Laffan & Laffan aims to simplify sourcing, storage and delivery for design studios in Ireland and the UK.
A pair of siblings from Co Kildare have launched a specialist procurement and project‑support service for interior designers, positioning their new firm as a solution to the growing operational pressures facing the design sector.
Gillian and Philip Laffan have established Laffan & Laffan to manage the sourcing, supplier coordination, warehousing and installation processes behind residential and commercial design projects.
“Our role is to protect the design. When procurement or logistics are poorly handled, it is the designer’s reputation that suffers”
The business is already working with several established designers, including internationally recognised interior designer Emily Cunnane of InSpace Design.
The founders say the company responds to a shift in the industry, where design studios are expanding creatively but often lack the operational capacity to manage increasingly complex procurement and logistics.
Design for easier life
The idea emerged from an earlier venture. During the pandemic the pair launched an online furniture shop and soon saw first‑hand how much time and risk were tied up in sourcing, deliveries and installation. That experience prompted them to create a dedicated service for designers who want creative autonomy without the administrative burden.
Philip Laffan, who previously worked with Wilde Interiors in Naas, has built a reputation for high‑end project execution. He said the new firm is focused on protecting the integrity of a designer’s concept throughout the delivery process.
“Our role is to protect the design. When procurement or logistics are poorly handled, it is the designer’s reputation that suffers. We exist to ensure that the vision created at concept stage is delivered exactly as intended,” he said.
His sister Gillian, who built her career in operations and finance at Pfizer, said many studios underestimate the cumulative impact of managing procurement in‑house.
“Designers don’t want to give up sourcing or creative control. What they need is structured support. Procurement and logistics can quietly consume huge amounts of time and carry financial and reputational risk. We built Laffan & Laffan to manage that complexity professionally, so designers can focus on their clients and their design work,” she said.
The company operates with a small team and a warehouse facility in Co Kildare, allowing it to receive, store and deliver items in a coordinated sequence for each project. It has developed a curated network of European suppliers and provides white‑glove installation services for residential clients.
The founders describe their model as a more commercially disciplined approach to procurement. By combining Philip’s design experience with Gillian’s operational background, they aim to offer a streamlined end‑to‑end service that gives studios greater clarity and control over project delivery.
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