Amy Lau—a designer whose talent knew no bounds, whose work was an exquisite symphony of art and architecture, and whose vision inspired those privileged to collaborate with her. I count myself among the fortunate, having had the honor of working alongside Amy on a project that not only embodied her genius but also deepened my admiration for her remarkable gift.
On one such project, a sanctuary for her discerning client, our paths have intersected in an unforgettable way. The centerpiece of this home—an antique limestone fireplace—was a collaborative labor of love, a testament to the harmonious melding of her creative vision and love for the craft.
Amy had an innate ability to see the soul of a material, and she immediately recognized the story etched into every groove and weathered detail of an antique limestone fireplaces I have shown her.
Working with Amy was always a creative dance—her ideas flowed with an effortless elegance, yet she was grounded in meticulous attention to detail as anyone who knew her would tell you.
Her approach to design was deeply intuitive, guided not only by aesthetics but by an emotional connection to the spaces she created. She wanted her clients to feel something profound, to experience a resonance between the architecture and their own lives that was stripped away from her own ego which is a bit rare in our industry where the cult-of-self seems to run high.
For this project, Amy envisioned the fireplace as more than just a functional element. She saw it as the heart of the home, a relic of history that would anchor the space and tell its own tale. The limestone element carried the weight of centuries, its patina spoke of distant lands and ancient hands. When the pieces arrived, Amy’s eyes lit up—that sparkle of excitement that only true artists possess when their vision begins to take tangible form.
Installing the fireplace was a meticulous process. Amy was there every step of the way, her presence not as an overseer but as a partner—immersed, curious, and always gracious. She delighted in the imperfections of the stone, calling them "beautiful scars" that added depth and character. Her profound respect for the material’s authenticity was uncommon, and it pushed me to approach the work with even greater reverence.
When the fireplace was finally installed, it became everything she had imagined—a timeless centerpiece that drew you in, commanding both attention and gravity. Surrounded by Amy’s masterful curation—vibrant textiles, sculptural furnishings, and an art collection that spoke of her worldly sensibility—the fireplace seemed to hum with life. It was as though the room itself breathed, imbued with Amy’s energy and the passion we had poured into it.
Looking back, that and other project were more than just a collaboration. they were mini masterclass in design philosophy, and a window into Amy’s soul may God rests hers. She had this rare ability to elevate everyone around her, to inspire through her creativity, toughness and kindness. Amy didn’t just design spaces; she created legacies—rooms that told stories, that held meaning, that inspired millions and that left indelible impressions on all who experienced them.
Amy’s passing is a profound loss, not just to those who knew and loved her, but to the world of design as a whole. Her work will endure as a testament to her extraordinary talent and her generous spirit. She has left behind a legacy of beauty and inspiration that will continue to touch lives for generations to come.
Rest in peace, dear Amy.
Your light will forever shine in the spaces you so lovingly transformed and in the hearts of the millions dazzled by your creations adorning the front covers of many shelter magazines like AD, Veranda, House Beautiful and countless others...
Thanks, Joseph Sage
Founder and Owner at Phoenician Stone
For more information visit us at :
www.MonolithicStone.com
or call us directly at: (949) 759-6944
Instagram:
@MonolithicStone
Comments
Post a Comment