Sisters Lauren Ferrand and Ashley Bowman, co-founders of Ferrand Design, credit their family as the biggest influence on their careers as interior designers.
“Growing up, our mom owned an interior decorating business,” Ferrand said. “My sister and I loved going to her office and playing in all the fabrics. Our dad and stepmom were always working on DIY home renovations, and they involved us in many of those restoration projects. I’m pretty sure that’s where the idea to be an interior designer was born for both of us.”
Ferrand and Bowman both received a bachelor’s degree in interior design from Louisiana State University in 2007. After that, they both worked for architecture firms as design architects until they secured their interior design licenses in 2009 (the same year that Ferrand started the company).
“We both learned so much from working with the firms, but we felt the need for more freedom in design,” Ferrand said.
At the start of Ferrand Design, architecture firms were the main client.
“While working with architects, I built a portfolio in commercial and hospitality,” said Ferrand. “We are both certified in green building, so, in 2011, we joined a firm working toward green initiatives. We designed with a sustainability lens and helped rebuild schools after Hurricane Katrina. With that firm, we were able to grow our client base and our design operation. I then began to design for residential clients as well. Ashley joined me in 2013.”
Today, they design for both residential and commercial spaces (such as Cherry Coffee Roasters, Rêve Realtors and The Country Club).
“Having the commercial experience prior to residential has proven to be a great contribution to our success,” Ferrand said. “There’s more formality in project coordination for commercial projects. All design decisions are made prior to construction. We like to take this formality to our residential projects when we can.”
Ferrand and Bowman also infuse commercial spaces with residential elements.
“Commercial used to be a bit more contemporary and simplistic in form, but there has been a huge transition in aesthetics since 2020,” Ferrand said. “Commercial has become more residential in feel. ‘Resimercial’ is a term that we have seen come into play. Workplaces, public places, even hospitals are becoming more attuned to the natural comforts of residential.”
In 2023, the sister duo moved into a new office space in the Warehouse District (located above Keife & Co.) and now operate as a design collaboration studio. By sharing their workspace, Ferrand and Bowman have been able to expand their design knowledge while also collaborating with other design disciplines. For example, this past summer, they shared the space with a dress designer.
“We did a quick flip for our office that took just under a month in the summer of 2023,” Ferrand said. “The Art Deco façade is a moment unto itself. We painted, upgraded the electrical, bought a few new furnishings and added a plethora of window treatments. We are using the main principle of design—form follows function—as the [design directive].”
The new studio space, which includes desk areas, a design library, a lounge/kitchen area, a conference room/stock room and a restroom, leans toward minimalism with light contrasts.
“Our goals were to design a collaborative and multifunctional space that included areas of productivity as well as areas for quiet, while preserving the abundance of natural light,” Ferrand said. “We decided to paint the walls a warm white to give an overall lightness and warmth, and we have space-planned so that these areas can co-exist. When designing the design library, we chose to do a larger custom millwork piece that was backless to allow light to filter through. [We also designed] custom drapery and shades for light control.”
Going forward, she and Bowman would love to grow with the space by adding a few art pieces and more desks.
“I say this about our design projects, as well, especially residential,” Ferrand added. “There is a baseline of design (a completion) and then there is the space to grow. I think all spaces should looked finished; however, there should be room to allow the inhabitants to create a space for themselves. Your space should reflect your lifestyle, as you occupy it, and the personalities of its inhabitants.”
Today, the sisters have a team of talented designers, and they collaborate with several architects, stylists, artists and photographers. They are currently working on several projects in various stages of design, including commercial office spaces, boutique hotels, restaurants and custom-built homes.
“We are especially looking forward to three new-construction homes that are in design and slated to start construction within the next six months,” said Ferrand, “a contemporary Bayou St. John residence, a beach house in Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi, and a Tudor-style residence in St. Louis, Missouri.”
Ferrand Design
901 Carondelet St. // New Orleans
504-491-4244 // ferranddesign.com
IG: @FerrandDesign
Quick Look
Number of Years in Operation: 16
Style of Architecture: Art Deco
Square Footage: 1,200
Number of Employees: 4
Persons in Charge: Lauren Ferrand
Interior Décor: Ferrand Design
Initial Brand Development: Ferrand Design, Logo designed by Also Known As
Art and furnishings: Ferrand Design
