Today we’d like to introduce you to Austin Johnson and Lindsey Desplat.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Lindsey and I met while working at Restoration Hardware in Austin, TX in 2016. We quickly bonded over our passion for all things design and having grown up in California. We both left RH in 2018 to start our company Elspeth + Martin. Our first project together was for a high profile client in Westlake, Austin, TX who was brought to us through a friend. It certainly was a job requiring two designers considering its size. This project is ongoing but was the catalyst for our partnership. Alongside this project, we consulted on a historical restoration on the East side of Austin.
This project was a lot of fun for Lindsey and I, and also challenged us to develop our brand and identity as a team. We’ve built quite a few relationships in the design community by attending industry events in Austin, and some of those relationships have been very influential in the growth of Elspeth + Martin. Something we’ve learned since starting our company was the importance of having a mentor to help guide decisions and provide insight and support throughout periods of growth. Recently, we have focused our energy on building the presence of Elspeth + Martin in the Austin and it’s surrounding areas through online channels and the expansion of our portfolio.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The road has seemed smooth but definitely has had patches that have been rough. Our first and biggest struggle overall was not knowing who our ideal client was. This led us to work for an investor on one of our first projects. Not long into the project, we found ourselves sacrificing our design because the investor was so focused on maximizing profits. This really showed us the importance of knowing your client and being able to connect with the person who would be living in our designs because design is personal and emotional. We’re grateful for this project because we learned so much about ourselves, and who we want to be.
Please tell us about Elspeth + Martin.
Elspeth + Martin is a full-service luxury interior design firm located in Austin, Texas. We specialize in remodels and custom home design, custom furniture, rug, cabinetry, and tile design, space planning, finish + fixture selection, collaboration with builders and architects, project management from concept to installation, styling, accessorizing and editing decor within your home. We are known for our timeless spaces with a fresh, modern twist. Austin and I are most proud of our commitment to excellence in every aspect of our business and our personal approach we bring to each project. What sets us apart is our approach to design as a team. Each project is balanced because Lindsey and I have a desire to create spaces that are timeless and modern, yet our personal styles are uniquely ours. Also, we have built a prestige network of contractors, realtors, and artisans in our community that allows us to help each client’s dream attainable.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
We embrace the idea that everything happens for a reason and love where we are today. Elspeth + Martin officially started business on December 27, so it would definitely have been easier to wait 5 or so days to start our tax year on the 1st.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.elspeth-martin.com
- Phone: 805.832.2971, 650.521,1266
- Email: austin@elspeth-martin.com, lindsey@elspeth-martin.com
- Instagram: elspethmartininteriors
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Elspeth-Martin-Interiors-2268729556673408/
Image Credit:
Tyler Schmitt // The Mill Photography Studio, facebook.com/TylerAPSchmitt instagram: @tyleratx twitter: @TheTylerSchmitt
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