Meet Catia Sander

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Catia Sander a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Catia, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?

My resilience comes from a blend of deeply rooted personal and professional foundations.

Growing up in Brazil, I developed a unique perspective shaped by my rich cultural heritage and a strong sense of adaptability, which later became a hallmark of my work in architectural and interior design across continents.

With over 25 years of experience, my journey has been supported by the trust and belief of those closest to me—friends who became clients, mentors who guided my growth, and my husband Tyler, my steadfast partner.

I also find strength and determination through my passion for running marathons and participating in triathlons, constantly pushing myself to new limits with discipline and perseverance.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I am an architectural and interior designer, having had the privilege of working on projects across Germany, Brazil, India, and the United States. My approach to design is deeply influenced by my Brazilian roots and global experiences, blending cultural richness with modern sophistication. I currently focus on creating spaces that reflect quiet luxury, where functionality meets timeless beauty, and each project tells a story.

One of the most exciting aspects of my work is the ability to bring unique visions to life, whether it’s a private residence, a commercial space, or a community project. Every design is a collaboration, and I strive to create environments that enhance people’s lives while celebrating their individuality.

At the moment, I’m designing a modern french inspired residence in Venice, CA, which has been an incredible journey of experimentation with quiet luxury principles.

Additionally, I’m exploring ways to bring my designs into more accessible formats—through curated collections or design consultations—so that more people can experience thoughtful and intentional spaces.

For me, design is not just about aesthetics; it’s about creating an emotional connection, and I’m continually inspired by the possibilities of shaping environments that foster joy, comfort, and inspiration.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, I believe the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been adaptability, creative vision, and strong relationships.

Adaptability has been crucial because every project, culture, and client brings unique challenges. Growing up in Brazil and working across different countries taught me how to embrace change and find opportunities in it. For anyone starting out, I’d recommend staying open-minded and willing to learn from every experience. Flexibility doesn’t mean compromising your vision—it means finding innovative ways to achieve it.

Creative vision is the heart of what I do. Being able to think beyond what exists and imagine what could be has driven my work. To develop this, immerse yourself in art, travel, and different cultures. The more you expose yourself to new ideas, the stronger your creative muscle becomes.

Finally, strong relationships have been key. My career flourished because of mentors who believed in me, clients who trusted my ideas, and a personal support system that encouraged me every step of the way. My advice here is to nurture connections with sincerity and generosity. Collaboration often opens doors you never anticipated.

For anyone early in their journey, focus on building these qualities intentionally—they’ll serve as your foundation for long-term success.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

Yes, I’m always open to partnerships and collaborations! I love working with people who are passionate about design, creativity, and making a meaningful impact through their work.

Whether it’s other designers, architects, real estate investors, general contractors, developers, artists, or even brands and organizations with aligned values, I’m interested in projects that challenge me to think differently and create something truly special.

If you’re reading this and would like to collaborate, I’d love to hear from you. You can connect with me directly through email or via my professional website, where you’ll also find more about my work and ongoing projects. Let’s create something extraordinary together!

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Virginia Pitts
Isaac Garcia

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Resilience
Betting on the Brightside: Developing and Fostering Optimism

Optimism is like magic – it has the power to make the impossible a reality

Highlighter Series
What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?

There is no one path – to success or even to New York (or Kansas).

Highlighter Series
Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?

We have had the good fortunate of connecting with Nobel Laureates, titans of industry, rockstars