Design transcends boundaries—
A universal language
Rooted in human experience
Honoring tradition, embracing innovation
Crafted with intention and skill
Breathing life into spaces
Where texture whispers stories
And warmth invites lingering
Bridging imagination and reality
Transforming the ordinary
Into the extraordinary
Weaving delight into daily life
A tapestry of culture and comfort
Connecting us to our surroundings
And to each other
Studio
Founded in 2018, LSD is a full service architectural design and interiors practice based in Austin, Texas. Our approach explores craftsmanship, texture, and tradition in pursuit of experiences that are contemporary, welcoming, and delightful.
We undertake both commercial and residential work. As both as a stylistic choice and out of respect for the environment, we focus mostly on renovations, additions, expansions, and adaptive reuse, taking on new construction projects sparingly with great regard for the site and the impact on the environment and community.
Our material persuasions are toward organic materials, utilizing locally sourced, renewable options where possible.
We believe well designed spaces, places, and things help us live more harmoniously with one another and with the world. We believe in getting to know our clients, fully understanding their goals and requirements, and creating delightful results.
We are based in Austin, Texas.
We are always interested in discussing new projects, so please get in touch.
Services
Architectural Design
Interior Design
Space Planning
Programming
Building Renovation
Remodels & Additions
Residential Architecture
Commercial Design
Branded Environments
Custom Furniture Design
Wine Cellar Design
Liz Swaminathan
Principal
A native Texan, Liz has been captivated by design since childhood. Much to her family’s amusement, she spent countless hours plotting ways to renovate her family’s home, raze and rebuild her grandparents’ lake cabin, and transform every "For Sale" house on the block into a girls-only clubhouse (with her business partner and neighbor, Caitlyn, who also committed her allowance to the venture).
Liz moved to Austin to attend the University of Texas at Austin School of Architecture, where she sacrificed countless nights of sleep in pursuit of the elusive ✓➕➕ (UTSOA alumni, iykyk). True to her Renaissance-woman spirit, she also immersed herself in coursework in Italian and Business.
Photo by Tara Welch
After graduation, Liz traded one UT for another, moving to Salt Lake City to work for a national retailer. There, she gained experience designing at every scale—from shopping centers to intricate window displays. She also ventured into commercial real estate, earning her license and joining Marcus & Millichap, where she consulted with and represented CRE investors.
Needing to thaw out and pining for BBQ, Liz returned to Texas, where she launched her residential design career at the renowned Matt Garcia Design before founding EAdesign. At EA, she designed single-family homes and consulted on commercial developments across Austin, San Antonio, and Montana. She even collaborated with Emmy Award-winning Art Director Richard Toyon as a Set Designer for ABC’s American Crime, filmed in Austin.
In 2015, Liz took an unexpected detour into the tech world, joining a healthcare software startup. For nearly a decade, she applied her problem-solving and storytelling skills to improve healthcare for millions of Americans—all while continuing to take on small design projects with family and friends as time allowed.
In 2024, Liz shifted her focus back to physical spaces, returning full-time to design with her firm Liz Swaminathan Design (formerly E.A. Design). Her approach blends problem-solving, storytelling, and aesthetics while drawing from a rich tapestry of personal and professional experiences: extensive travels in Italy, Spain, and France; humanitarian work in Kenya and Ghana; and expertise in real estate and healthcare. Passionate about sustainability and healthy living by design, Liz embraces Design for All principles in her work, is pursuing LEED accreditation, and actively seeks opportunities to provide pro bono design services and professional education for underserved communities.
Outside of leading LSD, Liz is deeply involved in philanthropy through organizations like Ballet Austin's Guild, Technology for Transformation, and Rescue River. She is also the proud mother of two preschoolers and an avid foodie, traveler, woodworker, photographer, and art enthusiast.