Lydia Geschwill

Project Designer- Interiors

Phone: (716) 646-8251
Email: lydia@havenarchitecture.com 

Years of Experience:

1- Haven Architecture : 1- Total

 

About Lydia

I was born and raised in Buffalo, New York, where my love for design began long before I had the words for it. As a kid, my favorite thing to do was look at houses from the backseat of the car. I was always hoping for the ones with big, open windows so I could catch a glimpse of what the inside looked like. I loved imagining how people lived and how they decorated their spaces. Whenever I went to a friend’s house, I insisted on a full tour—even at eight years old during sleepovers—because I was so fascinated by the way every home felt different.

 

Growing up, my uncle worked at an architecture firm, and when he babysat me, he would often bring his work home with him. I would sit beside him, watching him as he created intricate floor plans. He noticed how interested I was and began teaching me how to use the software myself—programs that, years later, would become a fundamental part of my own design education.

 

When I chose to attend design school, I felt an overwhelming sense of clarity, as if every small moment from my childhood had been gently guiding me there. For me, design is more than arranging furniture or selecting colors—it is about shaping experiences and creating spaces that hold memories. I want to create environments that feel warm, inspiring, and personal—places that offer relief at the end of a long day and spark a sense of wonder the moment someone walks through the door

Professional Education & Experience

Education

Bachelor of Interior Design- Villa Maria College, 2025

Associate, Social Science- Erie Community College 2020

2025- Current

Project Designer- Interiors

Haven Architecture

  • Developed interior concepts focused on material harmony and user experience.
  • Selected finishes, fixtures, and materials aligned with project aesthetics and durability goals.
  • Designed cabinetry, built-ins, lighting layouts, and interior trim packages.
  • Prepared material boards, rendered interior views, and sourcing documents for client review.
  • Coordinated with fabricators, vendors, and architectural staff for cohesive project execution.

The Proust Questionaire

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

Describe your education journey

Bachelor’s Degree

Describe your experience journey

Unique! I was looking for a commercial job I stumbled upon what I wanted to do when I first got to college – residential projects. Seeing how an opportunity arose to go back to what I originally went to school for, gave me more of a spark to create spaces where people can relax after a long day.

Favorite Project you have worked on?

A complicated addition where space planning was very important because of the small amount of
space to redesign.

One Sentence or word that captures your design philosophy or approach?

Being able to create affordable, authentic spaces where people can unwind and be their truest
selves

What inspires your work? (People, places, things, experiences etc)

Color and patterns and things that you wouldn’t expect. your home should be just as unique as you

Why did you choose this field?

Your home is your safe space. It shouldn’t just be a couch, fireplace and coffee table. It should reflect who you are, and how you want to feel in the space

Describe your design style in 3 words

Unconventional, Personable, Perceptive

What would be your dream project(s)? (real or imaginary)

I want to create spaces that change the world—whether it’s a residential home with a self-sustaining farm and garden, or a commercial building designed to positively impact the community and environment

If your life had a soundtrack to it, what song would it be, or what artist?

Anything with a fast BPM. My mind is full of ideas and inspiration and my life is packed with family, friends, and creating spaces people can enjoy for a long time

What is your favorite building of all time?

Hemisfèric, an IMAX theater in Valencia, Spain

Go to a stress snack?

Nerds gummy clusters and a cosmic brownie

What is something that sparks your creativity?

Inspiration from other people helps open my eyes to more possibilities

What do you do when you are not working? (which should be 90% of the time because we don't promote workaholics)

I love puzzles and coloring, cuddling my cats, and hanging out with my friends

What's a fun fact people wouldn't expect about you?

I used to study neuroscience until I felt the urge to design things which led me to take a semester
off and realize that interior design was my true calling

What is something you always have to have in your workspace?

Fuzzy blanket and water!

Favorite spot in town?

Spot Coffee because they have the best Avocado Toast around!

How do you bring your touch into your work?

Adding pops of color and/or pattern

What is your most unconventional source of inspiration?

My friends and family. Their support for my passion keeps me inspired to design things that they
would also be proud of and love

Anything else you feel inspired to add?

I love cats