Vavina Lapham-Elolf
Owner & Principal Designer

Vavina Lapham-Elolf

Owner & Principal Designer | VAVINA Interior Designs

Vavina Lapham-Elolf is the Owner and Principal Designer of VAVINA Interior Designs, a design-forward practice grounded in thoughtful planning, material integrity, spatial discipline, and an uncompromising commitment to excellence.

Guided by the VAVINA METHOD™, her signature design philosophy, Vavina approaches each project with the belief that exceptional spaces should be as intentional as they are beautiful. Her work spans residential, boutique commercial, and hospitality interiors, with a focus on creating distinctive environments that reflect each client’s identity, support the way they live or operate, and deliver enduring value.

From initial concept and spatial planning through design development, material selection, procurement, and final execution, Vavina leads each engagement with a clear vision and meticulous attention to detail. Her aesthetic is sophisticated yet livable—favoring timeless design, thoughtful materiality, refined proportion, and spaces that feel collected rather than simply decorated.

A graduate of Salem College, Vavina earned her Bachelor of Arts in Design with an emphasis in Architectural and Interior Design. She is currently pursuing her Master of Architecture at Arizona State University, continuing to deepen her understanding of architecture, spatial relationships, proportion, form, materials, and the broader built environment. This architectural education directly informs her design practice and expands the level of technical and strategic insight she brings to every project.

Through advanced design technology, including Chief Architect, Revit, Rhino, and Unreal Engine, Vavina develops detailed drawings and immersive visualizations that allow clients to understand and experience a design well before construction or installation begins. When a project extends into architectural, structural, engineering, or permitting scope requiring licensed professionals, she works collaboratively with architects, contractors, engineers, and other specialists to support a cohesive execution of the overall design vision.

In addition to her design practice, Vavina is a REALTOR® with Home Star Realty, a complementary extension of the services she provides through VAVINA Interior Designs. Her knowledge of both design and real estate allows her to help clients look beyond the surface of a property to recognize unrealized potential, evaluate opportunities more strategically, prepare homes for market, and make informed decisions surrounding acquisition, renovation, redevelopment, and long-term value.

For Vavina, however, design has always been about more than the finished space.

Her philosophy is deeply influenced by faith, family, and intentional living. A devoted Christian and member of Poplar Springs Christian Church, she believes a home should be more than visually beautiful. It should provide peace, connection, comfort, hospitality, and a meaningful sense of belonging. Her husband, children, and growing family remain at the center of her life and continue to shape her understanding of what makes a home truly valuable: the people who experience life within it.

Vavina is the proud mother of three adult children Brianna, Kacie, and Brayden and treasures the continued growth of her family. Those relationships are a constant reminder that the most successful spaces are not simply designed to be admired; they are designed to be lived in, gathered in, celebrated in, and remembered.

Beyond design and real estate, Vavina serves as Seasonal Head Swim Coach at Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School, where she has the privilege of leading and mentoring student-athletes. Through coaching, she emphasizes discipline, accountability, teamwork, confidence, and purpose principles that closely mirror the leadership standards she brings to her professional work.

Across every facet of her career, Vavina is guided by the same philosophy: lead with intention, think strategically, uphold exceptional standards, and create meaningful results with lasting impact.

Through VAVINA Interior Designs, she is building more than a design firm. She is building a multidisciplinary practice where interior design, architectural thinking, and real estate insight come together to help clients see what a property is and envision what it has the potential to become.

Her greatest joy remains creating spaces that feel timeless, welcoming, deeply personal, and centered around the people who call them home.