In our latest From the Tap podcast, we speak with Laura Freeman, founder of Atlanta-based Merits Design Group about her career trajectory, a journey that took her from illustration to PR to Disney, culminating in her own interior design firm.
Laura has diverse credentials – from ASID, LEED and WELL – that indicate the range of her interests as a designer.
The conversation starts with Laura recapping her personal art proclivities. As a teenager, she was commissioned to paint personalized graphics on packaging for a local mom and pop ice cream store.
Next, we learn about her post-college work as a design trainee with Crate & Barrel, where she gained her initial real-world exposure to the furnishings industry.
Moving to Atlanta, her career took a detour. Laura shifted to the public relations business, and was employed by an agency that had several interior design clients. She collaborated with a graphic design studio, using both her verbal and visual talents to create press kits for the brands.
After a stint as an independent stationery artist, a branding expert and post-grad studies, Laura accepted a position at Walt Disney World, designing corporate office spaces as well as working with the global resorts team. Flexible scheduling allowed her to transition to her own design firm.
Throughout the conversation, Laura points out the evolving parallels in design technology, from the pen and ink to CAD and VR. Her time spent at Disney gives her insight into what to expect from AI.
To hear more from Laura Freeman, listen to the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pandora and other outlets.
—By Leslie Clagett, KBB managing editor
