Lauren Abbass

Project Designer

Lauren joined The Brooklyn Studio in 2020. She is from Halifax, Canada, and she earned her Master of Architecture and her Bachelor of Environmental Design at Dalhousie University. Lauren is an AIA Associate and is working toward licensure in the state of New York.

While completing her thesis, Lauren worked as a teaching assistant in two architectural representation courses. She has conducted research on dynamic concrete molds, and she attended a collaborative studio at the Technical University of Delft exploring the relationship between urban form and rising sea levels. She also contributed to Dalhousie Architecture’s annual immersive installations for the Nocturne: Art at Night festival. Lauren’s thesis focused on the architectural expression of histories and familiar forms of the Halifax Harbour.

The Proust Questionnaire

Taking inspiration from a popular nineteenth-century parlor game, we sat down with each member of our team and asked them a few questions about their inspirations and aspirations.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Plenty of time and space, in moderation.

What is your greatest fear?

Missed opportunity.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Taking my time.

What talent would you most like to have?

A well-tuned musical ear.

What is your favorite color?

Lavender.

What is your favorite virtue?

Honesty.

Which living architect or designer do you most admire?

Zumthor.

Which dead architect or designer do you most admire?

Zaha Hadid.

What is the trait that you most appreciate in a building?

Genuine embracing of context and nature.

What is your favorite type of project to work on?

Rowhouses where quirky existing conditions are foregrounded and flourished.

Who is your favorite author?

Roland Barthes.

Who is your favorite artist?

Anni Albers.

Which historical figure do you most identify with?

Stanley Kubrick.

What is your most treasured possession?

My photo collection.

Where would you like to live?

Close to the ocean.

What quality do you most admire in others?

Honesty.

Stranded on a desert island, you have two books in your possession. What are they?

In Search of Lost Time and Walden.