Stephanie Ferrara

Growing up, Stephanie was heavily influenced by her mother’s work as a fashion designer. She remembers seeing her mum’s drawings, mood boards, and samples around the house, which sparked her own creative aspirations. When it came time to start university, Stephanie knew that a degree in design would allow her to pursue her passion.

When deciding where to study, Stephanie vividly recalls the moment she chose UNSW Art & Design. “I remember receiving the most beautiful handout from the campus. The graphic design was striking and unlike any other university pamphlet I had ever seen.” The dynamic and inclusive culture on campus and in the surrounding Paddington area left Stephanie feeling inspired and ultimately sealed the deal. She was also impressed by the passion of the instructors, who viewed their work as a way of life, not just a means to make a living.

By 2015, just a few years into her studies, Stephanie was already working as a successful designer and graduated in 2018. After spending the first years of her career in design, Stephanie yearned for a more personal relationship with her clients and sought opportunities to collaborate with like-minded designers who shared her love of a laid-back yet sophisticated style.

Acting on this career goal, Stephanie launched Laidback Lee Design, a high-end residential and commercial interior design studio. Made up of a team of passionate and like-minded creatives, Laidback Lee Design focuses on reinventing spaces into something beautiful, dynamic, and polished. Stephanie explains that her design work has always been influenced by spatial design and understanding how bodies exist within a space, so the transition to interior design felt like a natural progression in her career.

Stephanie completed a Bachelor of Design with Honours in 2018.