ABOUT THE STUDIO
CRAFTING TIMELESS SPACES WITH ELEGANCE AND VISION
Lisa Ellis is a designer whose work is informed by a lifetime of diverse experiences, an enduring passion for history, and a deep appreciation for craftsmanship. Her journey has taken her across disciplines, countries, and creative industries, all of which shape her ability to craft spaces that are as timeless as they are personal.
Lisa’s love of design was shaped by her early years growing up in the historic town of Americus, Georgia, where she lived in a mid-1800s home that her parents lovingly restored. Her parents purchased and renovated many homes in their historic neighborhood as investment properties, instilling in Lisa an early appreciation for restoration, craftsmanship, and the interplay of real estate and design. Her family, involved in real estate law and banking, greatly influenced her understanding of investment and development, while her parents’ passion for preservation inspired her own approach to design—a foundation that is now reflected in her three businesses.
Lisa’s travels and experiences have taken her on a journey that expanded her perspective and honed her craft. While studying history at the University of Georgia, her education was enriched by a short time at Oxford University, where she focused on ecclesiastical architecture and furnishings, deepening her belief in design as a reflection of humanity's shared heritage. From there, she moved to New York City, where she worked for an architect of note who designed tall buildings worldwide, and later studied at Parsons School of Design, refining her understanding of space, materials, and form. Her path also led her to Dallas, Texas; Atlanta, Georgia; New York City; London; and ultimately both Athens, Georgia, and Atlanta, Georgia, where she is now based. Along the way, she cofounded a production company, working in set design, production, and post-production, sharpening her skills as a visual storyteller and mastering the transformative power of light and design.
In 2003, Lisa founded Hawthorne House, a furnishings showroom that initially specialized in importing 18th and 19th century English and French antiques, discovered through her extensive travels in England and France. During these travels, she studied with generational masters to learn the age-old crafts of furniture building, restoration, French polishing, and gilding, further deepening her respect for timeless craftsmanship. Lisa is also the founder of SCOPE Lighting, a lighting design firm and showroom, and Lisa Ellis Design, her full-service architectural and interior design business. Together, these ventures reflect her commitment to integrating history, craftsmanship, and innovative design into modern living.
Today, Lisa brings a nuanced understanding of design history, a sophisticated global perspective, and a passion for thoughtful craftsmanship to every project. Her interiors are elegant, functional, and layered with meaning, reflecting both her clients’ stories and her lifelong pursuit of beauty.