Designer Crush: SagreraBrazil

Author:
1. 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?
 
GeorgeMiss Pettigrew Lives for a Day.
 
CeciliaWicked – 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. 
 

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