Today we’d like to introduce you to Sashya Thind Fernandes.
Sashya, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I launched ID8 Design Studio in 2012 after working with a few local and international design firms. I’m a third generation Interior Designer trained as an Architect (mother & grandmother) and have always wanted to be an entrepreneur. I love working with clients directly to design spaces that they can live and grow within.
Our design work has grown with us as our project sizes are getting more substantial and complex. Our growth is attributed to the wonderful clients that have been our partners in this journey. The trust they place in us is invaluable as we collaborate with them to realize their hopes and dreams.
Has it been a smooth road?
The past 5 years has definitely been a test on how to reach outside your comfort zone on a daily basis as a business owner. Heading a design studio is much more than the design component. You wear many hats as you work with Clients, Vendors, Artists, Finances, Marketing and now as a Principal designer to a team of creatives.
In school and while working for others, we have limited exposure to the finance, marketing and business development components of a business but as a business owner, I’ve had to learn on the job and remind myself how every challenge is a learning moment. I thrive on the challenges as it only helps us to get better.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the ID8 Design Studio story. Tell us more about the business.
ID8 Design Studio is an Interior Architecture firm that specializes in creating spaces that are personal and purposeful. We care deeply about our clients and work diligently and collaboratively to ensure that we provide them with a design solution that exceeds their expectations.
We work on various project types in the Commercial and Residential sectors some of which include large gut renovations of homes and condos, kitchens, bathrooms, furniture as well as creating branded environments for workspaces, stores, spas and gyms. We are known for ‘comfortable minimalism’ which many have commented is ‘refreshing’ in the New England design landscape. We love working with local vendors, sustainable materials and a natural palette which most often involves stone and wood. We will often enlarge windows, add skylights and open up walls to allow natural light to emanate through spaces and create a better flow.
We take great pride in our work and bring everything we have to every project large or small. Our aim is to remain accessible and approachable to people who share our values.
Unlike a lot of the industry today, we do not believe in trends. That may sound like instant death as a designer in the world of Pinterest and Instagram, but we truly believe that good design should stand the test of time. Our spaces are designed to grow with our clients and their experiences. They are designed to solve problems and improve the quality of their lives at work and at home.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
The industry is constantly changing at a rapid pace and my only hope is that people can truly understand the value of hiring a design professional for their projects. With the advent of HGTV, Pinterest, Instagram and several DIY networks, they try to portray a quick fix to everything which is not an accurate portrayal of the process.
When working with a Design professional, a client has assured a solution that is not only well thought out and but can actually help to keep budgets in check ultimately saving money, time and frustration. Trust and open communication is the backbone to a successful outcome for everyone.
With the advances in technology, designers will be able to focus on the creativity vs the production/documentation of the design which will save time and provide tremendous value to the clients.
Contact Info:
- Address: 36 Bromfield St #310
Boston MA 02108 - Website: www.id8designstudio.com
- Phone: 8572502669
- Email: info@id8designstudio.com
- Instagram: id8designstudio
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ID8DesignStudio/
Image Credit:
Tamara Flanagan Photography, Joyelle West Photography, Eric Roth Photography
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