As if By Design

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Anders Lasater

Anders Lasater realizes his boyhood goal of a career in design.- By Somer Flaherty

Anders Lasater had a self-described, crusty old wood shop instructor in the seventh grade who made him draw an item before he could build it in the shop. The fascination he had with the process of drawing and design was so strong that Anders spent the next decade working toward a career in design, earning a Master of Architecture degree from UCLA. Prior to launching his own practice in Laguna Beach in 2005, the licensed architect and Certified Green Building Professional served on the faculty of Cal Poly Pomona and continues to guest lecture at architecture and design classes around Southern California, hoping to inspire future young architects with the captivation of design.

Laguna Beach Magazine: After working for others, what was it like to start your own firm?
Anders Lasater: It was a bit daunting, especially with a wife and two boys to support at home, but I’m happy to say that my firm just celebrated our five year anniversary this spring.
LBM: You seem to be passionate about green design—what can people incorporate into their own homes to increase their sustainability?
AL: When you use fewer resources to live, you are immediately more sustainable. The simple addition of better insulation or a radiant barrier in your attic can cut the need for heating and cooling significantly.  A drought-tolerant landscape that is fed by a relatively inexpensive weather-tracking irrigation system can reduce water usage many times over, and low-flow plumbing fixtures and high-efficiency toilets really go a long way to reduce your water needs.
LBM: As a father of two, how did you factor your family into the design of your home?
AL: You need to take flexibility into account when planning a home for a family with children. I found that just having easily cleanable surfaces in the house made things like spilled baby food and spit-up a breeze to wipe up. Our polished concrete floors are indestructible and have weathered a great number of spills and messes.
LBM: Any local spots that you recommend people go for great design finds?
AL: In terms of art, you won’t find a better source than at the Peter Blake Gallery here on Ocean Avenue. Peter’s artists are some of the finest in the world, and he’s cultivated an incredible array of works from them raging from figurative to abstract. For furnishings, I make frequent visits to Trove Gallery. Heather and Bobby collect the most intriguing pieces, from sleek mid-century icons to rustic farmhouse tables.
LBM: Any DIY projects that make a big design difference?
AL: An outdoor room for the family to use can be an easy DIY project. Start by defining the space with a durable indoor-outdoor area rug, add a few chairs and a chaise lounge, and finish with a market umbrella or canopy to keep you cool.

Bring in the Fanfare

Create a chic and nurturing nest.

A space should welcome friends, invite laughter and create a sense of warmth, which is exactly what the simple additions of the right throw rug, carefully selected lighting and interesting seating infuse in a home. To maximize space, keep furniture and fittings tailored and scaled to create an open feeling in each room.

Glass art,
available at Studio Arts Laguna (1200 S. Coast Hwy.;
949-376-1619; studioarts.com).
Hand carved pedestal tables from Java and Indonesia,
available at Trove
(370 Ocean Ave.;
949-376-4640;
trovegallery.com).
Mood Chair,
available at
Von Hemert Interiors
(345 N. Coast Hwy.;
949-494-6551;
vonhemertinteriors.com).
Damier Azur Blanket,
available at Louis Vuitton, South Coast Plaza
(3333 Bristol St.; 714-540-9925; louisvuitton.com). LBM
Splash Pendant,
available at Lightopia (1043 N. Coast Hwy.; 949-715-5575;
lightopiaonline.com).

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