Elizabeth Lawrence was named partner of Bunny Williams Associates in 2017 after a 14-year tenure, which began with a coveted internship. Elizabeth notes, “These days, it’s rare to rise from intern to partner while under one roof. In my case, I found my calling through the apprenticeship tradition much the way Bunny did when she began her long association with the revered Parish-Hadley Associates.”
Bunny adds, “Elizabeth’s passion for design, leadership qualities, and business acumen created a trajectory that made her an inevitable choice for partner. In all she does, Elizabeth upholds the Bunny Williams legacy of quality and trust while bringing her own voice, management style, and creativity to the table.”
Originally from Wilmington, DE, Elizabeth attended the University of Richmond and then the New York School of Interior Design. After graduation, her internship at Bunny Williams Associates led to a job as Junior Designer and she rose later to Senior Designer. “Bunny is an ideal mentor and collaborator and we take our partnership seriously. She sets the stage with her vast experience, practicality, intelligence, and sense of humor. Generous in spirit, she invests in her staff when they show initiative, drive, and talent so I worked hard to meet these expectations. I’m thrilled to have the privilege of leading by Bunny’s example,” continues Lawrence.
Known for her skill of building stories for beautiful rooms from one point of inspiration, Elizabeth carves out time for personal growth, which informs her designs. When not at the office, reading, visiting museums, or spending time with numerous nieces and nephews, she’s exploring the world and capturing her adventures with her other great passion: photography. A recent trip to Berlin and Vienna are highlights, while future sojourns in Greece, Africa, and Iceland await.
Q
Best advice you’d give your teenage self?
A.
Don’t worry so much about the tests, SATS, papers etc, it all works out, trust the timing of your life.
Q
What’s the best thing about shopping in person?
A.
A photo never does a piece of furniture justice. When you shop in person you see the real scale, quality and color. Especially chairs, always sit in them or request a photo of someone sitting in them.
Q
What do you like to do in your free time outside of work?
A.
Travel and adventures with my husband. I am more of a homebody than he is, he loves to be out seeing and trying new things. Even if it is a weekend spent in the city he is always taking me to new, different and fun experiences.
Q
What is your most memorable career moment so far?
A.
Installing a project I had worked on for 5 years. It was a very detailed home, I was involved in all aspects. It challenged me in numerous ways and I had doubts that we would meet the clients expectations, I worked really hard. When we revealed the installed home to our thrilled client I felt the greatest sense of accomplishment. Above all else, I proved to myself that after that I could do anything.
Q
How do you maintain a work/life balance?
A.
Call me crazy but I have 2 cell phones. One for work and one for life. I have found it really helps with stress levels, I am always thinking about work and my clients and need time on the weekends away from it all. It enables me to go to brunch with friends leaving work at home. I’m working on more balance in my life.
