Laura Cayere-King, Assoc. AIA
Principal Owner/Residential Designer/Artist
Our Studio
Urban Cocoon is a Women-Owned full-service custom residential design studio specializing in remodels, additions, and small-scale projects led by Laura Cayere-King. With a Bachelor's degree in Theatre Design from Carroll University and a Master of Architecture from the University of Minnesota, Laura brings a unique blend of artistry, movement, and thoughtful design to every project she undertakes.
Drawing on more than 25 years of experience in residential design, she has served clients across the Midwest and East Coast, creating homes that are both beautiful and deeply personal. Her work combines technical expertise, extensive industry knowledge, and a creative vision that transforms living spaces into environments filled with intention, warmth, and timeless appeal.
With experience at several award-winning architecture firms in Minnesota, Laura has built meaningful partnerships with builders, consultants, and industry professionals to ensure each project receives the right collaboration and care. While some projects have earned local and national recognition, the true reward comes from seeing clients feel at home in spaces that reflect who they are.
Urban Cocoon’s focus is on helping you thoughtfully reimagine and transform your existing home, cabin, garage, or outbuilding through meaningful improvements that bring a renewed sense of space and functionality. Our studio excels at uncovering hidden potential within your current footprint, creating meaningful new ways to experience and enjoy your living spaces while allowing you to stay in the place you love.
Outside of her design work, Laura is a maker at heart. She finds joy in creating with her hands, whether designing jewelry, sketching, hand drawing, or working as a potter. Time at the wheel offers a chance to slow down and reconnect through the elemental process of shaping clay with water, earth, and fire. She also treasures time spent with family and friends, and draws constant inspiration from the natural beauty of Minnesota. Whether hiking or riding her bike along the water's edge, kayaking on its lakes and rivers, boating with loved ones, or immersing herself in the quiet of the forest, these experiences ground her and continue to inform her creative design sensibility.
A Maker at Heart
“Laura’s design philosophy revolves around capturing the unique vision of each client. Your dreams and style goals become the driving force behind her creation…a true visionary with a talent for turning dreams into reality!” Colleague, Minneapolis MNRecognition & Awards
News & Publications
The Story of Urban Coccoon
During a time of personal grief, Laura found herself on the shores of Lake Superior with her husband, where they discovered an injured Eastern Tiger Swallowtail. The butterfly rested on her leg for fifteen minutes, drying its wings in the sun before flying away. As she watched, Laura felt a deep sense of healing and renewed courage.
That moment inspired the name Urban Cocoon. To Laura, a cocoon symbolizes protection, comfort, and the transformative process of healing: a rebirth into something beautiful, much like the evolution of a home.
During this time, a former client reached out, expressing how connected she had felt through Laura’s attentive listening, clear communication, and thoughtful design approach. Upon learning Laura was now independent, the client’s excitement affirmed what Laura had long hesitated to embrace. With the courage of that butterfly, she founded Urban Cocoon, a Women-Owned custom residential design studio rooted in transformation, empathy, and growth.