Leslie S. Saul founded Leslie Saul & Associates with the following mission: to make the world a better place for people who work, play, age, live and learn.
Photo Credit: Matt Delphenich
Leslie Saul recently discussed how she approaches each design project and shared some lessons she has learned throughout her successful career.
Haute Design: You have nearly 30 years of experience in running and operating your own design and architecture firm. What is the most valuable lesson you have learned during that time?
Leslie Saul: Do the right thing, even if it's hard. You will build trust and loyalty with your clients, suppliers, vendors, contractors, artisans and employees.
HD: What is your favorite part about serving the Cambridge, Massachusetts region?
LS: We love New England and South Florida! While people might associate New England's climate with snow storms, it is the design climate here that makes our work so fun. Additionally, our clients and team members are extraordinarily smart and collaborative.
HD: When approaching a new design project, what is the first thing on your mind?
LS: Who are the people who will be living in this house? What makes them different from other clients? Even if we have done the same program many times, each client and each site or setting is different. We specialize in additions and major renovations, so we think about the big picture to start. Later, we think about some wonderful, personalized details that can make a difference in our clients' lives.
Photo Credit: Matt Delphenich
HD: What is typically the most difficult room to work on within an interior design project?
LS: The hardest rooms to design are the multi-purpose rooms. My theory of 'keep it simple' is put to the test when one space must serve many uses. We were hired to design a studio apartment in Manhattan, and there was a whole lot of living going on in a small space. Whenever faced with the impossible, I think about the creativity of the RISD environment and try to imagine, 'what can be?'
HD: To what do you attribute the continued success of your firm?
LS: When you like to create bespoke spaces tailored to your clients' needs and dreams, and when you like to work collaboratively with the client and the team of builders and the artisans who bring those dreams to life, it's so much fun! The process is part of the fun of making good design. Luckily, our wonderful clients keep coming back for more.
Also, I try to express my appreciation for everyone involved in every project. My mother taught me to write thank you notes.
Photo Credit: Matt Delphenich
