Based in Austin, LSD Studio crafts spaces where story, material, and human experience converge—environments as singular as the people who inhabit them.
Studio
LSD Studio explores design as a form of alchemy—where material, craft, and narrative shape the rituals of daily life. Rooted in Austin and informed by European modernism, our work honors context and history while embracing contemporary living. Each detail, each surface, is considered not only for function but for the quiet delight it brings to those who encounter it.
We approach every commission as both visionaries and pragmatists. Our transformations elevate not only how spaces look, but how they feel to inhabit—anchoring people in beauty, warmth, and craft. We design with confidence and a touch of play, ensuring our spaces invite connection, contemplation, and moments of quiet joy.
Approach
The most meaningful projects emerge from trust, collaboration, and clarity. We listen deeply, shape thoughtfully, and tailor each engagement to reflect the people and the place at hand. Our process is transparent yet imaginative, grounding design rigor in human connection.
We partner with artisans, craftspeople, and makers who share our respect for material honesty and sustainable practice. Through these collaborations, we create work that feels rooted in Austin yet timeless in character—spaces that bridge heritage, craft, and contemporary life.
We believe design is a form of storytelling—where context and craft converge to transform the rituals of daily life.
Liz Swaminathan, Principal
Liz Swaminathan approaches design as equal parts craft and narrative—deeply attuned to materiality, context, and the rhythms of daily life. Her background bridges architecture, commercial real estate, and executive leadership, allowing her to navigate projects with both artistry and strategy.
A native Texan, Liz studied Architecture & Interiors at the University of Texas before building a career in commercial real estate and technology leadership. In 2024, she returned full-time to design, drawing on a rare combination of rigor and creativity to shape spaces that are at once timeless and deeply personal.
Her work is guided by a belief in transparency, collaboration, and the power of design to elevate everyday experience—whether reimagining a single room or envisioning a landmark community.
Industry Recognition & Affiliations
Architectural Digest / ADPro 2024
AIA American Institute of Architects / Member
IIDA International Interior Design Association / Member
ASID American Society of Interior Designers / Member
USGBC United States Green Building Council / Firm Partner
BOMA Building Owners and Managers Association International / Allied Member
CREW Commercial Real Estate Women / Member
Residential Services
-
Full interior design for custom homes, from concept to finish-out. We craft spaces that feel timeless, authentic, and deeply connected to the lives of those who inhabit them.
-
Transformations that honor existing character while introducing new function and beauty. We reimagine homes to support evolving needs with thoughtful detail and material integrity.
-
Seamless expansions that respect a home’s rhythm and history while creating space for new chapters. Every addition is integrated with architectural continuity and a sensitivity to flow.
-
High-function spaces elevated by craftsmanship and material richness. Designed around daily rituals, these rooms balance utility with lasting beauty.
-
Outdoor environments that extend the life of the home into the landscape—places for gathering, retreat, and connection to nature.
-
Tailored solutions for the rhythm of daily life—built-ins, wine cellars, and custom storage that unite function with craft, designed for how you truly live.
-
Holistic lighting design that celebrates architecture, supports well-being, and honors natural light. We layer illumination for mood, clarity, and rhythm across the day.
Commercial Services
-
Design strategies that elevate multifamily living—creating cohesive identities, thoughtful amenities, and durable finishes that balance beauty with practicality.
-
Environments that capture brand spirit and invite discovery. We design retail spaces that merge storytelling with material experience, shaping how customers connect with place and product.
-
Guest experiences designed for memory and meaning. From intimate venues to large-scale destinations, our hospitality work blends comfort, atmosphere, and distinctive character.
-
Breathing new life into existing structures through sensitive reinvention. We preserve character where possible and introduce fresh layers of function, craft, and contemporary relevance.
LSD Studio is hiring.
FAQs
What kinds of projects does LSD Studio take on?
We specialize in high-end residential and boutique hospitality projects, with select retail environments (like salons or galleries) that align with our aesthetic. While we occasionally work on multifamily repositioning, our primary focus is crafting spaces where design, craftsmanship, and materiality take center stage.
What is your design style?
Our work is rooted in French modernism, elevated with warmth, patina, and a confident yet approachable sensibility. We emphasize authentic materials — limestone, wood, metals with character — and believe in details that age beautifully. We balance sophistication with comfort, creating spaces that feel timeless and deeply personal.
How do you charge for your services?
Every project is unique, but most of our design services are billed as a flat design fee, with furnishings, procurement, and construction oversight managed separately. Fees vary based on scope and we’ll always provide a detailed proposal before work begins.