For nearly two decades, Laura Aguilar Design Studio has brought elegance, craftsmanship, and warmth to homes across the Carolinas and beyond. Founded by husband and wife duo Laura and Aaron Aguilar, the Charlotte-based design and build firm has earned national recognition — including features in Forbes and Better Homes & Gardens — for creating classically inspired homes that are as livable as they are luxurious.
Although originally from Southern California, the Aguilars moved to Charlotte over 10 years ago. “We came to visit some family and loved the area, cost of living, and the change of seasons,” says Laura. “So we made the big move across the country!” They’ve lived here ever since. These days, they offer a one-stop shop for custom homes, renovations, and full-service interior design through Aguilar Design Studio.
Construction Expertise Meets Interior Design Excellence
Aaron, a licensed contractor with a background working alongside architects and engineers, leads the construction side of the business. Laura, the principal designer, brings a deep love of timeless interiors and a passion for transforming houses into beloved family homes. From architectural plans and project management to selecting bespoke furnishings, they oversee every step of the process.
All told, most of Aguilar Design Studio’s clients reach out when their homes no longer serve their needs. “People often just get tired of their house not ‘working’ for how they live,” she explains. “Our job is to help them reimagine their space. We help them make smart decisions about where to invest to get the most long-term value.”
One Studio, Every Detail
No matter the project, Aguilar Design Studio guides clients through five key phases: concepting, design, construction, final walk through, and turnkey installation. As a matter of fact, this approach is not just a workflow — it’s the foundation of their success. “We’ve perfected our systems over the years,” says Laura. “And we’ve learned not to stray from them.” Part of keeping that commitment means ensuring at the project outset that clients understand and embrace the timeline. “We’re not the right fit for someone who wants a rushed job; beauty takes time,” explains Laura. For renovations, the design phase can take 12 to 16-plus weeks. Construction spans anywhere from four months to over a year, depending on the project’s scale and complexity.
A signature aesthetic defines their work, which is warm, timeless, and inviting. “We design spaces to be lived in and enjoyed,” says Laura. “We blend functionality and beauty to reflect each client’s lifestyle.” Whether it’s a kitchen renovation, a whole home build, or a guest house addition, every project revolves around a thoughtful, detailed design process. Another pillar of their studio is thoughtful sourcing. From eco friendly materials and energy efficient systems to finding art from local artisans to partnering with vendors to create custom products, sustainability and high quality craftsmanship are central to the studio’s ethos.
A Strong Foundation at Laura Aguilar Design Studio
Above all, the couple attributes their success to a strong partnership — both professionally and personally. “Our biggest accomplishment isn’t a single project,” says Laura. “It’s the fact that we can be happily married and happy business partners every single day.”
In summary, for clients seeking a trusted team to design, build, and fully furnish a home that will stand the test of time, Aguilar Design Studio delivers with style and conviction. “We fully understand that a home is often the biggest investment our clients will ever make,” says Laura. “And we don’t take that responsibility lightly.”
