Design In Real Life

Our Story

Design In Real Life is a Los Angeles-based interior design studio founded by Joan Vaccaro and Maureen Fisher, two experienced designers who met through a shared love of books. Driven by a passion for creating functional and stylish spaces that reflect the unique personalities of their clients, they envisioned a studio that would offer a collaborative and hands-on approach to interior design.

Joan, with her background in firm and design management, and Maureen, renowned for her casually elegant style and expertise in planning and development, bring a potent blend of creativity and practicality to every project. Drawing upon their extensive experience in both residential and commercial design, they understand the complexities of bringing a client's vision to life. Their collective understanding of architecture, construction, and material science allows them to anticipate challenges and find innovative solutions, ensuring that each design project is not just beautiful but also practical and enduring.

Philosophy

At Design In Real Life, we believe that the best design comes from a genuine understanding of your needs and aspirations. Our approach is rooted in real life, focusing on finding the right fit and the simplest, most functional solutions. We strive to empower our clients to think creatively and realistically about their design requirements, collaborating closely throughout the process to ensure that the final result reflects their unique style and personality.

Services

We offer a full range of interior design and project management services, specializing in new construction and major renovations for both residential and commercial spaces. From concept to completion, we handle every aspect of your project with meticulous attention to detail. Our services include:

• Comprehensive Design: We develop personalized design plans that encompass all aspects of your space, including floor plans, furniture selection, lighting, color palettes, and material specifications.

• Custom Cabinetry: We design and commission bespoke cabinetry solutions tailored to your specific needs and preferences. This includes kitchen cabinets and islands, built-in shelving and storage systems, servers, pantries, linen closets, desks, and more.

• Sustainable Design: As certified green building professionals, we are dedicated to incorporating sustainable practices into every project. We utilize eco-friendly materials and technologies, minimizing environmental impact while maximizing energy efficiency and health benefits.

• Project Management: We oversee all aspects of your project, from budgeting and scheduling to vendor coordination and construction supervision, ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience.

Accreditations

Our team boasts a wealth of professional experience and certifications, demonstrating our commitment to excellence and adherence to industry standards.

• California Certified Interior Designers (CID): Joan Vaccaro and Maureen Fisher are both certified by the California Council for Interior Design.

• LEED AP BD+C (Building and Construction): We hold LEED AP accreditation, signifying our expertise in sustainable building practices and our commitment to environmentally responsible design.

• NCIDQ Certification: Joan Vaccaro is also a certified Interior Designer by the National Council for Interior Design Qualification.

Our work

*Our portfolio showcases a diverse range of projects, demonstrating our ability to adapt our design approach to meet the unique needs of each client.*

Client-Centric Approach

At Design In Real Life, we believe that your satisfaction is paramount. We take the time to understand your needs, preferences, and lifestyle, ensuring that your design vision is realized with the utmost attention to detail. Our collaborative approach fosters open communication and transparency, allowing you to be actively involved in every stage of the design process.