Name: Lauren Lozano Ziol and Michelle Jolas
Company: SKIN Interior Design
Position(s) within company: Co Founders
Website: www.skinyourworld.com
Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc)
Lauren Lozano Ziol (left) is considered one of Chicago’s top interior designers and has been featured in Elle Decor, Dering Hall, Modern Luxury Interiors, Chicago Magazine and CS Interiors. Living in both London and Paris multiple times has helped Lauren refine her eye for history, detail and created her passion for travel. Lauren launched her own line of furniture in 2010. She has degrees in interior design and art history. She has worked for top Chicago design firms such as Leslie Jones and Scott Himmel before starting her own company in 2002. Lauren also has extensive experience working at auction houses and antiques stores.
Michelle Merritt Jolas (right) is a serial entrepreneur with a career in graphic arts, working for top global advertising agencies managing campaigns for international luxury brands including The Peninsula Hotels and Hästens Beds. She most recently owned a boutique agency before merging with Lauren. Her love of design has always spanned from graphic to interior design. After two years of working with SKIN, Lauren says Michelle is a natural. She is constantly on the hunt for vintage finds, frequenting estate sales and auction houses, and has an extensive collection of vintage jewelry. She is also an avid photographer featuring her travel photos available through SKIN.
How would you describe your personal design style?
We like pushing ourselves out of our comfort zone to do new and different things. Every project we do is classic, timeless and chic, with an edge.
Where does your design inspiration come from?
The environment, nature, fabrics, texture, history, travel, fashion.
In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
Pushing the envelope to be innovative and change with the times. Trying new ideas is important even if they may not always be accepted, one time it will be a successful and that could change your evolution as a designer.
Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2020 and beyond.
Being attentive to your clients needs, being innovative, being creative, mixing design styles and elements and educating your client on furniture history, exploring color more.
If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?
Mix as many materials as possible and be attentive to scale and proportion.
How important are The International Design & Architecture Awards?
We are so honored to be a part of this truly international design awards program. It is so important to globally think of design and Design et Al is reaching so many designers across the globe to promote new and interesting designers. Its really important to our growth as designers to see what is being done in different parts of the world.
What projects are you currently working on?
Classic Chicago Brownstones, one very modern. One full of old world fabrics and rich textures, combining modern furniture.
A kitchen renovation project that is clean and classic with a twist.
A loft renovation where the client has np fear and is open to pushing boundaries and color to the maximum.
What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
We really want to expand our office to Europe, particularly London and Southern France. We are interested in Hotel design and hospitality and really want to expand beyond residential.
Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself and your daily inspirations:
Your most treasured possession?
Our families.
Your favourite holiday destination?
Southern France.
Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar?
Chateau Eze and the Newt.
Your favourite book, film & song?
Book: 7 Spiritual laws of Success
Songs: 70’s
Film: James Bond films.
Your favourite food and drink?
Aperol Spritz, Italian Food.
Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?
Eating a long lunch with friends outside the country or by the sea.
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?
Psychologist.
Anything else interesting?
Always pushing to fulfill your dreams, no dream is not worth pursuing. You will never know if you don’t try.
design et al only work with the world’s leading designers.
If you think you have what it takes to complete in The International Design & Architecture Awards, submit your application by clicking here.