Meet Ruben Gutierrez

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

Ruben, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

I don’t think we ever truly overcome imposter syndrome. I see it as a good gut check — something that keeps me humble, aligned with my goals, and grounded. We’ve recently embarked on a new venture: a home design boutique on Miracle Mile called Maison Mischief. The imposter feelings were strong and kept me up at night. But when I gut-checked myself, I was able to move through the fear and rediscover the excitement and energy behind this project. That’s how I knew it was the right move. Rather than suppressing those imposter feelings, I prefer to sit with them, make friends with them, and find gratitude for the wisdom they share. Shifting that perspective truly helps.

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

I believe that true luxury is rooted in self-expression rather than trends. A home should read like a biography — telling the story of your life through every color, texture, artwork, and design detail. This belief inspired what we call Biographical Interior Design.

Over the past 16 years, we’ve created hundreds of interiors that feel deeply personal, authentic, and emotionally resonant — spaces that celebrate the people who live in them.

Now, we’re thrilled to be expanding that vision with our newest endeavor: Maison Mischief — a home design boutique dedicated to discovering the most personality-filled, story-driven objects from around the world. It’s a playful, luxurious extension of our philosophy: that your surroundings should reflect who you are, not just what’s in style.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, I’d say the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are curiosity, optimism, and boldness.

Curiosity — especially about people, lifestyle, and design — has been the foundation of everything we do. It allows us to see beyond aesthetics and understand who our clients truly are, so that every space we create tells their story.

Optimism has helped us navigate the inevitable challenges of running a creative business. It keeps us open to possibility and reminds us that every obstacle can lead to something better or more inspired.

And boldness — the willingness to take risks, experiment with ideas, and trust our instincts — is what gives our work its distinct voice. It’s how we create spaces that feel alive, personal, and memorable.

Of course, all of this builds on our architectural background, which gives structure and discipline to our creativity.

As for advice, I’d tell anyone early in their journey to be true to yourself. Make sure your work reflects your values and point of view. Trends will come and go, but authenticity and purpose will always stand out — and ultimately, that’s what leads to meaningful, lasting success.

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?

Without question, my business partner and wife, Katie, has been the most instrumental in helping me grow — both personally and professionally. I truly wouldn’t be able to do this without her.

Katie brings a clarity and balance that keeps our creative energy grounded. She challenges me to see things from new perspectives, helps refine ideas, and ensures that our vision translates beautifully from concept to reality. Together, we’ve built Errez Design not just as a design firm, but as a shared expression of our values, curiosity, and love for storytelling through space.

She’s my greatest collaborator, sounding board, and supporter — and our partnership is at the heart of everything we create.

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Image Credits

photgraphy: Dan Cutrona

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