Who’s Who at Hausman

Meet Leslie Clagett! Leslie is our team’s Content Manager. Before making the move to the public relations field, Leslie was a journalist, writing and editing for such design publications as Arts + Architecture and The Architect’s Newspaper. We spoke with her about her interests, favorite architecture, and some of her New York City recommendations for our series, ‘Who’s Who at Hausman.’

How long have you been working in PR?

I’ve been at Hausman for a little more than five years. Before that, I was an architecture and design editor, working with magazines in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York.

Do you have a favorite building/structure in New York? Overall?

One answer to both questions: The Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park on Roosevelt Island. Visiting Lou Kahn’s “room and a garden” is simultaneously very personal and universal, humbling and uplifting. I never tire of the place.

If you could visit any architectural marvel in the world what would it be and why?

I’d like to spend some time in Brussels, because I love Art Nouveau. Victor Horta’s buildings are the stuff of fantasy, and the details and craftsmanship are inspiring.

How long did you live in New York? Is there anywhere else in the world you’d want to live ?

Off and on, I’ve spent about 15 years in NYC. As the total opposite to the city, Big Sur is appealing.

Where do you live now? What do you love most about your neighborhood?

I’m a B and T person now; my house in northern New Jersey is regularly visited by deer and the occasional bear.

Do you have any pets? How many? What are their names?

Current pet population: two cats, Isaac and Copper [who is not orange, but black and white], and two society finches, Bacchus and Percy.

What was your favorite restaurant when you lived here?

Fanelli’s [for the old SoHo scene, not so much the food].

If a tourist was visiting New York for a weekend and knew nothing about the city, what sites/shopping/food would you recommend to them?

The Circle Line boat tour around Manhattan offers a different perspective on the city. Make sure to sign up for the cruise that goes all the way up to Spuyten Duyvil.

If money was no object, what piece of art or design would you invest in?

Any painting by Ed Ruscha.

What’s one (typically) nonessential item you can’t live without?

A vase of fragrant white lilies is a small indulgence that makes me happy.