Today we’d like to introduce you to Leslie Foster.
Hi Leslie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Born and raised in Wichita Falls, Texas, I am the oldest of three. My mother, Cathy Carroll, had a long career at Delphi Automotive. My father, Kenny Carroll, worked in advertising at KFDX and had a small decorating business on the side. As a kid, I have fond memories of going to his client’s homes, who were also his friends, playing with fabric books and roaming around furniture stores.
Sadly in 1995, soon after my twelfth birthday, my father passed away. We were devastated. Life as we knew it turned upside down. My mom worked long hours and had to be at the plant before we were up for school. Therefore, it was my job to get myself and my siblings out of bed, dressed and out the door in time for whomever was giving us a ride that day. I got a hardship license at 15 to help my mom with carpool, after school activities, etc. Life wasn’t easy for any of us.
I graduated from Wichita Falls High School in 2001. I knew I wanted to be an interior designer. I still thought about how much I loved doing all of those “design errands” with my dad. As I got older my appreciation for interiors and architecture grew.
I spent my freshman year of college at Texas State in San, Marcos. My high school grades and test scores weren’t great. My goal was to take my basics there, then transfer to The University of Oklahoma and study interior design at the College of Architecture.
I worked hard and transferred to OU the following fall, 2002. I absolutely loved my time at OU. I studied hard and spent a lot of late nights in the studio or computer lab. I played hard, I went through sorority rush and pledged Alpha Omicron Pi. When I wasn’t doing those, I worked hard waiting tables and bartending at Coach’s.
After graduation in 2006, I began working at CCI Club Design in Irving, Tx. CCI was a small firm that focused on hospitality design, specializing in country clubs and city clubs. Two years later, I completed the NCIDQ exam and became licensed in Texas as a Registered Interior Designer.
I learned so much working for CCI under two amazing mentors- John Herron, registered designer, and Ryan Yakel, registered architect. I highly recommend that new designers work for a small firm. You just don’t get the opportunity to wear as many “hats” at large firms.
The company changed ownership in 2013 and became H. Chambers USA. Chambers is also a wonderful firm.
The club design experience taught me how to balance comfort and elegance, and how to create spaces that are welcoming, polished, and built to stand up to real life. The design has to perform as a commercial space but look like a residential space. It really is the best of both worlds. I am very fortunate to have had such a long career with two renowned firms in a very niche and unique market.
After a 16 year career with CCI/ Chambers, my husband and I decided it was time for a new chapter and we founded Leslie Foster Interiors (LFI) in 2022.
It had always been a dream of mine to work for myself. I wanted to offer a refined, highly personalized approach to hospitality as well as residential design. With intention and function at the forefront, I provide a full-service interior design experience for clients looking to renovate or build new. Along with space planning and construction documentation, I also provide furnishing selection, procurement and comprehensive project support. I guide clients through early concept to final installation. The result is a finished project that feels elevated yet livable, thoughtfully tailored, and designed to age beautifully.
I am passionate about design and truly love what I do. My job is to create spaces that my clients can’t wait to come home to and that bring joy, whether in personal life, or publicly.
Of course, I think about my dad every day, but he is also a part of every project that I work on. By sharing his love of design with me, he ignited quite a spark. I know he is with me every step of the way and I know he is proud of all of us.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Is it ever a smooth road? There are definitely challenges in leaving a comfortable corporate job to start a new business. It’s scary. Thankfully, I had a couple of clients ready to hire me as soon as I was up and running. They are saints.
I know design, but learning how to own and run a business is not my cup of tea. There were a lot of lessons learned in the beginning. I finally hired an accountant. Bless him, he really had his work cut out for him!
I am currently faced with the challenge of growth and what that looks like. I know it’s probably time to hire an additional designer but that’s terrifying for so many reasons.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in space planning and construction documentation. I love the interior architecture part of my job. It’s a problem solving puzzle in the best way. Don’t get me wrong, I love the material and furniture selection process and making a room picture perfect. However, taking nothing, or an existing space, and making it something better. Something that functions exactly how you need it to, that feels special.
What sets me apart is that I can create a complete set of construction documents and specifications for permit and construction. I have a handful of really great contractors and trades that I like to work with. They appreciate that I can produce a clear design direction and drawing package.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I think people would be surprised to know that I’m happiest when I’m barefoot and outside, especially next to a body of water. I love feeling the ground under my feet. I definitely have two complete opposite personalities. I have the designer side and a small town, slow-moving country side.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lfinteriors-design.com/
- Instagram: @lesliefosterinteriors
