We design sustainable, place-based architecture that values people, history, and nature.
re-imagine. Re-invest. Reconnect.
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grounded in sustainability
We practice an architecture of sustainability that is rooted in the re-imagining of existing spaces.
Our work affirms that in revitalizing places that already exist, we reinvest not only in infrastructure but in our communities - reconnecting people to history, nature, and one another.
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professionally licensed
We are a full-service, woman-owned & HUB certified architectural firm licensed in the state of North Carolina.
We work with both experienced and new-to-development clients from pre-design through construction administration. Collaborating with trusted engineering and specialized design consultants, we right-size our team for each project.
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committed to listening
We build listening and feedback tools into the front and back end of our process to be sure we deliver not just a beautiful space, but one that satisfies stakeholder and occupant goals.
From convening diverse groups at the project start to post-occupancy surveys, we listen and learn from you.
HI, I’M Lauren Frye.
With over a decade of experience in client-centric adaptive reuse projects, I founded Latent Designs to expand access to sustainable, place-based architecture by building a practice centered around re-connecting us to history, nature, and each other.
Passionate about conserving resources and educating the next generation, I've chosen to focus my practice on adaptive reuse, educational, and small scale community-based projects.
I love the outdoors, reading, fitness, and creating things & exploring with my two boys & husband. I care deeply about my community in Winston-Salem, NC and am founder and board chair of the Community Design Studio.
For more on my background, check out my LinkedIn profile.
our expertise
Adaptive Reuse
Rebuild connections with the past
There's something about existing buildings that inspires and grounds us. Our adaptive reuse projects strive to reconnect people and communities through shared histories, creating not just spaces but places where visitors will want to return again and again. Latent Designs works with clients to thoughtfully reuse existing buildings for new businesses while maintaining details and materials that tell stories of the past.
From Lesser-Known Beer Company co-founder, Will Loring, 2022:
“Lauren was instrumental in the success of our planning and execution for our brewery. She was an absolute pleasure to work with. Her dedication to our project and expertise in adaptive reuse was second to none. “
Learning spaces
Every space provides a learning opportunity
As a high school design teacher and a mother, Latent Designs founder Lauren Frye knows that every space can be a place for learning. Our K-12 school renovation projects think outside the classroom with a focus on wellness, flexibility, and connectivity to both technology and the outdoors. We believe in learning through experience, and welcome collaborations with teachers and students as part of the design (and build!) process!
From Forsyth Country Day School Nursing Staff, 2021:
““It really is wonderful and it was a pleasure to work with Lauren. It has been a privilege to have such a great place in a perfect location. We are grateful and it has helped with all of our [COVID-19] mitigation. thank you!”
OUR PROCESS
PRAISE FOR LATENT DESIGNS
“I was very impressed with Lauren and her attention to the Client's needs in the first renovation project we were associated with. As a result, when we had a similar renovation in our building, using Lauren to handle the Architectural design was an easy choice.”
— Barry Hennings, President, Omega Construction, 2021
“Lauren is so immensely knowledgeable and passionate about her designs. She was very attentive AND flexible, two incredibly valuable assets in my opinion. Call Lauren for your architectural or design needs, you won’t regret it!”
— Blake Ginther, President, The Ginther Group, 2021