Today we’d like to introduce you to Sophia Vassiliou.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Since a child my interests were in art, specifically drawing and painting. I was privileged as my parents recognized my work and were enrolled in a wonderful private art school for years. From grade school to high school I learned valuable lessons about color theory and art in these weekly classes. I attended The University of Texas with a degree in Fine Arts and Design. In Austin, I designed and painted exterior and interior murals, designed theater sets, and worked in the design industry. My masters is in education lead to teaching art.
I was encouraged to begin my own business after years of working in furniture sales and assisting clients while working in showrooms. All these factors have assisted us in guiding clients through the design process. We started our company in 1998 as a sole proprietorship and have consistently continued to work and build a wonderful design team. We can assist in the entire building process or simply provide design choices, plans or other requirements. Our team and workrooms are experienced in construction, remodeling, renovation. Our workrooms offer custom bedding, pillows, and window treatments. We specify accessories, furniture, all finishes, and of course color palettes.
For the past year, we have been instrumental in rebuilding many homes post-Harvey. We were recently invited to be on a panel discussion at the Houston Decorative Center; “Houston’s response to hurricane Harvey: past present and future.” The discussion was moderated by the Houston Chronicle regarding the design industry’s support, relief, and inspiration to those affected by hurricane Harvey. We continue to work with these clients, support the student affairs committee, and serve on other philanthropic committees, with our 20-year involvement in ASID, American Society of Interior Designers. We love this industry and the opportunities it affords us to create beautiful, comfortable environments for our wonderful clients.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Starting your own business provides challenges of course. We began with two clients and grew rapidly hiring interns, learning more about the construction business, and managing total remodel. My uncle was a builder and assisted me to understand that it’s critical to be present from the initial stages of a build out to the completion of the project. Other challenges have included finding reliable, insured, and bonded trades people; such as plumbers electricians, carpenters, custom furniture builders, and painters, to name a few. We are proud of our team and manage each project with an organized plan, timeline, and budget.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Sophia Designs story. Tell us more about the business.
Sophia Designs full-service design firm offers a customized approach with project management for our residential or commercial clients. We can provide design and color solutions, or work with new construction, manage a total remodel or renovation, which sets us apart from others. We work with builders, architects, and landscapers, to make your house a home.
Our team of subcontractors includes painters, faux painters, plumbers, electricians, countertop, flooring, carpeting, and tile experts. We custom design furniture, cabinetry, bedding, upholstery and window treatments including draperies, shutters, and shades. These design service options, from a simple color palette to a total remodel, anticipate any client goals; enhancing design aesthetics to achieve mutually desired results.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I like the saying “Luck is when preparation meets opportunity.” Therefore I am diligent to constantly attend classes; to learn what is being offered in our industry, what the latest colors of the year may be, and learn more about the business aspect. I enjoy visiting museums, theater, photography, painting, and traveling, keeping balance in personal life and business.
Contact Info:
- Website: sophiadesigns.com
- Phone: 2816851429
- Email: sophia@sophiadesigns.com
- Instagram: @sophiadesignsinteriors
- Facebook: Sophia Designs , Interior Design Firm
- Other: HOUZZ.com Sophia Designs
Image Credit:
Michael Hunter Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
