lairdesign
We believe that primal characteristics inspire deeper concepts for a space, the qualities of its furnishings, and its daily rituals. Because of this, we use words like hearth, retreat, community, and lair, to ascribe greater meaning to our work. Our aim is to design projects that embody the richness and beauty found in these words. It is through material, craft, furnishings, and art that we endeavor to create this beauty and, ultimately, a meaningful experience for the inhabitant.
With a strong background and education in both art and architecture, we offer a unique breadth of project understanding which becomes a guiding force on projects of all scales. We excel at providing a clear, rational understanding of architecture while simultaneously integrating material qualities, art, and furnishings within the overall design dialog so that each exist in harmony with the others.
We custom tailor our design approach for every client. With a small, dedicated staff, we are able to approach each new assignment with fresh eyes and an open and responsive attitude to the particular needs of the project. We identify the core issues and questions and establish a shared position from which we evaluate the design proposals.
In a search for an overall integrity of every space we are drawn to elegant lines and the harmonious integration of space, materials, color, light, furnishings, and art.
We recognize that the qualities of each space have the power to greatly impact the lives of its occupants. Even as we strive to balance budget, function, and aesthetics considerations, we endeavor to create beauty and, ultimately, a meaningful experience for the inhabitant.
CHRISTIANE PEIN
PRINCIPAL
Christiane founded Lair Design in 2009 as a creative practice dedicated to the transformation of ordinary spaces into spaces of enduring value. Designing the “lair” encompasses a synthesis between the phenomenological characteristics of spaces and the lives of the occupants.
Her residential work spans from single family homes to large scale multi-family developments. Her commercial and institutional work encompasses high end health clinics, office spaces, schools, and non-profit organizations. This diverse spectrum of work informs each project on many levels, and the values embodied within each project transcend the specific type.
Trained in both architecture and visual arts she is uniquely qualified to provide effective input throughout the entire design and construction process and guide the architecture, space planning, finishes, and furnishings toward a holistic project identity.
Christiane has worked internationally at renowned architecture firms in Greece and Germany. Since 1997 she has made her home and career in Seattle in both architecture and interior design.
As full-service interior design practice, Lair Design strongly believes that the most successful projects have a complete integration of a building’s architecture, finishes, lighting, furnishings, and art. With a fully developed practice in each of these areas, we deliver exceptional service to developers, architects, and private residential clients.
PROJECT PLANNING
Prior to design, Lair Design provides a comprehensive assessment of a project’s functional, budget, and key design criteria. Through this planning process we establish project parameters, goals, and schedules. We take meeting these project commitments very seriously and our experience allows us to provide clear recommendations very early in the process.
DESIGN CONCEPT
For complex mixed use or commercial projects, Lair Design works in collaboration with the developers, architects, marketing consultants to create a clear and strategic concept that leads the entire team throughout the design process. Through client interviews we develop a lifestyle concept that guides the design team throughout the design process.
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
With the firm’s strong architectural background Lair Design is able to provide exceptional collaboration throughout the development of the design. Using sketches, 3D renderings and cad drawings, we are able to clearly articulate critical information to the rest of the design team and work hand in hand with architects to resolve issues and define the architectural requirements for spaces that comfortably integrate furnishings, lighting, and artwork.
DOCUMENTS
Lair Design has extensive experience producing complete interior documentation for large scale projects requiring developer, financial institutions, marketing consultants, and city review. We have developed the necessary discipline, techniques, and technology to clearly communicate design criteria and manage all the information associated with the finishes, furnishings, and artwork for projects of all sizes.
CONSTRUCTION
We take a proactive approach to construction; carefully reviewing and providing timely responses to submittals, shop drawings, and requests for information. We understand how important it is on large commercial and residential projects to get it right the first time. We engage the architect and contractor to ensure adequate material lead times are followed and encourage preconstruction meetings with trades to promote the clean execution of the design intent.
FURNITURE PURCHASING
No project is complete without well designed or well selected furniture. With our background in architecture we approach furniture as an integral element to its surroundings, complementing the inherent qualities of each space. Furniture pieces we design and select enhance a project’s sense of place and add to the personality of the spaces within which they live. Lair Design has extensive experience in managing multiple vendors, purchasing for residential and commercial clients, as well as delivering and installing on time and on budget.
STAGING
The final emotional and aesthetic connection to a place is achieved through the process of staging a private home or a model unit in larger multi-family developments. With a keen interest in providing a cohesive design, Lair Design selects and composes colors, furnishings and art. We believe that these final artistic touches are an inexpensive tool and enable the seller or developer to easily reach prospective clients through well developed lifestyle concepts.
ART CONSULTING
Art, as the ultimate tour de force in any setting, allows us to personalize, humanize and dramatize a space. Lair Design has developed close relationships with an extensive list of artists and crafts people from which we purchase directly for our diverse clientele. We work closely with these artists when custom commissioning and we utilize delivery and installation services to complete the project.