PITTSBURGH, PA and LOS ANGELES, CA – Dr. Lauren Papa, DC, an entrepreneur, artist, and real estate developer, has officially launched Art Deco Freak, a residential redevelopment company dedicated to transforming distressed and historically significant homes into luxury residences. The firm operates in both Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Los Angeles, California, emphasizing a design-first investment strategy that combines architectural preservation, modern functionality, and long-term community value.
Art Deco Freak specializes in acquiring underutilized residential properties with untapped potential and repositioning them as premium homes that celebrate original craftsmanship while meeting the expectations of today's discerning buyers. The company focuses on carefully curated, boutique redevelopment projects rather than high-volume renovations, prioritizing quality, authenticity, and enduring value.
As housing markets evolve, homebuyers increasingly seek residences with character, timeless design, and superior craftsmanship over standardized renovations. Art Deco Freak was established to meet that demand through a philosophy centered on preserving architectural identity while incorporating sophisticated contemporary living spaces.
“Every property has a story waiting to be restored,” said Dr. Lauren Papa, 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. Great design has the power to elevate neighborhoods and inspire the people who live within them.”
The firm’s development strategy prioritizes architectural integrity, intentional design, sustainability, and exceptional project 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 repurposing valuable original materials such as historic woodwork, vintage fixtures, and decorative tile, reducing construction waste while maintaining authentic character.
The company’s bi-coastal presence allows it to leverage unique architectural strengths from two distinct real estate markets. In Pittsburgh, redevelopment focuses on restoring classic brick residences, historic row homes, and century-old properties reflecting the city’s industrial heritage. Projects emphasize structural preservation, handcrafted millwork, and timeless details. In Los Angeles, the portfolio revitalizes mid-century and eclectic properties through open-concept living, indoor-outdoor integration, natural lighting, and contemporary aesthetics suited to Southern California lifestyles.
The vision behind Art Deco Freak reflects Dr. Lauren Papa’s multidisciplinary background in entrepreneurship, design, creative production, and philanthropy. Prior to founding the company, she gained national recognition through the Who's Your Papa concert series, a creative initiative celebrating Grammy Award-winning music while raising funds for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The leadership, creative direction, and project management skills from those ventures now underpin Art Deco Freak’s redevelopment model.
Unlike traditional investment firms that prioritize 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 the architectural identity that gives neighborhoods their unique sense of place.
With multiple residential projects progressing across Pennsylvania and California, Art Deco Freak is positioned to expand its portfolio through selective acquisitions aligned with its commitment to design excellence, responsible redevelopment, and long-term investment 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 throughout every phase of development, we believe exceptional residential redevelopment can generate meaningful value for homeowners, investors, and entire communities.”
