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.
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Laura Manchee
PRINCIPAL - RID, ASID
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 sons.
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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 fifteen years 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.
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Amanda Fisher
INTERIOR DESIGNER - NCIDQ
Originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma, Amanda earned a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Oklahoma State University. After several years working in corporate America, she left to pursue a second degree in interior design, her lifelong passion. She interned at a Houston hospitality design firm before joining the LMD team, where she has been for ten 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 husband, dogs, family, and friends.
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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.
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Julia Patteson
INTERIOR DESIGNER
Julia is from Houston, Texas and graduated from Baylor University with her Bachelor of Science in Interior Design. Her love for design began at an early age, growing up constantly rearranging her bedroom. Before officially joining LMD, she interned with the firm, gaining valuable experience in the design process. As one of our newest additions, Julia brings a fresh, spirited perspective to every project she touches. She loves creating welcoming spaces that tell a story through bold pattern play and layered textures.When she’s not dreaming up interiors, you’ll find her spending time with friends and family, discovering new restaurants, cheering on the Astros, or in the kitchen baking.
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Yue Shi
INTERIOR DESIGNER
Originally from Beijing, China, Yue brings a balanced blend of analytical insight and creative curiosity to the studio. She holds a master’s degree in finance from Syracuse University and began her career as a valuation analyst before discovering her passion for interior design. During her education, Yue found her strength in rendering and visual development—helping clients clearly envision the environments they will one day call home. She is detail-oriented, thoughtful, and brings a calm, refined sensibility to every project she touches. Outside the studio, Yue enjoys yoga and meditation, long walks in nature, and birdwatching. At home, she enjoys cuddling with her two beloved cats.
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Neda Eghbalzadeh
LIBRARIAN
Originally from Tehran, Iran, Neda has a background in graphic design and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Painting, along with a Residential Interior Design Certification from the Designer Society of America. Before joining Laura Manchee Designs, she taught art in a variety of educational settings. At LMD, she supports the designers by coordinating with vendors and clients and managing the materials library to keep projects moving smoothly. Passionate about art and design, she brings creativity and attention to detail to her work.
Outside of the studio, Neda enjoys painting, staying active at the gym, and spending time with her family and two cats.