Member Spotlight: Lori Schram, Left Brain Design

Lori Schram is the founder of Left Brain Design, an award-winning interior space planning and design company. Currently, the company is making its mark downtown, as the principal developers for The Davenport Lofts condominium project on North Main Street.

Where and when do you get your best ideas? Walking to 36°N from my apartment at 6th and Boston... It's about half a mile, and it feels really URBAN walking north on Boston towards the BOK tower. Since the bulk of my energy is spent dreaming up ideas for the Davenport project, the tall buildings seem to inspire me. And a meditative walk loosens the creative part of my brain.

What’s a work tool or ritual that you couldn’t live without? I am the kind that needs vast amounts of visual real estate to feel like I'm effective. (I'm sure there is a movement toward being smaller and more efficient: Nope. I missed that train.) So at home and at 36°N, I have two 27" iMac dual monitors. I use the cloud, so no matter where the opportunity or creative inspiration hits me, I can pick up and continue working.

What skill would you like to master? Definitely all of the 3D modeling softwares...

What advice would you give to someone seeking to launch or grow a business? Learn to quit the right things.

What’s a big “win” you experienced in the past year? Not a business-related answer: But in 2017 we married off all THREE of our daughters. Within 8 months. It was simultaneously fun and horrifying. Luckily, there are only two sons left. Piece of cake. That is if they ever settle down...

What are you most looking forward to in the year to come? Moving the Davenport Lofts from concept to ground breaking. Every turn offers another "growth" opportunity. Nothing is linear. Three steps forward, two sideways, and one step back has been the mantra for 2017. I have been an ardent supporter of the Arts District since moving downtown in 2012. I can't wait to see and hear about all of the projects planned for our NW corner!

Why 36 Degrees North? Like most of us... my work space eco-system has cycled through working in my own commercial office to working from home. Since 1989 I've gone back and forth 9 times. Working from home usually devolves into "just another day of ME". Blurring the lines between office time and home life. Co-working helps me with that balance. We utilize the conference space for our planning and coordinating meetings. And I can stash all my products/creative tools in my 36°N office... freeing my small apartment to feel more like "home". But the best part for me is the incredible energy found here. It is inspiring to watch our community buzz with enthusiasm.

Do you want to give any shout-outs? Lani Burns: our Apple partner. She is so awesome! We need some more Lani time at 36°N. Come on Apple: build a store in the Arts District!