A Conversation with Sarah Solis

Sarah Solis Design Studio

Based in: Los Angeles, California

I remember designing at 8-9 years old and critically thinking about space planning and window placement and ways I could improve the experience in a rental house that my family lived in. It's part of my makeup.

— sarah solis

Give us a little background into your business and journey to get there.

I studied interior design and after school I had some great opportunities, but it wasn't the way I wanted to do it. So I went back to school for another degree in fine arts and art history. I wanted to fill the well and fill my life with more experiences for my future design life. After school I landed in a career as a fashion stylist and it was fun and I met wonderful people. I got married and we started having kids and we purchased our first home and that's what really triggered my design history. Naturally and organically I started doing what I called a “side-hustle”, but anyone that knows design knows that there's no such thing because it takes so much work. 

When did you know you wanted to go all in and start your business?

After the renovation of our second home, and receiving offers based off of my design work I realized that I could do it. Some of my styling clients began to ask me to do their homes and I started building a clientele and naturally it was time to open a studio and really build out a team with expert knowledge.

What has been your biggest challenge since starting your business?

Growing pains. Determining which clients are the best fit because it’s a very personal and intimate experience. Not every job will be right for you no matter if they like your style. It’s really important to carefully choose your projects.

Looking back on your career so far, what has been your biggest achievement?

Just realizing a childhood dream. My biggest achievement is to just be able to do what I get to do. I love the process.

How would you describe the “Sarah Solis” aesthetic? 

Understated luxury that is both timeless and artful. 

What’s your favorite part of the design process? What does the design process look like for your team?

The design process for our team is developed in phases. We have a 6 phase process to all of our projects, it’s taken me many years to perfect it. My favorite part of the process is concepting, I love to develop the story and concept the experience. 

Who is someone you admire in the creative space, and why?

The Row, I admire their visual and artist perspective both in their branding and the design of their clothing. They accomplish an incredibly inspiring artistic platform where art meets fashion. 

What's one piece of advice you'd have for someone wanting to pursue a career in design?

Invest in your education. The way to bring your visions to life is to learn the technical side of things. There is so much that goes into design work, the more knowledge you have under your belt the better. And most importantly, be kind. The design process involves so many collaborators and personalities, patience and kindness is key.

What design concept are you most excited for in 2022?

For me it’s about playing with color and prints. Mostly what I do is pretty natural and I think there is a huge draw to more transition prints and textiles. I love the idea of incorporating that into my perspective and philosophy. 

Where do you draw your inspiration from?

Mostly nature. And art. And music. 

Working in a career that often overlaps with your passion, what do you do to avoid burnout? What still lights that fire when you are lacking inspiration?

I’m design obsessed. I can’t go to a hotel without problem solving a more optimal layout or noticing design details they should’ve done. It’s just the way I think and I’ve thought this way since I was a little girl. I remember designing at 8-9 years old and critically thinking about space planning and window placement and ways I could improve the experience in a rental house that my family lived in. It's part of my makeup.

Tell us, what are the latest happenings at Sarah Solis, what’s on the docket, anything you’d like to promote?

So much is happening. The studio has grown. We have a top secret project developing that will be released later this year, so definitely keep up!

Rapid Fire and shop sarah’s picks

A place on your bucket list?

I’d love to visit Italy

Person who can make you laugh harder than anyone?

Dina, my lifelong best friend 

Go to a podcast?

The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett

Guilty pleasure?

Cheesy TV Shows

Top song on streaming app?

Coming Soon by Leon Bridges

Last book you read?

Where The Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

If you had a day free of all responsibilities, what would you do?

Lounge on the beach

Role model?

My mom 

Favorite clothing store?

Mohawk General Store

Biggest fear?

Wildfires

Do you have kids? Names/ages?

Son, Lucien 12

Daughter, Josie 6 

Doppelganger?

Still looking for her

If you could only have 3 items for the rest of your life, what would they be?

My two kids and my husband 

Coffee or go to beverage order?

I’m not a coffee drinker. I love fresh mint tea with honey.

What reality show would you thrive on?

Fixer Upper

Project images are shot by @shadedegges. Profile images by @renniesolis.