At Home With: Geoff Lawrence & Sabrina Andersen

Geoff Lawrence and Sabrina Andersen are the creative duo behind Geoff Lawrence Design, a company known for its transformative renovations. Geoff handles general contracting while Sabrina focuses on design, working together to create beautiful and practical homes. They approach each of their restoration projects as if they might live in them forever, ensuring meticulous attention to detail. Yet, their creative drive means they’re always looking for the next property to transform, often before finishing the current one.

“We don’t just renovate houses; we create homes,” says Sabrina. Each project begins with a thoughtful concept and results in a space where buyers immediately feel at home. This was evident in their latest project on Argyle Road, a 1920s house recently sold by Border City Living. Geoff and Sabrina turned its cramped rooms into open, inviting spaces, capturing widespread online attention.

The Argyle house renovation was challenging, especially during the pandemic. The project faced setbacks, from material shortages to engineering errors, stretching what was meant to be a six-week renovation into seven months. “At one point, we were living in the basement with a completely gutted main floor,” Geoff recalls. They encountered hidden issues, like a cut-off structural beam and roots invading the basement. Despite these challenges, their expertise and determination saved this historic property.

For Geoff and Sabrina, choosing the right neighbourhood is crucial. They prefer areas with a strong sense of community where residents take pride in their homes. “We like buying the worst house on the block and turning it into something the whole neighbourhood can be proud of,” says Geoff. Their renovations add real value and restore the integrity of each house.

At Geoff Lawrence Design, no challenge is too big. “We can take a photo from a client and recreate it,” says Sabrina. “There’s always a way to make something happen.” They focus on unlocking each space’s full potential, attracting clients who share their commitment to quality. “People might think we’re crazy for taking on the projects we do, but we love a challenge,” Geoff adds.

While each home they design has its unique character, their style consistently features bright, airy spaces tailored to the home’s architecture. They draw inspiration from the East Coast, Portugal, Tulum in Mexico, and designers like Sarah Sherman Samuel, who play with colour and pattern.

After leaving Walkerville, Geoff and Sabrina have begun their next project on Victoria Avenue, offering a new challenge and a fresh canvas for their creativity. They have a talent for seeing potential where others might not, transforming and elevating homes to give them new life. This work reflects their shared vision and partnership, both in business and life.