the art of the process

whether building, renovating, or furnishing, we approach every space with care. we balance bold ideas with a sense of ease. the result is a home that feels layered, timeless, and truly lived in.

  • Lawson + Beard Studio is a 15 year friendship, partnership, and full service design house built on the premise of creating thoughtful, intentional, and lasting spaces. Our vision is to develop and execute the hopes you have for your home.

  • Every project begins with a thoughtful, collaborative conversation to understand our client’s vision, priorities, and the way they want to live in their space. Once we have a full understanding of the home’s character and potential, we translate these insights into a cohesive design direction.

    We then meet for a design presentation, where we present our vision through curated samples, images, drawings, renderings, and ideas. After meeting several times and refining the details through any necessary revisions, we arrive at a finalized design plan. This plan establishes a clear direction, guiding every decision throughout the process.

    Site visits and ongoing communication are essential to our approach. From concept through completion, we remain closely involved, providing thoughtful guidance at every stage. We cultivate strong partnerships with contractors and architects to ensure each detail is executed with precision—preserving the integrity of the original vision while helping to avoid costly missteps.

    The final phase is the installation of furnishings and accessories, each element having been carefully considered from the very beginning. This is when everything comes together and the design fully takes shape.

    Our process is designed to feel seamless and considered, resulting in spaces that are both beautiful and enduring.

    We understand that working with a designer may be new for many clients, and we’re always happy to talk through our process in more detail. We invite you to schedule a consultation call with our studio to learn more about what it’s like to work together.

  • We work with clients who value thoughtful design and a collaborative process. Whether you’re building, renovating, or furnishing your home, we partner with those who trust the process and appreciate the details that make a space feel complete.

    Our clients come to us for a refined yet livable aesthetic and a full-service experience that brings ease, clarity, and confidence to every step.

    While we are based in Atlanta, we work with clients throughout the Southeast and take on select projects nationwide.

    *references available upon request

Karen Lawson

I’ve been drawn to design for as long as I can remember. What started as a hobby early on has grown into a lifelong passion for creating spaces that feel both beautiful and intentional.

My experience began at the Atlanta Decorative Arts Center, where I worked in a showroom immersed in the details of textiles and furnishings, That foundation shaped my eye for curated, elevated design and gave me a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and quality. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with other designers as well as build my own independent practice, allowing me to develop a versatile and well-rounded approach.

My aesthetic is rooted in balance by blending fresh, modern perspectives with classic, timeless elements.. Each layer is thoughtfully considered to create spaces that feel cohesive, livable, and enduring.

At the heart of my work is a desire to create warm, functional spaces that truly reflect the people who live in them. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a client’s reaction when everything comes together—when a space not only looks beautiful, but feels like home.

angela beard

My love of design began early, shaped by my mother’s antique business and her belief that a home should be both beautiful and welcoming. As a military brat, I spent my my childhood moving often, an experience that broadened my perspective and gave me sensitivity to place, culture, and the details that make a space feel like home. Those early influences continue to guide my work today, shaping an approach rooted in warmth and timelessness rather than trend.

After settling in Atlanta, I began my career at the Atlanta Decorative Arts Center. In 2007, I founded Angela Beard Interiors, where I created thoughtful, collected homes layered with antiques, heirlooms, and beautiful textiles. I have always been drawn to spaces that celebrate imperfections and patina rather than conceal them, believing that character and history are what make a home truly special.

I believe a home should feel comfortable enough for everyday living, yet special enough to hold life’s most meaningful moments. At the heart of my work is the belief that true beauty lies in a home’s ability to create peace, joy, and a lasting sense of belonging.