Today we’d like to introduce you to Eric Winnick.
Hi Eric, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
After earning my Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business, I embarked on my career at Macy’s in New York City, joining their Buyer Training Program. In my initial role, I served as an Assistant Buyer of Collection Bedding, where I refined my abilities in forecasting business trends, managing budgets, and comprehending consumer demand.
After accumulating several years of experience in the Retail Industry, I found myself yearning for something new, and for greater fulfillment. Fueled by my lifelong passion for interior design, I decided to take a leap of faith and pursue a career transition — I joined KA Design Group where I had the privilege of being mentored by Kenneth Alpert. My talent, drive, and strong work ethic propelled me to new heights, ultimately leading to the establishment of my firm, E Lawrence Design in 2010. Specializing in construction planning, space planning, and interior design, E Lawrence Design derives its origin from my middle name, Lawrence, a name that resonates meaningfully and elegantly.
I have a distinct vision for creating high-end living spaces that combine functionality with sophisticated storytelling. What truly sets me apart is my unwavering focus on my clients, actively listening to their tastes and desires, my attention to detail, and leveraging my extensive design expertise to capture their unique style.
Outside of my professional pursuits, I am deeply committed to supporting impactful organizations that promote positive change. I currently serve on the design and construction committee of the United Jewish Appeal of Greater NY. Additionally, I volunteer at the Hetrick Martin Institute, ensuring that LGBTQ teens have access to safe spaces and providing them with nourishing meals. I have also contributed to the gala committee of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami, demonstrating my dedication to fostering, mentoring, and building strong communities.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Entrepreneurship is far from the glamorous and effortless image that some may perceive. Building a company from the ground up and developing it into a successful enterprise is a journey fraught with uncertainty and countless obstacles. I take immense pride in the quality of my deliverables, in part by hiring and managing an exceptional team, and by collaborating with the best artisans.
It’s important to stay positive as a leader and to remain prepared to tackle any challenges that arise. In addition, staying relevant and “always being hungry” is key. I recently executed a rebranding initiative for my company, recognizing the inevitability of evolution. Remaining in sync with contemporary trends is crucial, but equally important is presenting an accurate reflection of the business’s current identity, style, and essence.
My commitment to constantly networking and engaging with individuals is instrumental in both retaining our existing clients and attracting new ones!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I create bespoke, stylish, and sophisticated interior spaces. My focus is on my clients – building a connection with them, and delving into a deep understanding of who they are, their lifestyles, and sources of joy. I take all this information and transform their style into a bespoke design that is unmistakably their own.
I’ve had the pleasure of working with clients not only on their primary residences but also on their vacation homes – and I love to let geography be a part of the narrative. A client’s home in NYC will be very different from their property in the Hamptons, Miami, Palm Beach, or Aspen; however, each space is a reflection of their distinct character.
Risk-taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I approach risk with a meticulous and pragmatic mindset. My clients entrust me to create extraordinary living spaces, and occasionally, achieving this requires me to gently nudge them beyond their comfort zones by introducing elements they may not have considered.
With over two decades of experience in this field, when presenting a concept, I approach my clients with confidence and genuine authenticity. The outcome is a sense of trust – trust in me, trust in the creative process, and trust in my ability to discern what is best for them.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.elawrencedesign.com
- Instagram: @elawrencedesign
Image Credits
Reid Rolls and Greg Salvatore
