Dr. Lauren Papa, DC, entrepreneur and artist, has launched Art Deco Freak, a residential redevelopment company focused on transforming distressed and historically significant homes into luxury residences. Operating bi-coastally in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Los Angeles, California, the firm emphasizes architectural preservation, modern functionality, and community value.
Art Deco Freak acquires underutilized properties with untapped potential and repositions them as premium homes that celebrate original craftsmanship while meeting contemporary buyer expectations. Rather than high-volume renovations, the company pursues boutique projects prioritizing quality, authenticity, and enduring value. As housing markets evolve, homebuyers increasingly seek character and timeless design over standardized renovations, a demand Art Deco Freak aims to satisfy.
“Every property has a story waiting to be restored,” said Dr. Lauren Papa, DC, Founder and Principal of Art Deco Freak. “Our mission extends beyond renovation. We carefully reimagine each home to honor its architectural heritage while creating spaces that are functional, elegant, and built to serve future generations.”
The firm’s development strategy prioritizes architectural integrity, intentional design, sustainability, and exceptional execution. Each renovation begins with preserving defining historical features before introducing modern systems, efficient layouts, premium materials, and carefully selected finishes. Art Deco Freak also embraces environmentally responsible practices by preserving and repurposing original materials like historic woodwork, vintage fixtures, and decorative tile, reducing construction waste while maintaining authentic character.
The bi-coastal presence allows Art Deco Freak to leverage distinct architectural strengths. In Pittsburgh, efforts focus on restoring classic brick residences, historic row homes, and century-old properties reflecting the city’s industrial heritage, emphasizing structural preservation and handcrafted millwork. In Los Angeles, the portfolio revitalizes mid-century and eclectic properties through open-concept living, indoor-outdoor integration, natural lighting, and contemporary aesthetics.
Dr. Lauren Papa’s multidisciplinary background—spanning entrepreneurship, design, and philanthropy—informs Art Deco Freak’s vision. Previously, she gained national recognition through the Who's Your Papa concert series, which celebrated Grammy Award-winning music while raising funds for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The leadership and project management skills from those ventures now underpin the redevelopment model.
Unlike traditional investment firms prioritizing rapid turnover, Art Deco Freak approaches each acquisition as an opportunity to create lasting value for homeowners, neighborhoods, and local housing markets. The company believes successful redevelopment should improve surrounding communities while preserving architectural identity. With multiple projects already underway in Pennsylvania and California, Art Deco Freak is positioned to expand through selective acquisitions aligned with its commitment to design excellence and long-term performance.
“Our objective is to create homes people genuinely connect with,” added Dr. Lauren Papa. “By respecting history, embracing thoughtful innovation, and maintaining uncompromising standards, we believe exceptional residential redevelopment can generate meaningful value for homeowners, investors, and entire communities.”
