Meet Lauren Crocco

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lauren Crocco a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Lauren, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

Happily there are more and more women in the design and construction industry these days, but we need more! I’ve often found myself the only woman on a jobsite. These days I don’t think too much about that, but when I was younger I did find challenging to be heard early in my career.

I’ve found that gaining the confidence of clients and construction teams sometimes takes time and a little patience in the beginning. Providing professional and concise documentation conveys experience and expertise without having to say a word. Thorough drawings go a long way in establishing trust with the construction team. During the build, we aim to provide thoughtful and timely answers to questions that arise. As a result, we gain trust and become part of the build team, not an adversary. I’m also not afraid to say ‘I don’t know, but we will get that info to you.’ In the end, the design and construction teams are working for the client to deliver the project. Our best tool to convey the intent is our drawings and specifications. We are often complimented on our drawing sets by our contractors and craftspeople. That is just about the highest praise we can receive.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I am a Seattle native with a deep love for the Northwest. Yes, even the rain and clouds that prevail during 9 months of the year. After completing my undergraduate degree at University of Colorado at Boulder, I worked for a few years at a large corporate firm in Seattle on a variety of small projects including Tenant Improvements and banks. Though the work was not design forward, I gained a ton of experience early in my career. While working, I returned to University of Washington to get my Master of Architecture. In school I had gravitated toward smaller scale design studio projects where I was able to dig into the details.
Soon after graduating, I went to work for a small residential architecture firm focused on contemporary homes and cabins. The residential studio environment resonated with me. I enjoyed the direct client relationship and wearing lots of hats. I learned not only about home design, but also contracts, budgets, and maybe a little bit of family therapy. Designing someone’s custom home is extremely personal and there many factors at play. I believe one of my professional strengths is having a good sense for what is important to different people and why. What makes for a successful project can vary greatly even within a couple!

After the birth of my second child, I had several people ask me if I was able to do side work. The added flexibility of running my own firm was desirable and I thought why not take the leap? With a two year old and a newborn at home, I didn’t have time to do too much planning OR come up with excuses as to why this idea may not work out. I am forever thankful for that group of three friend/clients that trusted me with their projects at that time. They gave me just the nudge I didn’t even know I needed to found Lauren Crocco Architecture & Design in 2013. I focused primarily on residential design and took on just about every job that came my way to build my portfolio and make connections. These days, we get most of our work via personal recommendation, something I am truly proud of.
We design homes that are meant to stand the test of time both materially and stylistically. A thoughtful, well-crafted home will last 100 years or more. I think about this often and don’t take it lightly.

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?

1) I think my clients, designers and contractors would say one of my greatest skills is listening. Taking the time to understand other perspectives is imperative to residential design. Set your own ideas aside for a moment when others are speaking. Varied perspectives bring a greater depth to any design.
2) I have been working in the world of residential design for almost 20 years. I love it for the personal relationships we build along the way. We typically work with our clients for several years. Standing in their finished project with them after the journey is extremely rewarding. I honestly love my job.
3) I work well with others! During the design process we value the expertise of other designers, contractors, craftsmen while assuring the overall design intent is met. Collaboration is key on all our projects.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

My dad is also an Architect. I grew up in custom homes designed by my Dad and Mom that weren’t like everyone else’s. The homes were always filled with light, but had a coziness to them. I think that set the hook for a love of residential design.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://crocad.com
• Instagram: @LaurenCroccoAD
• Linkedin: Lauren Crocco

Image Credits

First Three- Kara Mercer
Rest- Melissa Kaseman