Lori Carroll

Even as a child growing up in Iowa, Lori Carroll knew she wanted to be an interior designer when she grew up. After earning an interior design degree at the U of A, Carroll started her own business at the ripe age of 23; and there was no turning back.

Carroll’s company soared to new heights after she had the opportunity to design a home for Tucson’s 1998 Street of Dreams. “I was able to do a whole entire house, and that way people could really see how a designer could take something and have it all flow,” she says.

Carroll has been recognized frequently for her unique talents over the years (the prestigious 2006 Pinnacle of Design honor, awarded by the National Kitchen and Bath Association is just one of these awards) but she admits that the recognition she receives only spurs her to do more. “Every time I’ll win a design award…it’s wonderful, but then when I go home [I think] ‘O.K., how can I do better next time?’”

Much of Carroll’s creativity stems from her travels, where she always makes sure to tote along a camera in case any unexpected inspiration pops up.

“I love the creative part, when you have to come up with something new, and that’s one thing I always strive to do is do something different; not necessarily repeat what’s been done before,” she says. “Personally, I like a simplistic approach. I don’t have a lot of clutter in my design."

Carroll has been transforming our houses into homes by bringing a wash of elegant comfort—not an easy combination to achieve—to Tucsonans for more than 25 years; and her impressive portfolio says it all. Her services include residential interiors, commercial interiors, special product design, remodels, outdoor living spaces and more, setting her in a class all her own.

Carroll has been recognized all over the world for her innovation, but her love for the Tucson community keeps her close by, polishing and perfecting our homes. “I love the friendly people, the mountains and just meeting all the different people that come into Tucson,” she says.

As a mother of two, Carroll also makes it a priority to remain connected to the Tucson community. She serves on the silent auction committee for the Parseghian Medical Research Foundation and regularly donates to the Boys & Girls Club and the Angel Charity for Children.

Carroll acknowledges that personal time is hard to come by, but says the team she surrounds herself with makes all the difference. “I’ve been more than blessed,” she says. “It’s not about me. It’s about my team, my group of people [who are] here for me.”