Maker Monday: An Aspire Exclusive Interview With Lisa Sternfeld
by Aspire Design and Home
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Lisa Sternfeld WLLW Founder. Photo courtesy of Erin Derby |
Lisa Sternfeld is an accomplished interior designer and environmental health and wellness expert with a passion for education and a focus on creating healthier homes. After earning two degrees from Parsons School of Design and training with industry leaders Thomas O’Brien and Adam Tihany, she founded her design studio in 2006, specializing in residential and hospitality projects that embrace craft and tradition. Her perspective shifted when her son developed severe respiratory issues, revealing a lack of transparency in healthy materials within the home. This inspired her to launch WLLW, a venture that merges nearly two decades of design expertise with a renewed focus on wellness-driven interiors. Recognized as a WELL-Accredited Professional by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) and a Global Wellness Ambassador by the Global Wellness Institute, she aims to educate, inspire and drive change in the design industry, redefining homes as investments in health and wellbeing. Learn more about healthy home choices in today’s Maker Monday.
Andrew Joseph: What inspired you to become a designer?
Lisa Sternfeld: I was already a designer when everything changed in what felt like an instant. When my toddler developed severe respiratory issues, we began uncovering hidden problems in our home, including poor air quality, mold and harmful chemicals. It was a wake-up call. I hadn’t realized how deeply my design choices could affect health, not just how a space looks. That experience led me to found WLLW, a trusted resource that views design as an investment in health and well-being.
AJ: How do you incorporate sustainability into your designs?
LS: For me, sustainability is inseparable from design. It means creating environments that support human well-being while respecting surrounding ecosystems. At WLLW, we prioritize renewable materials, transparent sourcing and partnerships with makers and communities who share our commitment to integrity and long-term health. This approach is rooted in personal experience, after learning firsthand that even a beautiful home can hide harmful toxins.