FOUNDER AND CEO
LAURA UMANSKY
Get To Know Me
Education: University of Texas (BA in Studio Art) and University of Houston (Master of Architecture)
Fave Type of Project: Historic homes, and second homes- both call for bold decision making in design.
I Love What I Do Because: I love making people happy! Working with other creatives to make something real that was once merely a spark of an idea is truly incredible.
My Design Approach: Collaborative, bold, intuitive and thoughtful.
Where You Can Find Me Outside of The Studio: Hiking, exploring the world, or taking a course on pretty much anything.
My Claim To Fame: My vintage black and while vernacular photography collection. It’s very odd and its a commitment.
My Design Icon: Carlo Scarpa
How I Feel When There’s No Coffee: Frantic. There has to be coffee. That’s it.
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
MELISSA GROVE
Melissa’s experience in marketing started in the ad department at the Chicago Tribune and carried her through the market research industry before she finally settled in Houston. In the past 10 years, she has driven regional marketing efforts for brands like Starbucks and Walmart, steering companies to an effective, story-driven practice. As Chief Operating Officer, Melissa ensures our multi-disciplinary team adheres to our unified vision: the love of home. She also uses her experience in social media, digital marketing, and branding to share the firm’s bold and timeless interiors in various media worldwide. Outside of the studio, you will find her discovering new artists at Sawyer Yards, painting with her daughter, hitting Houston’s live music scene with her husband, or cooking a gourmet meal at home. She has her B.A. in Media Communications from Indiana University.
Melissa’s design icon: Verner Panton
DIRECTOR OF INTERIOR DESIGN
SHANNON SMITH
Shannon left behind 10 very successful years in sales to pursue her passion for interior design. She began her career in the hospitality industry, designing luxury hotels all over Asia. Now, with 10 years of experience, Shannon is recognized for her distinctive Modern Glamorous style, inspired by her international travels and time living abroad. Shannon’s favorite stateside project locations have been Aspen and Miami, where she has completed both new construction and full-home remodels in a variety of styles, including Mountain Chic and French Contemporary. When she isn’t in the studio, you’ll find her taking a Barre or Pilates class before hitting the museums and supporting Houston’s vibrant arts community. She loves to travel and ski. She has an enviable knowledge of wine and is a fashionable insider on all things to eat, see, and do in Houston. She has her B.B.A.in International Business and Marketing from Texas Tech and her B.S. in Interior Design from Texas State University, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude. Always the jetsetter, Shannon studied at the Catholic Institute of Paris and University of Granada in Spain.
Shannon’s design icons: Joseph Dirand and Jean-Louis Deniot
DIRECTOR OF RESIDENTIAL DESIGN
MEGAN STRASBURG
As a Director of Residential Design at Laura U, Megan oversees all residential design projects – from small-scale remodels to extensive renovations. Early travel with her family to places like Europe and Southeast Asia sparked her interest in the architecture of places, leading her to pursue an Environmental Design degree from Texas A&M University. Since graduating in 2008, Megan has accumulated over 12 years of experience in the architectural field, with nearly 5 years in the high-end residential space. Her passion for design is client-centric, powered by a love for creating spaces that are an honest reflection of self. When not in the studio, Megan can be found exploring Houston’s restaurant scene, enjoying parks with her son and husband, doing yoga, and dreaming of new places to travel.
Megan’s design icon: Moshe Safdie
SENIOR INTERIOR DESIGNER
BRITIAN MATHERNE
Britian’s passion for design is inspired by the memories she has of growing up in her native Mississippi. With an appreciation for the simple things, she is drawn to beautiful, curated, and cozy interiors. She joined LUDC as a design assistant, where she supported leading design teams with confidence and creativity. Now as a senior designer, Britian takes projects from concept to completion with her exceptional design style. With a background in customer service, she knows the importance of client communication and makes the design process fun and enjoyable for homeowners. Britian is very much influenced by her environment, and when she isn’t in the studio, you will find her painting or exploring an antiques shop to keep her design eye fresh. She has her B.S. in Interior Design from Louisiana State University.
Britian’s design icons: Athena Calderone and Sean Anderson
Associate Designer II
Megan Thomson
As a native Houstonian, Megan’s first experience with design was by embracing Houston’s thriving museum district. With a constant and steady flow of rotating art galleries, art car parades, teen fashion shows, and eventually a job at the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, she established a strong foundation in all things creative. In 2019, she graduated with a B.S. In Interior Architecture from the University of Houston. After university, Megan was able to apply her love of design to non-profit disaster recovery as well as honing her skills and knowledge in high-end hospitality. Her diverse experience has positioned her to bring an interesting skill set to the role of Residential Design Assistant. She is driven by humanitarian design, narrative storytelling, and learning for the sake of learning. Outside of the studio, you will be able to find her pursuing her hobbies of gardening, cooking, 3D printing, and growing into a distinguished cat lady.
Designer
LISA SHEPPARD
Lisa’s love for design came at an early age when she helped her parents remodel their home by painting walls and installing flooring. As a designer for LUDC, Lisa uses her drive and attention to detail to carry projects from beginning to completion and helps our senior design team create functional and beautiful designs. Her favorite part of the design process is watching the design come to life and seeing our clients’ reactions to their new home. Previously, Lisa worked as an account manager in the contract furniture industry in Austin, where she honed her design skills. Lisa enjoys being outdoors, spending time with her family and friends, and taking her golden retriever Copper on exciting adventures. Lisa has her Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Design from Texas State University.
Purchasing & Logistics Coordinator
CAITLIN MILLER
Upon graduating from the University of Houston with her Bachelor’s Degree in Retailing and Consumer Science, Caitlin began her professional career in the service industry where she gained extensive experience as an Assistant Buyer for a large corporation. She now serves as our firm’s Purchasing Agent, where she supports the design team logistically with order management, installation scheduling, and vendor/trade relations. When not in the studio, Caitlin can be found reading, shopping for new houseplants, or curled up on the couch with her cat watching crime documentaries.
Caitlin’s design icon: Danielle Nagel
Purchasing & Logistics Coordinator
Raquel Calvillo
Raquel joins the Laura U Design Collective team with vast experience in sales, purchasing, and customer service in the design and architectural industry. As a purchasing and logistics coordinator, she provides outstanding client support and assists the design teams with order management and coordinating installations. Growing up around her families’ remodeling and construction company, she was infatuated with the designs and processes that go into making a home. Raquel’s love for the industry and appreciation of details led her to study at the University of Mississippi and University of Houston for retailing and consumer science. In her free time, Raquel enjoys trying new restaurants in the area, binging her favorite TV shows, and spending time with her family.
Office Manager
Susie Ciccone
With a Bachelor of Business Administration in Human Resource Management degree from Sam Houston State University, Susie is exceptional at keeping the Laura U Design Collective office and team organized and on track. As the administrative coordinator, Susie handles our recruiting efforts, new employee on-boarding, and the ongoing employee experience. She also oversees the LUDC office and facilities management and makes sure the team has everything they need – from technology to supplies. Susie has a strong interest in Interior Design and loves all things beauty. When she isn’t keeping the LUDC team in check, you will find Susie exploring the outdoors, traveling, trying new restaurants, and doing friends’ makeup for special occasions.
Susie’s Design Icon: Jessica Brigham
