Key Takeaways
- Amy Lau, who passed away in January 2025, revolutionized interior design by masterfully blending fine art with natural elements.
- As co-founder of Design Miami Fair and collaborator with luxury brands, she created influential platforms for contemporary design.
- Her work earned consistent recognition from Architectural Digest and Elle Decor, cementing her status as a design luminary.
Amy Lau, a celebrated interior designer known for her visionary approach to merging art and design, has passed away in January 2025.
Her remarkable career, profound influence on contemporary interiors, and contributions to the design world leave a mark on the industry.
From Art Historian To Interior Design Luminary
Born in 1966 or 1967, Amy Lau grew up in Arizona, where her appreciation for natural landscapes and artistry took root.
She honed her expertise in art and design by earning a master’s degree in Fine and Decorative Arts from the Sotheby’s Institute of Art in New York.
Her academic background laid the foundation for her signature aesthetic: a seamless blend of artistry, sophistication, and thoughtful design.
In 2001, Lau established Amy Lau Design, a firm renowned for crafting interiors that exude warmth and character.
Her designs reflect a deep reverence for natural materials, integrating elements like wood, stone, and vibrant textures into luxurious, highly personalized spaces.
Architectural Digest lauded her work for its ability to elevate “mere finesse into the realm of pure magic.”
A Trailblazer In The Design World
Amy Lau was more than a designer; she was a curator and creator of experiences.
In 2005, Lau co-founded the Design Miami Fair, a globally recognized platform showcasing post-war to contemporary design.
Held alongside Art Basel in Miami and Basel, Switzerland, Design Miami became a premier venue for collectors and enthusiasts to discover and celebrate innovative design.
Her work wasn’t limited to private residences; Lau’s portfolio extended to collaborations with prestigious brands like Benjamin Moore, Elie Tahari, Bergdorf Goodman, and Architectural Digest.
She also curated distinctive interiors for luxury show houses, including the renowned Kips Bay Show House in New York.
Awards And Recognitions
Amy Lau’s exceptional contributions earned her numerous accolades, including being consistently named to Architectural Digest’s AD100 list, Elle Decor’s A-List, and New York Magazine’s Top 100 List.
In 2012, she received an honorary doctorate from the New York School of Interior Design and served as a keynote speaker for its graduating class.
Her firm also published a monograph in 2011, highlighting her unique ability to combine vintage and contemporary design elements into timeless interiors.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Amy Lau’s work transcended conventional interior design, embodying a philosophy that emphasized harmony between nature, art, and living spaces.
- She described her design process as a collaboration between the environment and its inhabitants, creating spaces that resonated on both functional and emotional levels.
