Today, we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Lobo.
Hi Sarah, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Designing, building & ideating has always been a part of who I am. As a young girl, I would jump at any chance I had to get my hands on anything I could use to create. Whether it was paint, clay, or popsicle sticks, if I could play with it, I could create something from it. It’s safe to say there were projects in every room of the house. I was simply brought into this world to create.
Painting soon turned into pottery, and at the age of 13, pottery turned into Architecture. I was fortunate enough to be able to study Architecture, Urban Planning, and Industrial Design for four years at Gulliver Preparatory School in Miami, FL. My love for design grew, and my skills in architecture were refined. When applying to college, my career path was a given: Architecture & Design is my true passion in this life.
After studying architecture for two years at the University of New Mexico while playing Division I Volleyball, I realized that interior design was ultimately where my heart lay. Understanding the psychology behind it and how we are truly creating experiences for people through the smallest details is the biggest reason why I fell in love with Interior Design.
In order to pursue my passion, I transferred to the University of Florida in 2019 to obtain a degree in Interior Design. My love for ideating grew each year, and I couldn’t wait to start my professional career. During the summer going into my senior year, I had an amazing opportunity to work for Annhy Shim at Shim Projects, a commercial Interior Design firm, and Todd Martin at Reprtwar, an Architectural & Design firm in Miami, FL. After four amazing months, I was hired to work full-time for Shim Projects. I went back to school to finish my degree while working remotely for Shim.
A long and busy senior year, but finally, in May of 2022, I graduated Summa Cum Laude with my Bachelor’s of Design. I was named one of the Top 100 Design graduates in North America by Metropolis Magazine in 2022. After graduating, I moved home to Miami to dive into my design career and continue working for Shim Projects.
Annhy has taught me so much over the past three years and has given me the tools and confidence to take on projects all on my own. In August of 2022, I started Lobo Interiors. The Tremble Pilates studio in Midtown was my very first project, and since then, it’s been a domino effect. I am beyond grateful to be 18 months in and have three projects completed and nine underway! This next year is going to be full of so much growth, learning experiences, and amazing new designs!
Let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
Starting a business always comes with its challenges. You are responsible for yourself and the success of your business. I aim to be the best I can be every day and to ensure my client’s trust. I may have a million things going on, but to my clients, their projects are the most important thing to them, and I do my best to make sure they know I am fully committed to making sure their project meets their vision.
I’ve been fortunate enough to be surrounded by amazing mentors, bosses, and peers who support me and teach me new things every day. As well as the support from my beautiful family. Being creative means your mind sees the world differently than the average person. I thanked my family recently for allowing me to always be authentically myself and for never making me feel weird or out of the ordinary. They’ve supported me and my dreams every day.
They helped instill confidence in me and helped me believe that truly, to my core, I am a Designer. You see, I believe the key to success in any creative field is believing in yourself. Believing that your ideas, your creations, and your art are worth being seen.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar with what you do, what can you tell them about what you do?
I am an Interior & Furniture Designer, I specialize in commercial design anything from fitness studios to hospitality design. I am also in the process of creating a bespoke furniture line. I love taking a brand and turning it into a space and an experience that encapsulates the vision of the brand. I love challenges, thinking outside the box, thinking of new ways to do things, and approaching design. Interior design touches all aspects of our lives.
As designers, we have the ability to shift behaviors and create memorable experiences for people. I aim to design unique, timeless, and innovative Interiors. I think what I am most proud of thus far is how confident I feel when it comes to design and how much my clients trust me to give them a finished space that they love. For the past few years, I have been dreaming of furniture. I view furniture design as a functional and beautifully crafted art. I am in the process of designing a bespoke furniture line; you can follow my journey on Instagram @lobo_interiors.
I often find myself having “pinch-me moments,” how I’ve been able to do all the things I’m doing, and how proud my younger self would be of the person I am today. Being an Interior Designer has to be one of the coolest jobs in the world. You not only get to design amazing experiences for people, but you also get to work and meet so many amazing people along the way. Living in Miami and being a part of the creative community here fills my soul.
Having friends from all walks of life, yet sharing one common thing – we love to create – whether it’s photography, fashion, art, pottery, architecture & design. Being able to collaborate on projects and being surrounded and supported by like-minded people is truly amazing.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I like to consider myself a spiritual person, and I meditate most mornings before I start my day. I lean towards uplifting morning gratitude meditations to help keep me grounded and appreciative of my life. The last book I read became my favorite book of all time, The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin. I read a chapter or two every day, and it truly helped me shift my mindset, especially when I was having artistic block.
Going to the beach and staying active is medicine for me. I am so grateful to live in such a beautiful city that is summer year-round. I am a big part of the Pilates community in Miami. I am a part-time instructor at Tremble, and when I’m not teaching, I’m practicing. Moving my body and staying healthy has always been a key part of what keeps me going through life, especially when times get hard.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lobointeriors.com
- Instagram: @lobo_interiors
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahlobo-leedga/
Image Credits
Valeria Sarto
