A new residential property investment and design studio has entered the market with a cross-coastal business model. Art Deco Freak, established by artist and entrepreneur Lauren Papa, DC, will focus exclusively on the boutique redevelopment sector by buying and restoring neglected housing stock. The firm plans to convert these overlooked buildings into premium turnkey single-family residences across two distinct regional markets.
The company is launching operations simultaneously in the historic river wards of Pittsburgh and the eclectic corridors of Los Angeles. Management states that the dual-market strategy aims to meet a rising buyer demand for homes with distinct architectural character. By abandoning the standardised formulas common in mid-tier property development, the studio intends to drive asset value through bespoke renovations that protect original period features while introducing high-end modern utilities.
“Residential real estate is experiencing a significant shift as buyers increasingly reject generic, low-quality flips in favor of homes that offer distinct identity, structural integrity, and premium craftsmanship,” said Lauren Papa, DC, Founder and Principal Renovator of Art Deco Freak. “Art Deco Freak treats every project as a unique turnaround opportunity. Our objective is to revitalize undervalued properties, enhance neighborhood equity, and deliver turnkey assets that command a market premium.”
Before entering the property sector, Papa established business experience by producing the Who’s Your Papa music event series. The concert venture reinterpreted Grammy-winning music to raise funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. This background in artistic direction and production management now serves as the operational blueprint for the new real estate firm.
To ensure uniform build quality across different time zones, the firm relies on fifteen specific operational standards. These strict internal guidelines require building crews to maintain original structural frames, maximise natural light through spatial planning and reuse period materials. The rules also mandate intuitive layouts, local historical accuracy, the rejection of generic templates, a blend of traditional and modern design, green energy installations and the development of local trade networks. The remaining principles focus on structural efficiency, strict colour schemes, durable finishes, buyer emotional appeal and direct project oversight from purchase to staging.
The company is tailoring its construction techniques to suit the distinct architectural flavours of each coast. In Pittsburgh, work focuses on heavy masonry, historic millwork and century-old row houses. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles office handles mid-century aesthetics and indoor-outdoor living concepts. To mitigate financial risk and reduce environmental impact, Art Deco Freak avoids total demolition. Instead, crews salvage historical components like cast-iron tubs and vintage tiles to limit waste and control overheads. Multiple projects are currently underway in both locations.
