About Lisa + Fern

Hi, I’m Lisa, designer, mom of three, and the founder of both Fern Design Co. and Fern Family Co.

For over a decade, I’ve been designing websites and visual tools that make life a little simpler, whether that’s helping a business launch beautifully or helping a child understand what to expect in their day.

Different chapters, same mission: to create meaningful, lasting tools that help people feel seen, supported, and capable.

The Beginning: Fern Design Co.

Fern Design Co. came first, before I ever became a mom. After my path toward becoming an Air Force pilot and serving a mission unexpectedly shifted, I wasn’t sure what came next. Through what I now see as divine redirection, I landed a student internship at Space Dynamics Laboratory that launched my career in web development.

After having my son Beckham, I turned to freelance design work. Full time hours weren’t realistic for our family, and I needed a creative outlet to support us financially. I built a reputation on fast paced, high end websites that are coded for long term usability so my clients could confidently manage their sites after launch.

Today, Fern Design Co. continues to serve branding and web design clients across the country.

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The Heart Behind Fern Family Co.

Beckham was diagnosed with autism at age three, after starting early intervention at one. At the time, he was nonverbal, and we needed a way to help him understand what was happening in his day without relying on words.

We were constantly juggling transitions, therapy schedules, and digital files from professionals that did not fit into our real life. So I made something simple, a visual calendar he could interact with. That one tool brought calm and clarity into our home and became the foundation for Fern Family Co.

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Our philosophy

  • Every family deserves tools that work beautifully and last.

    We believe you should not have to choose between style and function. Our visuals are designed to look good in your home and work hard for your family.

  • Kids thrive when they see what is coming and have a say in their day.

    Structure and choice build confidence, helping kids grow into capable, independent humans.

  • Visual support benefits everyone.

    Originally created for our neurodivergent son, but now used by neurotypical siblings and adults too. Visuals create clarity, connection, and calm.

  • Simplicity, flexibility, and connection are at the heart of what we do.

    From web design to family systems, our goal is always to make life easier and more meaningful for you and the people you love.

Why Fern?

The name comes from my grandmother, Fern. She was my biggest cheerleader, fierce, loyal, and full of compassion. Fern and my mom taught me how to be a strong voice in the workplace and how to find power and purpose in motherhood too.

Now I carry that legacy forward as I raise my daughter, Thea Fern. I want her to be confident in who she is and become a mover and shaker in the world, just like the women who came before her.

Why I Built This

It started with my son, Beckham. He was diagnosed with autism at age three, but we had already been deep in early intervention since he was one. What he needed was not more printed files or laminated charts, he needed something visual, accessible, and consistent to help him understand his day. So I built it.

Then came the mom guilt. I kept wondering if I was doing enough, too much, or the wrong things. I wanted a simple, beautiful system that would help my kids feel seen and supported and help me feel like I was actually teaching them how to thrive.

Then we had Thea and Crew. These same systems worked for them too.

Whether neurodivergent or neurotypical, every child benefits from clear routines and a sense of control in their day.

I started drawing icons they could understand. We added routines and check ins into our day using boards we could actually stick with. It worked. Our home felt calmer, happier, and more connected.

We still use these tools every day. Now I get to share them with families like yours.

recent fern design projects