Today we’d like to introduce you to Diane Lim.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Diane. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I ended up at architecture school at Cornell University because of my high school art teacher.
He pushed me to go to art school but understanding that my parents were not supportive of the idea, he suggested architecture school.
I loved everything about it.
I feel lucky about doing what I do for living.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It took me a while to figure out what type of architecture and type of office I wanted to be a part of in.
Working at a large size firm didn’t work for me. I felt like I was working in a factory and wasn’t happy that it was hard to have direct interaction with clients. Working on institutional, educational & commercial projects meant that projects were often put through long process of developing and construction.
A small residential firm was a better fit for me.
After the marriage and a child, I had to face different set of challenges.
It is not easy to be a great professional woman and a great mom successfully.
I tried few years of that, but it was too stressful.
Being on my own was the answer.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
What I think is the most different about our firm from other residential firms, is that we start our projects by listening to our clients and site-building+location. Our first meeting, even before we are awarded with the project is at the site. We have conversation with the clients about their wish list, walking through the site.
Our design solutions reflect our understanding of the conversations, site, realistic construction method & budget and our knowledge & design.
We believe that beauty comes from balance of all of those elements.
At all times, we understand that we design for our clients’ personal and intimate spaces.
At all times, we understand that we don’t design what we like but what balances out client’s taste, needs & context.
What were you like growing up?
I was a wallflower growing up. Couldn’t speak in front of people until the 4th grade.
But as I grew older, I became more independent and confident about my ideas and thoughts.
Moving to the States when I was 17, forced me to be more independent and confident.
Food is a very important part of my life. I believe family and community improve around food and I love cooking for my family and friends. A lot of my cooking has Korean base, flavor -wise and ingredient -wise.
I think making food and composing space is very similar process.
I also love to travel.
You learn so much by walking through and tasting food. What you mainly learn is how much of similarities we have, rather than dis-similarities and difference each culture have.
Contact Info:
- Address: LDS
46 Waltham Street,
Lower courtyard #3
Boston, MA 02118 - Website: www.limdesignstudio.com
- Phone: 617-670-1004/617-549-9327
- Email: diane@limdesignstudio.com
Image Credit:
J. Hayhurst Photography
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