We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Silvia Schaeffer a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Silvia, you’ve got such an interesting story, but before we jump into that, let’s first talk about a topic near and dear to us – generosity. We think success, happiness and wellbeing depends on authentic generosity and empathy and so we’d love to hear about how you become such a generous person – where do you think your generosity comes from?
I think my generosity comes from a mix of things. Growing up, my family always emphasized the importance of giving back and helping others whenever possible. Those lessons stuck with me.I want to spread that warmth to others whenever possible. It just feels right.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Silvia Schaeffer hails from the vibrant city of Sao Paulo, Brazil, and has over two decades of architecture and interior design expertise. With a diverse portfolio across Brazil, Europe, and the United States, where she has made her home since 2016, Silvia leads a talented team in orchestrating bespoke interior design ventures for residential and commercial clientele.
Silvia’s journey includes an awarded interior design studio celebrated for its innovative approach and dedication to excellence. To Silvia, interior design transcends mere aesthetics; it delves into the realm of the soul. It’s an intricate dance of self-discovery, far beyond mere furnishing arrangements. Central to her approach is a profound understanding of her clients’ quirks, passions, and lifestyles. This deep comprehension allows her to tailor design concepts meticulously, ensuring a seamless alignment with their tastes and requirements.
“I am deeply passionate about marrying exceptional design with functionality, infusing each creation with a dash of Brazilian essence,” Silvia shares. For her, every project embodies a fusion of craftsmanship and creativity, resulting in a harmonious blend of quality and innovation.
Silvia’s repertoire encompasses a spectrum of talents, ranging from Interior and Landscape Design to Lighting and Floor Plan expertise, all underpinned by her adept project management and staging skills. “From conceptualization to execution, I am fully immersed in the journey,” she affirms. Rooted in tradition yet brimming with contemporary flair, her projects radiate a distinct artistic identity while seamlessly integrating practical solutions — with the client’s vision as the guiding beacon.
At the core of Silvia’s mission lies a commitment to fostering meaningful connections with her clients.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Architectural Training: My architectural background is like a secret weapon, especially regarding interior design. Through years of education, training, and hands-on experience, I’ve developed a knack for seeing spaces in a way that others might miss. From understanding design fundamentals to mastering the art of problem-solving, I dive into each project with a blend of creativity and attention to detail. My holistic mindset helps me think outside the box and create truly innovative solutions that make a real impact.
Hands-on Experience: My journey has truly been shaped by hands-on experience. I’ve delved into every aspect, from managing projects on-site to diving deep into material selection, lighting design, landscape design, and tackling complex problems head-on. Navigating construction timelines has become my second nature, as I’ve learned the importance of keeping things on track and running smoothly.
Client-centric Approach: How I connect with my clients makes me stand out. For me, it’s not just about designing spaces; it’s about understanding their dreams and making them a reality. I pride myself on being there every step of the way, moving quickly to keep things on track and solve any hiccups that come our way. Building those relationships isn’t just important; it’s everything. Because at the end of the day, it’s about more than just a project – it’s about making someone’s vision come to life, and that’s what drives me.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was guiding me towards the right career path. When I was at a crossroads deciding my college major, they helped me understand that pursuing architecture would provide me with a solid foundation in both interior and exterior design. Their insight allowed me to see the bigger picture and realize that acquiring extensive knowledge in architecture would enable me to specialize later on. This advice has been instrumental in shaping my career trajectory and has ultimately contributed to my success in the design world today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://silviaschaefferdesign.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/silviaschaefferdesign/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086274321898
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/silvia-schaeffer-a3b325a/
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/silviaschaeffer/
Image Credits
m ( Silvia Schaeffer Design)
