Our Team
Laura Manchee Designs is an award-winning, full-service interior design studio based in Houston, Texas. Comprised of a passionate team of designers, we are committed to creating gracious and liveable interiors tailored to our clients’ needs and lifestyles. Whether you are embarking on a new construction project, renovating an existing home, or looking to furnish your space, our team is available with meaningful design solutions.
LAURA MANCHEE
Principal - ASID, RID
Combining her extensive commercial design experience with a passion for curated residential interiors, Laura brings a sharp business acumen and a refined aesthetic to luxury home design. Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Laura received her Bachelor of Science in Interior Design from the University of Texas at Austin. She began her career at one of Houston’s top commercial architecture firms, Ziegler Cooper Architects, where she became an associate principal and managed a corporate interiors studio for the firm. In 2004, Laura started her own interior design practice focusing on residential design. Laura gravitates towards warm and welcoming interiors that incorporate pattern, color, and unexpected details. As an avid art collector, she loves visiting art galleries and curating selections for clients, as well as her own personal collection.
Laura is a licensed interior designer and serves on the board of advisors for the Interior Design program at Houston Community College. When Laura isn’t busy running the design studio, she enjoys traveling, collecting, and spending quality family time with her husband and two young boys.
NAMITA SUTARIA
Interior Designer - Allied ASID
Namita is a native Texan and a longtime Houston resident. With a background in medical technology, she sought a change of pace and an outlet for her creative side and earned a degree in interior design. She joined LMD as an intern, and now after more than a decade with the firm, she has become an integral part of the team. Our Jill-of-all-trades, Namita’s sharp attention to detail and proficiency in multiple design and business programs makes her indispensable to the team. Namita is drawn to modern architecture and is influenced by the vibrant locales from her travels around the world. Namita previously served as an Adjunct Interior Design professor at Houston Community College and now serves on their board of advisors for the Interior Design program.
A photography enthusiast, Namita loves to travel the world searching for her next perfect landscape to capture. She also loves graphic design and relaxing with her friends.
AMANDA FISHER
Interior Designer - Allied ASID
Originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma, Amanda first attended Oklahoma State University and earned a Bachelor of Science in Marketing. Interior design has been a lifelong passion, so after several years in corporate America, she pursued a second degree in interior design. After an internship at a Houston hospitality design firm, she joined the LMD team where she has been for more than eight years. Amanda’s client-centric approach to design and her focused project management skills are key to her success as a designer. She loves cultivating tailored and inviting interiors across multiple design disciplines that reflect her clients’ passions and lifestyles. In addition to her design projects, Amanda’s previous marketing education is at work in all of LMD’s marketing initiatives.
Outside of her love for design, Amanda enjoys reading, traveling the world, and spending time with her family, friends, husband and dog.
LIZ WADDICK
Interior Designer
Liz is a proud Minnesotan, originally from Minneapolis. After moving to Houston and completing her interior design degree, Liz joined the LMD team as an intern and later as an interior designer. She’s been with the company for over four years. A nature enthusiast, Liz loves bringing external inspiration inside. Her organic interiors incorporate subdued layers, natural elements, and refined finishes.
Liz loves the outdoors, and when she’s not at the office, you’ll find her playing beach volleyball, camping, hiking, and spending time with her family.
CAROLINE REES SERNA
Interior Designer - RID, LEED AP
Caroline grew up just outside of New Orleans. Her love of architecture and history led her to the Northeast where she attended Philadelphia College of Textiles and Science (now Jefferson University) and received her Bachelor of Science in Interior Design. While she loved Philly, she missed her southern roots and made her way back to Texas. Caroline has over 25 years of experience in commercial interior design and was an associate principal at one of Houston’s top design firms where she managed multi-million dollar projects for a corporate design studio. Caroline took a brief hiatus from design to pursue another passion of hers when she opened an art studio for kids before joining the LMD team. She has a broad background in design and vast technical knowledge. Her detail-oriented nature is in action both on projects and LMD’s business processes.
When she’s not working, Caroline enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, and playing games.
AMANDA OSTROM
Interior Designer and Procurement Specialist - Allied ASID
A Houston native, Amanda graduated from the University of Houston with a Bachelor of Arts in Advertising and Marketing. Later discovering her love for design, she went back to school and received an additional degree in Interior Design in 2015. She been pursuing her passion for the last 12 years, gaining experience and honing her craft. After working in Interiors for a commercial architecture firm, Amanda joined the LMD team in 2022. She loves combining creativity with problem-solving to create meaningful spaces for clients. Working with Amanda is a joy as she offers a curated perspective while reflecting the client’s personality and functional needs.
On the weekends, she puts on her supermom cape, attending sports and activities with her three young, fantastic kids. She loves playing Mah Jongg and Bunco with friends, reading, and trying new restaurants. Ask for recommendations - she’s our foodie!