Collaborators
“Having been introduced through a mutual acquaintance in Los Angeles for a new high-end retail project on Melrose Ave., Lara’s experience and expertise in architecture, education, and art-sector projects was immediately encouraging and gave us reassurance that we would have a shared appreciation for the wider ambitions of the project.
Given that both our studio and our client are based in New Zealand, having a trusted local partner who could incorporate creative direction and technical expertise in the field was essential – Lara has been instrumental to the delivery of the project, providing a trusted design-eye in concert with a working knowledge of details and code compliance.
Lara’s diligent time management and coordination of local trades, in collaboration with our General Contractor, has resulted in the level of finish for the project exceeding expectations and her commitment to quality assurance, from materials and finishes to FFE items, has been outstanding. Our enthusiasm for a continued working relationship is sincere and we would recommend Lara without qualification.
– Rufus Knight, PDINZ , Principal, Knight Associates Ltd.
“As a special-occasion brand that focuses on attainable luxury and craftsmanship, we needed our retail stores to convey this. Lara designed a new vision for our retail stores, including a flagship redesign, pop-up shops, and new store construction in the US and the Middle East. She captured the elegant balance between luxury and accessibility, designing warm and welcoming spaces that invite discovery. Lara's expertise extends past design. She understands the ins and outs of construction. Whether it be working with contractors at build sites to sourcing materials that are on-vision and on-budget, she wasn't afraid to roll up her sleeves. Her enthusiasm, passion, and dedication is evident in everything she does. Working with Lara was a true pleasure!.”
– Jane Henry, Designer, Tadashi Shoji
“Lara Hoad is an exceptional teacher, advocate, explorer and change maker. For the last ten years she has taught the “Rise Above Plastics” class in the Creative Action program at Otis College of Art and Design. She introduced the college and her students to environmental organizations Surfrider Foundation, 5 Gyres and most recently eXXpedition. She is an extraordinary educator with her students creating literally hundreds of design solutions to raise awareness about single-use plastic pollution. She was also selected by eXXpedition as one of 300 global female leaders to sail around the world exploring and studying ocean plastic pollution. I am so proud to have Lara as part of my team!”
– Richard Shelton, Program Director, Creative Action, Integrated Learning (CAIL), Otis College of Art and Design, Los Angeles
“Lara Hoad is a true spirit of harmony in architecture and daily experiences of living. We worked together on the NASA 3D Printed Habitat Challenge at Mars City Design. She excels at intellectual design communication and her passion and bravery towards saving mother nature is contagious, influencing countless women to take action and responsibility in creating a better world for future generations. It was an honor to have her on the team.”
- Vera Mulyani, CEO and Founder, Mars City Design, LLC
“I had the great pleasure of working with Lara Hoad on two remarkable and stunning exhibitions during my tenure as Director of A+D Museum. Lara brought to the table a clarity of thought; an ability to see through to the core idea and its expression. Lara’s creativity and design sensibility were collaborative and inclusive which was imperative, as the projects were complex and challenging.”
– Tibbie Dunbar, Hon. AIA/LA, Former Executive Director, A+D Architecture and Design Museum, Los Angeles