The Life and Legacy of Amy Lau: A Visionary Interior Designer
Amy Lau, a celebrated New York interior designer and the co-founder of the annual Design Miami fair, passed away on January 17, 2024, in Scottsdale, Arizona, at the age of 56. Her death was caused by cancer, as revealed by her family. Lau’s work was deeply rooted in her passion for modernist design and the vibrant colors of the American Southwest, which became the hallmark of her unique aesthetic.
A Career Built on Curatorial Expertise and Bold Design Choices
Amy Lau’s success was not just about selecting paint colors or matching furniture and rugs, although she excelled in these areas. Her true talent lay in her ability to choose significant, often iconic, pieces—such as a Vladimir Kagan sofa, an Anish Kapoor sculpture, or a bronze work by Silas Seandel—and build striking, warm interiors around them. These selections were not afterthoughts but the very essence of her design philosophy. Her work was a masterful blend of midcentury modern influences and cutting-edge contemporary art, making her a trailblazer in the field of interior design.
A Champion of Artists and Artisans
Lau’s clients included influential figures such as media executive and Seagram heir Edgar Bronfman Jr., fashion designer Elie Tahari, and real estate developer Craig Robins. Her commitment to supporting current artists and artisans was unparalleled. She sought out emerging talents and incorporated their work into her designs, believing that their creations were worthy of her discerning clients’ investments. This approach not only set her apart but also helped establish her as a key figure in the design world.
The Founding of Design Miami and Its Impact
In 2005, Lau teamed up with Craig Robins and designer Ambra Medda to launch Design Miami, a collectible-design fair that ran in tandem with the annual Art Basel Miami Beach. The fair quickly became a crucial platform for designers and their clients, showcasing some of the most innovative and exquisite designs from around the globe. Lau’s vision for Design Miami was instrumental in elevating the status of collectible design, making it an integral part of the global art and design conversation.
A Distinctive Aesthetic Reflecting Her Personality
Amy Lau’s striking red hair was often mentioned by her colleagues, not just as a defining feature but also as a reflection of her bold and vibrant design aesthetic. Her interiors often included the same shades of red that appeared in her hair, creating a sense of continuity between her personal style and her professional work. As Amanda Nisbet, a fellow interior designer, noted, "Amy embodied her design aesthetic." Her work was a testament to her fearless approach to color and her ability to mix furniture in unexpected ways, creating spaces that were both harmonious and visually striking.
From Education to Entrepreneurship: The Evolution of Amy Lau Design
Born on December 12, 1968, in Scottsdale, Arizona, Amy Lau grew up in a family of art collectors and was surrounded by the rich artistic traditions of the Southwest. Her academic journey included a bachelor’s degree in art history from the University of Arizona and a master’s degree in fine and decorative arts from the Sotheby’s Institute of Art in Manhattan. After managing Aero, a New York design gallery, and serving as the design director at the Lin-Weinberg Gallery, Lau founded her eponymous firm, Amy Lau Design, in 2001. Her firm became known for creating spaces that merged various styles and periods through the lens of modernism. Over the years, she also collaborated with leading manufacturers to design products for the home, further expanding her influence in the design world.
A Sanctuary of Her Own: Amy Lau’s Personal Space
Amy Lau’s personal apartment in Alwyn Court, a prewar building in Midtown West, was a testament to her design philosophy. After purchasing the one-bedroom apartment in 2018, she embarked on a six-year renovation, meticulously transforming the space into her sanctuary. The apartment featured a mix of contemporary and vintage pieces, including works by artists and artisans she admired, such as Michael Coffey and Erik Bruce. Lau even designed the wallpaper for the bedroom and foyer herself. The home’s focal point was an Art Nouveau Jugendstil chandelier she discovered in Europe, reflecting her deep love for design history and her ability to create spaces that were both personal and timeless.
Family, Friends, and a Lasting Legacy
Amy Lau is survived by her parents, Frederick and Patti Lau, and her siblings, Megan Hackbarth, Kati Travelle, and Matthew Lau. Her passing has left a void in the design community, but her legacy endures through her work, her collaborations, and the countless lives she touched. As a designer, entrepreneur, and advocate for emerging talent, Amy Lau redefined what it means to live with great design, leaving behind a body of work that continues to inspire and delight.
