Nature and place are the guiding forces behind the work of Rachel Bullock and Molly Purnell, partners at the Los Angeles design firm Laun. Bullock, an architect, and Purnell, a designer, not only have a successful furniture line (expect new materials and colors in the near future) but they also have several home renovations and new builds underway in the L.A. area and beyond. Here, the duo discuss their favorite influences and inspiration.
Eyes open: We love the built environment in Los Angeles—it’s liberating and fun—but we’re also influenced by art, fashion and photography. We think about form and color in all aspects. You can’t get stuck in a feedback loop of contemporary architecture.
Guilty pleasure: Collecting vintage architecture books for our office library! It’s important to look at a wide array of references for every project. For a new build in Vermont, the client recommended Big House, Little House, Back House, Barn to learn more about New England’s heritage.
Artful touches: Connecting clients with local artists to create custom elements is important. We recently commissioned a beautiful shower tile mural by artist Sara Bright for a project in Los Angeles’ Silver Lake neighborhood.
State of affairs: People aren’t as interested in the idea of “starchitects” anymore. Today, it’s about real people and real budgets. In the past, spaces were often built in service to the vision, not to the user.
