An award-winning designer who values the team approach to residential design.

Lori Carroll knows how to work with A/V professionals. In the previous 
issue we wrote about a project she completed with ASL Home Entertainment Group, a stunning installation known as the Pima Canyon installation. It was an elaborate home theater project 
completed for a wealthy resident of Tucson, Arizona, where Carroll is based.

Her experience in interior design for luxury clients is extensive, and she has received several awards for her work every year for the past nine years. Her firm, Lori Carroll & Associates, prides itself on making the right kind of partnerships with other types of professionals who work in the residential market. Luxury CE spoke to Carroll about her work, home electronics, and how she works with A/V installers.

Luxury CE: Tell us about your career and your background.

Lori Carroll: I continually draw on my invaluable college education, and significant experience in both residential and commercial design. With a BS degree in Interior Design from the University of Arizona and instruction at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark, in 1986 I started my career at a local Tucson furniture store assisting clients in selecting home furnishings. I went on to establish and become president of Interline Design Group, for many years recognized as one of the leading interior design firms in the city. In 2000, the business evolved to become exclusively Lori Carroll & Associates. The transition helped to shape the studio in to a more wide-ranging business, with the capacity to assist in every phase of design. As a professional member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) since 1989, and a member of the International Interior Design Association (IIDA), I constantly strive to keep updated on current industry developments.

LCE: How would you describe your design work? Do you have a particular style or preferred aesthetic?

LC: My passion for uncovering exclusive design concepts for each and every client is the motivation for my creativity. While the foundation of most of  my projects 
begin with a “clean and simple” philosophy, I love to mix distinctive materials, intriguing colors and amazing textures to add an eclectic flair to a more typical contemporary style.

LCE: Are clients asking for more integration of home control or audio/video integration? If so, what are they asking for?

LC: With such a diverse clientele, there are definitely requests for varying levels of integration in A/V technology. Some still require just the minimal approach of merely one control to turn on the television and adjust the volume, and others seek a complete package that manages audio video components, window coverings, lighting, climate control, or anything mechanized all through one system.

LCE: How do you connect them or your own firm to A/V installation professionals? What’s the typical process there?

LC: During the initial interview and as the project progresses, the client and I discuss in detail particular goals as well as their preferences and expectations. Selecting an appropriate A/V system certainly requires the input of a specialist in that field. With meetings at the home, the designer’s studio or architect’s office and a trip to the A/V showroom, it is important to have great communication throughout this process to assure a successful installation.

LCE: From the designer’s viewpoint, what are some 
of the problems you see 
when working with home electronics?

LC: There are challenges when working with home electronics. Technology changes constantly.  When designing wall units, scrupulous plans need to be outlined, accommodating varying component sizes and dimensions. I suggest that clients purchase televisions prior to constructing a custom media center.

Enlisting the help of an expert is imperative when investing in any A/V equipment.  Educating the client about what is appropriate for their particular surroundings, and selecting components within their budget while still fulfilling the customer’s wants and needs is easily accomplished when a specialist is available to present the options.

LCE: What are the best qualities you find in electronic installation partners?

LC: I look for industry professionals who are friendly, knowledgeable and who will attentively listen to my client’s needs, then take that information and provide them with as much feedback as possible to guide them through this significant investment. Also, a team approach has been essential to the success of my business. Since the A/V area of design is highly technical and advances daily, I look for a company that will work with me to provide clients with the most current, up-to-date facts.

LCE: Do you, as a designer, try to stay informed on A/V and home control trends? Where do you get this kind of information? Are you looking to an A/V installer to help you in this regard?

LC: I do rely greatly on the A/V professionals to keep me informed of current technological trends. However, I participate in many continuing education programs throughout the year and subscribe to several publications that supply significant information about new products and developments.

LCE: The Pima Canyon project, which we wrote about in our last issue, was a project that seemed to come together very well in terms of how well you and the A/V installer worked together. Why did this work so well? What did you both do to coordinate effectively?

LC: Firstly, we had great clients who knew exactly what they wanted. Also, weekly meetings with the architect, builder, homeowner, A/V team and interior designer were vital to make certain everyone was in constant communication assuring effective problem solving, efficient time line management, and to avert any possible crises before they happened. What could have been an overwhelming project seemed effortless.  I loved the entire process!

LCE: What would you like to see more of from the A/V installation community? What would help you most as a designer?

LC: Being an interior designer, there is so much detail involved in pulling together a project.  Consulting with an A/V team that can provide a shortened, easy to understand version of what they have to offer is ideal.

LCE: Do you expect to see more clients asking for high-tech systems moving forward?

LC: As technological advances continue to flood the market providing even more exciting, affordable A/V options, I foresee the demand for home integration increasing dramatically.