From a young age, Amanda Leigh was captivated by the world of art and architecture. Her unique journey into the design industry saw her participating in the Appalachia Service Project, providing home repairs for income-eligible families. Despite other ventures, such as owning a restaurant in New York City, her passion for design never waned. Amanda realized her true calling in architecture and design after completing her first independent restoration project, fueling her decision to pursue this path full-time.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Architect: Amanda Leigh
Co-Founder: Taylor Hahn
Location: Los Angeles, California
Firm: House of Rolison
Inspiration: Decommissioned Firehouses
Project Highlight: Bluebird Property
In 2022, Amanda Leigh, alongside her partner Taylor Hahn, founded House of Rolison, a Los Angeles-based design and development firm. Together, they specialize in discovering forgotten homes and restoring them to their original splendor. Their approach mixes vintage elements with contemporary design, resulting in spaces that push innovation boundaries while exuding upscale living. Amanda and Taylor’s collaborations stand out for their bespoke quality, with a particular focus on decommissioned firehouses, which Amanda finds especially intriguing.
At the heart of their design philosophy is the seamless blend of Amanda’s artistic sensibilities with Taylor’s invaluable support, making House of Rolison unique. This dynamic partnership allows them to approach projects with creativity and a fresh perspective. Whether reimagining Spanish Colonial properties or bungalows, their work highlights their commitment to a signature luxury aesthetic that defies replication elsewhere. Amanda attributes much of her creative inspiration to Taylor, who has significantly influenced her outlook and approach within their business endeavors.
Amanda Leigh’s passion for architecture extends beyond her professional work; she is inspired by iconic structures like the Flatiron Building in New York City. She admires the restoration efforts to convert it for residential use, further cementing her love for innovative and historical architecture. On traveling, Amanda finds inspiration in places like the restaurant Addison in San Diego, where culinary design artistry left a profound impression on her through its taste and visual allure.
Moreover, Amanda has a longstanding fascination with the art and engineering of staircases. She appreciates the intricate balance between function and form that staircases can represent, showcasing the harmony achievable within architectural design. Her admiration extends to framing and carpentry, where she finds captivation in the details and craftsmanship of architectural elements like groin vaults, reminding her to appreciate the effort and artistry inherent in design and construction.
Among the many innovative projects by House of Rolison, several stand out, including a vibrant family room at their Roscomare property and a distinctive kitchen at their Lloydcrest project. Their primary suite at the Bluebird property masterfully juxtaposes old and new elements. At the same time, their “blue bathroom” at Bluebird showcases a harmonious mix of color, shape, and texture to create a dynamic, soul-filled space. Through these projects, Amanda and Taylor successfully manifest their love for thoughtful design and timeless elegance, continually enriching the living spaces they touch with life and warmth.
