Lara Leskaj

IIDA, LEED AP

Principal, Interior Design Director, Chicago

Growing up in Cincinnati, Lara’s neighbor was an interior designer. As a creative kid with strong math skills, she always felt drawn to this career. Lara stuck with her passion and studied interior design, eventually earning her master’s degree in architecture.

Lara knows that interior design goes far beyond colors and fabrics. It influences how we feel, how we work, how we live our lives every day. Early work in designing for hotels and restaurants laid the foundation for translating hospitality – making spaces warm, comfortable, pleasing to be in – across all of her work.

There’s something else that Lara says is crucial to her design and leadership approach – the perspective of a mother of two. It is the value of listening to encourage and support the voices of designers across the studio and to genuinely hear what her clients need that can produce unique, customized spaces.

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Say hello to Lara

University of Cincinnati College of Law

Cincinnati, Ohio

In-depth on insights

Micro-hospitals bring crucial care to medically underserved areas

Fun Fact

Lara spends her free time following her kids around all the BIG10 ice rinks. Traveling to competitions, games and tournaments; her daughter is on the Intercollegiate Figure Skating Team for Michigan State University, and her son plays ACHA hockey for the University of Illinois.

Confidential Client

Chicago, Illinois

Our client, a global private equity firm, wanted to create new workspaces that provided cultural connectedness and an elevated client experience, showcasing panoramic views of Chicago. With an emphasis on wellness, comfort and seamless technology integration, the office offers abundant options for focused work and small team gatherings, and provides ample conference facilities to host meetings in a central location.

Confidential Client

Chicago, Illinois

For Lara, design is about listening to her clients and allowing their views and comments to impact the project. She understands the importance of how environments positively impact business success.

The Reed

Chicago, Illinois

"I love tactile design, especially palette and color development. This helps me look at my projects holistically, moving seamlessly across practice areas."