…all that and a bag of chips! 

Remember that saying? Or what about “talk to the hand.” Or, perhaps you were too busy “gettin’ jiggy with it.” We definitely used to say (and do) some ridiculous things in the 1990’s. One thing that most certainly wasn’t ridiculous that came out of that time, was the birth of Lita Dirks & Co.

Lita Dirks & Co, LLC was launched 25 years ago in March 1995.

To celebrate 25 years of creative endeavors, cultivating relationships, and designing dreams, we are reminiscing about some of the trends and memories of that time. In addition, as this is a milestone year for the company, we thought it was apropos to share lessons learned and wisdom imparted to us over the last 25 years or so. And as always, looking back at pictures from the past is fun (albeit at times a little embarrassing. What were we thinking?). 

Deep(ish) Dive with our Designers

It is no small feat to start and grow a business in an industry as unpredictable as home building. Not to mention a company that has successfully weathered the storms of housing booms and busts for 25 years. There are so many reasons why, but perhaps the most important factor is the LD & Co team. Some have been a part of the team since (almost) day one, and others have recently come aboard. However, it is this diverse, dynamic, and growing staff that is making LD & Co the strongest it’s been in 25 years.

We wanted to know what it is about working at LD & Co that makes it such a great place to work. Why is it that we are able to create consistently amazing, award-winning, and dream inspiring designs. So, we asked:

What is your favorite thing about working here at LD & Co?

As you can imagine the answers were as diverse as you’d expect. However, we did notice a few things that stood out. See if you can pick out what fuels the success of LD & Co.

Design Trends of the mid-90’s

From home design to fashion, to pop culture, the design trends of the 1990’s were definitely an interesting time. The bright neon and giant shoulder pads of the 1980’s were fading in popularity. While we hadn’t fully embraced the shabby chic of the early 2000’s. The mid to late 90’s was a time of denim, layering, pops of color, and oh yeah, we can’t forget the ever popular vine-printed wallpaper.

Click here for just a few highlights from the era that gave us Friends, Toy Story, the grunge look, and the omnipresent crop top.

We all need a little nudging in the right direction every once in awhile. Good advice can be hard to come across and even harder to remember at times. However, reaching a milestone often makes one reflective. And, seeing as how this is our “anniversary edition” of the newsletter, we thought we’d reflect on life and what we’ve learned in the past 25 years (or fewer depending on the person doing the reflecting).

We surveyed our staff and asked what is some of the best advice they’ve received; not specifying that it had to be design-related or even career focused.

 

 

Flashback to our humble beginnings…(be sure to turn your speakers on for the full “experience”). Enjoy!