Daily Inspiration: Meet Liz Grantham

Today we’d like to introduce you to Liz Grantham

Hi Liz, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’m originally from Mississippi, and my love for design began at a young age. One of my earliest memories is designing a not-to-scale model of my childhood bedroom. I even created a custom bed and desk combo, hoping my parents would go for it! While the custom furniture didn’t make the cut, they did humor me by letting me choose the exact shade of blue I had envisioned for the room. That was probably my first taste of what design can do, and how important even the smallest details are.

As I grew older, my interest in design continued to evolve. I enrolled at Mississippi State University, initially set on studying architecture. But after attending a preview day, I realized architecture didn’t fully align with my vision. My mom suggested we check out the interior design presentation, and in that moment, everything clicked. It felt like I had found my true calling.

After graduating, I was fortunate to land an internship at a commercial design firm in downtown Raleigh, where I quickly fell in love with the city. Raleigh became my new home, and after a few years in commercial design, I decided to explore residential work. That’s when I found Lavish. Their values and approach to design perfectly aligned with my goals, and I’ve had the incredible opportunity to design custom homes from the ground up.

What I love most about this field is how it constantly challenges me. Each project brings its own unique set of problems to solve, and I thrive on finding creative solutions. I’m excited to keep pushing boundaries and creating beautiful, functional spaces for my clients in the years to come

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Definitely not! There’s been a lot of personal growth along the way, and I know I still have more ahead of me—but that’s part of the journey. One of the biggest challenges is working with clients on something as personal as their home. This is their sanctuary, their personal space, and you always want to meet them where they are, honoring both their vision and their lifestyle. But sometimes, no matter how much you aim to please, you don’t always hit the mark on the first try.

What we do is deeply personal, and it’s important to balance that connection while maintaining a bit of emotional distance. At the end of the day, the design is for them and their family. You have to be open to feedback, growing a thick skin for criticism, and learning not to become too attached to your designs. I’ve learned that while it’s worth advocating for the right design decisions, it should never come at the cost of the client’s comfort in their own home.

That said, there’s always a solution. Design is about problem-solving, and even when challenges arise, I believe that with enough creativity and collaboration, we can always find a way to achieve a beautiful result.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My combination of technical knowledge and attention to detail—especially when collaborating with trades—sets me apart in the industry. It takes a lot of trial and error to develop efficiency, and working closely with various trades is a constant learning process. I pride myself on being able to dive into the technical aspects of a project, understand the mechanics at play, and come up with creative solutions that not only solve the problem but also blend seamlessly with the overall design.

What sets me apart is my ability to balance the technical with the creative. I’ve learned that understanding the nuts and bolts behind a project is just as important as the design vision. Everything is a learning opportunity, and I approach problems with a mindset that fuses both aesthetics and function. The end result is a design that looks great and works effortlessly behind the scenes.

The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
My biggest takeaway from the Covid-19 crisis has been the importance of adaptability and over-communication. The pandemic brought significant disruptions to our industry, with lead times and availability of materials becoming highly unpredictable. It became crucial to keep clients well-informed about these changes and manage their expectations effectively.

Additionally, I’ve learned the value of building flexibility into design plans. Being able to pivot and adjust to unforeseen circumstances has been essential in navigating the challenges outside our control. This experience has underscored the need for clear communication and the ability to adapt quickly, both of which are now integral to my approach.

Pricing:

• Lavish’s Hourly Rate – $150/ hour for design work
• Complementary consultation to review the project beforehand
• We have in-house contractors to make any job as seamless as possible

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lavish.inc
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lavish_raleigh/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lavishraleigh
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@lavishraleigh

Image Credits
Headshot – Richard Barlow Photography
Bathtub Photo – Cat Wilborne Photography
All other photos – Catherine Nguyen