has been the driving force behind every step I’ve taken. It’s what led me to pivot from mathematics to architecture, and now into entrepreneurship and sustainability. Curiosity pushes you to ask questions, explore new paths, and embrace learning—even when you don’t have all the answers. My advice is to follow what excites you and stay open to unexpected possibilities. Curiosity doesn’t just spark ideas; it keeps you moving forward.
Grit has helped me show up and keep going, even when challenges felt overwhelming. Whether I was transitioning industries or tackling complex problems, grit gave me the resilience to persist when progress felt slow or uncertain. To build grit, focus on consistency—take small, manageable steps every day toward your goals. Over time, that persistence builds confidence and momentum.
Courage has been the bridge between my ideas and action. It’s not about being fearless but about acting despite uncertainty. I’ve learned that taking the first step, no matter how small, creates momentum and unlocks clarity. Start with small, thoughtful actions that move you forwards—whether it’s testing an idea, seeking feedback, or taking on a challenge that stretches you. Courage builds with each step, and over time, what once felt risky begins to feel possible.
These qualities—curiosity, grit, and courage—have shaped my ability to embrace uncertainty, reimagine challenges as opportunities, and move forward with purpose. For anyone early in their journey, lean into the process. Ask questions, stay persistent, and trust that every step you take brings you closer to the possibilities ahead.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I’m looking to collaborate with people who are passionate about rethinking how we design and build for a sustainable, circular future. My work focuses on developing modular building materials that reduce construction waste, and I believe collaboration is essential to creating real impact. I’m particularly interested in connecting with material scientists, engineers, and sustainability advocates to refine the materials’ performance and environmental impact, as well as architects and designers who see the potential for adaptable, beautiful, and sustainable systems. If you share this vision and want to explore ways to transform how we build and live, I’d love to connect.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lauraslee.com/
- Instagram: @laur_ughh
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-sk-lee/
Image Credits
Drawing: “Table for Two,” graphite on paper by Laura Lee.
Architecture Model: “Vertical Block,” architecture studio project at Columbia GSAPP with Eric Bunge. Model and design by Laura Lee in collaboration with Laura Wu.
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
