Interior Designer Amy Lau has Sadly Passed Away: The design world is mourning the loss of Amy Lau, an Arizona-born, Manhattan-based interior designer celebrated for her bold, art-infused aesthetic. Amy Lau passed away on 18 January 2025, as confirmed by designer Brian J. McCarthy and others on social media. Her work, characterized by a seamless fusion of art, design, and vibrant colors, left an indelible mark on modern interiors.
Amy Lau was best known for her ability to transform homes into sophisticated works of art. Drawing inspiration from the vivid hues of the American Southwest, Lau embraced colors such as dusty olive, sienna, and rust in her designs, which she called “my colors.” Her debut monograph, Expressive Modern (Monacelli Press, 2011), captured her philosophy of integrating fine art and innovative design to create cohesive spaces.
Her client list included prominent collectors like Clarissa and Edgar Bronfman Jr., Craig Robins, and artist Barbara Gross. Lau’s interiors were celebrated for their meticulous attention to detail, blending custom pieces, antiques, and mid-20th-century furnishings with striking artworks that harmonized through color, texture, and substance.
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In a 2022 interview with Architectural Digest, Lau described her design ethos: “Every piece in an environment has a supporting role to play within that space.” In 2005, Amy Lau co-founded the inaugural Design Miami with Ambra Medda, curating 15 galleries and awarding a design prize to legendary architect Zaha Hadid.
Her influence extended to New York’s Salon Art + Design expo, where in 2017, she became the first designer invited to exhibit. Lau’s luxuriously adorned living room display, inspired by the 120-year legacy of Art Nouveau, featured pottery, minerals, and timeless design elements.
Her projects combined functionality and artistic expression, turning living spaces into immersive environments. This approach earned her a spot on Architectural Digest’s prestigious AD100 list for four consecutive years. Amy Lau grew up in Paradise Valley, Arizona, where the desert landscape shaped her appreciation for natural beauty and creative potential.
Her grandmother, an artist and mineralogist, introduced her to the wonders of nature, igniting a lifelong passion for collecting shells, stones, and other natural materials. This connection to the natural world became a hallmark of her design philosophy.
Lau’s parents were avid collectors of regional art and culture, further fostering her artistic interests. She studied art history at the University of Arizona before traveling through Mexico to source artisan-made works for a Tucson gallery. Lau later moved to New York City, where she earned a master’s degree in fine and decorative arts at Sotheby’s Institute of Art.
Lau’s career began with roles at Thomas O’Brien’s Aero design firm and the midcentury furniture-focused Lin-Weinberg Gallery. These experiences deepened her understanding of collectible design and historical craftsmanship. In 2001, she launched her own firm, Amy Lau Design (formerly Forms of Design), which quickly became synonymous with art-driven interiors and bold innovation.
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Amy Lau’s passing is a profound loss to the design community. Her visionary approach to interiors, which celebrated the intersection of art and life, inspired countless colleagues, clients, and admirers. As the design world reflects on her contributions, her legacy will live on in the breathtaking spaces she created and the influence she left behind.
Amy Lau’s passion, creativity, and commitment to elevating interior design will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of experiencing her work.
Hastro is a compassionate writer for Funeral Diary, focused on sharing accurate and heartfelt obituary and death news. Alongside honoring lives, he also helps raise awareness for families in need by featuring verified GoFundMe campaigns related to funeral expenses and urgent family support. Through every article, hastro aims to offer both tribute and help in times of grief.
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