Designer Crush: SagreraBrazil
Author:Michelle Konstantinovsky1. Who is your biggest role model?
George: Oprah. Tony Robbins. Dr. Wayne Dyer – People being of service to others.
Cecilia: My parents – both were small business owners and they showed me the value, love and reward of being your own boss. They taught me that dedication and hard work always has a rewarding outcome, success, not just financially but in life. Their work resulted in happy repeat customers and that always stuck with me and now I get to design spaces that impact someone’s life and make it enjoyable. My grandfather for his constant storytelling and card playing – even though he is no longer with us, I want to make sure that the storytelling (and card playing) continues with my kids. I will forever remember those afternoons of simply hanging out together and playing cards.
2. Which movie or play do you wish you could have designed the set for?
George: Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day.
Cecilia: Wicked – the drama and the story behind the musical is magical.
3. What is the best way to gauge a client’s personality before starting a project?
George: Engaging with them. Listen. Asking questions about what they like and don’t like. Talk about their family. Watch how they interact with their significant other and children.
Cecilia: We have at least two in person meetings before having a client hire us, one at our office and the other at the clients’ residence. It gives us an opportunity to understand their desires and a sneak peak into their lives in a casual way.
4. What new design elements are you excited to integrate into your work?
George: All these blue/green colors. From petrol and peacock blue to that kinda weird “Gumby” green color. I’m obsessed with them.
Cecilia: Hand-made wallpapers – it creates a story for a room.
5. How do you completely unwind?
George: Meditation and reading.
Cecilia: Spending time at the beach – I can just let go. Hanging out with my kids and building legos…their creativity fuels me.
6. If you hadn’t become a designer, which career would you have pursued?
George: Pastry chef.
Cecilia: Jewelry designer – the details either simple or complex on such personal pieces fascinate me.
7. What’s the worst pre-designer job you’ve ever had and why?
George: Graveyard shift at a commercial printing plant. I worked by myself from 10 p.m. until 7 a.m. By the time the other workers arrived I was like a puppy starved for attention.
Cecilia: Working at a Baskin-Robbins in college – I really did not like ice cream for a while.
8. What’s your favorite recipe?
George: At the moment, kimchi jjigae (kimchi stew).
Cecilia: A classic – fettuccine bolognese. My husband and kids love it!
9. Create your perfect playlist for us.
George:
Cecilia:
10. Who is your designer crush?
George: Jean-Louis Deniot.
Cecilia: Thad Hayes
Lightning round!
11. Would you rather shop new or vintage?
George: Vintage
Cecilia: Both
11. First celebrity crush?
George: Harrison Ford.
Cecilia: Ricky Martin.
12. What’s your hidden talent?
George: Now, if I told it wouldn’t be hidden. That’s my secret.
Cecilia: Cooking.
13. Best restaurant in your area? Where is it?
George: Unfortunately, our neighborhood lacks great food. Luckily living in SF everything is close. Mission/Valencia is always great. Love Bar Tartine and then take a walk to Bi-Rite for some ice cream. What could be better?
Cecilia: Quince in jackson Square.
14. SF or LA?
George: SF because of the weather, the food.
Cecilia: SF.
