Lisa McDennon at release party with Stan and Karen Andrade, of Andrade Architects, Laguna Beach

November 17th, 2009—Candles lit the entryway and soft music filled the air of LRM Interior Design’s studio in Laguna Beach, California as guests arrived at the party, arranged for a special announcement.

Lisa Rachelle McDennon and her team greeted guests, who included some of Orange County’s top architect and construction firms as well as LRM Interior Design’s long-standing clientele. Guests nibbled at the stunning array of cheese and hors d’oeuvres and sipped wine and champagne as Lisa McDennon stood to make her announcement.

“I had set a goal to be published in a national magazine by the time I was 40,” remembers Lisa. “I was hoping for a spread showcasing my design work, but this is even more exciting!” Lisa removed a drape to present the latest issue of House Beautiful, where Lisa had been named as one of their “Next Wave of 20 Designers.”

“I am honored that House Beautiful chose me as one of 20 designers to watch out for—out of all the designers nationwide,” said Lisa. “But I couldn’t have done it without my team.” Lisa introduced members of her team, one by one, sharing their roles and contributions.

After winning two ASID Gold Design Awards in September, this accolade from House Beautiful cements—and celebrates—Lisa McDennon’s reputation as a talented and innovative designer.

The magazine’s previous “Next Wave” list, published five years ago in 2004, named such designers as Nate Berkus, who went on to garner national fame as one of Oprah’s favored designers.

What’s next for Lisa? “I’m looking forward to the future. Even before the House Beautiful article, I’ve had a few calls from television companies,” says Lisa. “A TV show could be interesting, but I want to make sure I can focus on my work and my clients—that’s what’s important to me.”

The elegant array of hors d'oeuvres at the party

Lisa presents her team

Lisa presents the House Beautiful article