About me.
From a young age, I was drawn to creating spaces. I played dress-up, built forts, and imagined entire worlds in my head. Movies fascinated me because they transported me through time and place. My own childhood bedroom became an ever-changing design project. I would constantly rearrange the furniture and even build cardboard floor plan models to experiment with different layouts. Early on, I became deeply interested in color, texture, and the way they can evoke emotion, memory, and atmosphere.
I went on to earn my BFA from Rhode Island School of Design, where I majored in Textile Design. I loved the tactile and experimental nature of fabric-making and spent my time exploring how color, texture, and textile applications could transform apparel, furniture, and interior environments. My time at RISD strengthened both my creative voice and my appreciation for thoughtful, sensory-driven design.
After graduating, the COVID lockdown became an unexpected time of reflection and transformation. I moved back home to San Diego and, without a room of my own, carved out a small section of the living room as my personal space. During a time when the world felt uncertain and chaotic, creating an environment that felt comforting, intentional, and reflective of who I was became so important. I soon realized our surroundings affect our emotional well-being and sense of stability. Design was no longer just a creative expression to me; it became a form of care, grounding, and survival.
At the same time, I explored several professional roles in different industries, including positions in retail, an art gallery, and eventually a corporate environment, all while continuing to search for opportunities in textiles. Each experience taught me something valuable about people, business, creativity, and myself, and I am so grateful for the perspective they gave me.
On December 19, 2023, my Abuelito, someone I was incredibly close to, passed away. Losing him reminded me how precious and temporary life is, and it gave me the courage to pursue what I truly wanted: a career in interior design. I realized I wanted to use my creativity not just to create a product for a corporation, but to create meaningful spaces that positively impact people’s lives. I wanted to build genuine connections through design and contribute something personal, thoughtful, and lasting.
Today, while continuing to work part-time and attend school, I am pursuing my Associate’s degree in Interior Design from Mesa College, which I expect to complete next winter. I am eager to gain hands-on experience within the interior design industry, continue learning from experienced professionals, and contribute thoughtfully and enthusiastically to a design team while growing under strong mentorship.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story.
— Sami