Julie Laughton
Julie Laughton is the CEO of Julie Laughton Design Build and JLGC, a luxury custom home building and remodeling firm based in Laguna Beach, California. A graduate of Iowa State University with a bachelor’s degree in Interior Design, she began her career in architecture and interior design in New York City, where she worked with leading design and architecture firms and contributed to high-end residential and corporate projects, including work for major financial institutions and luxury developers.
With more than 40 years of experience in the industry, Julie has built a career spanning architecture, interior design, landscape planning, and general contracting. She became a licensed general contractor in California in 2006 and has since led over 350 custom kitchen and home remodels across Southern California, including historic restorations and complex luxury residential builds. Her integrated “design-build” approach allows her to manage projects from concept through completion, overseeing planning, permitting, design development, and construction execution.
Julie’s design philosophy centers on the belief that every successful project begins with a strong, well-developed plan. Known for her hands-on leadership and detail-oriented approach, she personally guides clients through space planning, design visualization, and construction decisions to ensure cohesive results. Her firm is recognized for delivering fully customized homes and renovations, combining technical expertise with creative design to transform client visions into finished living spaces.
• Certified General Contractor
• AIA - Affiliate America Institute of Architects
• ASID – American Society of Interior Designers
• CCIDC – California Council for Interior Design Certification For California Codes and
• Certified Kitchen and Bath Designer - CKB
• Iowa State University - B.F.A.
• #1 On Houzz
• Top of the Market Award
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a strong work ethic, my natural talent, and a high level of organization. I also find motivation in helping others, which keeps me focused and committed to producing meaningful results in my work.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to get the job done and do it right. I’ve learned the importance of having a solid plan, identifying my strengths—my “superpower”—and applying them effectively. At the same time, I’ve come to understand that it’s essential to know myself first, as self-awareness is the foundation for making good decisions and growing in my career.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering my industry is to pursue opportunities in project management early on. By engaging in projects from start to finish, you gain a comprehensive understanding of how processes work and how different components come together. This hands-on experience builds both confidence and competence, and it provides a strong foundation for long-term career growth.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is managing personality conflicts, whether it’s a team member not fully cooperating with established processes or disagreements with clients. These situations require strong communication and conflict-resolution skills to keep work on track, but they also create opportunities to improve teamwork, strengthen relationships, and refine how we collaborate.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The most important values to me in both my work and personal life are morality and respect for everyone. I believe in doing what is right, treating people with dignity, and maintaining integrity in all interactions, as these principles guide both my decisions and relationships.