Lightroom is a multi-faceted design company based in Atlanta, and offers services in architecture, website design, print design, and identity design. Impressed and intrigued by its architectural portfolio (including the design of its personal office space) listed on their website, LoftLife was keen to hear from the lead architect behind the company’s vision, William Carpenter. Striving to create “a thoughtful and collaborative process” and to “act as a catalyst to bring clarity to vision and identity,” Lightroom understands the concepts we at LoftLife love best about spatial design. Taking time away from his drafting table, LoftLife enjoyed a quick Q&A with the savvy designer.

“Lightcatcher”, home and studio built for photographer Kay Hinton.

LoftLife: What triggered your personal passion for architectural design? Was there a specific memory or building?

William Carpenter: I went to a High School Career day at Parsons School of Design in New York. Richard Meier led a breakout session. He was wearing a white suit and a red bow tie. I did not like his clothes but I liked the architecture he presented. At the time he was building the High Museum in Atlanta.

Also, meeting Alan Alda while I worked for Norman Jaffe in Bridgehampton. Norman threw me in to the water without a life preserver (so to speak). He was testing me and sent me to a meeting with Alda. I was 19! I remember asking him what he wanted his house to be like and enjoying the idea of designing something to a real client. Norman passed away and I really miss talking to him.

LL: How would you describe the Lightroom’s mission?

WC: The mission of Lightroom is “creative services for creative people.” We believe in multi-disciplinary design. In a typical day we work on designing films, furniture, buildings, grocery lists, websites and graphic design. We want to change the very nature of architectural practice by expanding the normal way an architect works. Think about it– a website is like a building– emotions, compositions, space, experience, branding etc..

“1776 Peachtree St” is a former Class B office building.

LL: Why does Atlanta make sense for your company’s home base and growth?

WC: We love Atlanta and the south. My father is from Mississippi and my mother is from Brooklyn. Atlanta makes sense because it has doubled in size in ten years. People here love modernism– but you have to find them.

We have also been involved in creating a high school design competition (see aiaatlanta.org and a great design conference–see breather.org)

LL: Your company developed its own home office. How is Lightroom’s aesthetic represented in this personal space?

WC: Well, our offices were once my personal live/work loft. I loved it because I rarely had to drive. But now we have grown and it’s our office. We believe an office should inspire the people who work there and the people who visit whether it is the UPS man or a future client.

LL: What are some future projects you would love to see Lightroom involved in?

WC: We want to design a museum where we can design the branding, website, graphics, architecture, interiors and exhibits. Also, we want to be involved in designing a restaurant in New York and a home in Dubai, and currently we are busy proposing a museum for the work of Harry Callahan.

Pictured left is Lightroom’s own home office on a shady street in Decatur, GA.

Posted by Kyra Shapurji