Today, we have the pleasure of introducing an accomplished professional, Sonia Fernandes da Silva. At the age of 42, Sonia is not just an entrepreneur but an eminent figure in the field of architecture and interior design. Her journey has been marked by passion, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to delivering tailor-made solutions for her clients.
Sonia’s early exposure to the world of decoration, courtesy of her parents’ venture, laid the foundation for her deep-seated fascination with architecture and interior design. Armed with a degree in the field, Sonia’s university education became a transformative experience, solidifying her belief that architecture, design, and decoration are intricately connected facets that should seamlessly blend into a singular, cohesive offering.
Boasting over 15 years of experience, Sonia specializes in rehabilitation and hospitality projects. She firmly believes that decorating and restoring are not mere costs but avenues to greater success. Throughout her career, Sonia has honed her skills in interior architecture, interior design, furniture design, lighting design, hotel design, project management, and consultation. Her diverse skill set is a testament to her holistic approach to every project.
Despite the challenges inherent in any professional journey, Sonia’s response has always been to innovate and find new ways to make a broader impact. A working wife and mother, Sonia has navigated an active lifestyle, accompanying her husband through various projects across continents. Her move from Europe to Asia not only fulfilled a lifelong attraction to the continent but also opened doors to new contacts, partnerships, and projects, showcasing the globalization of services without limitations of distance.
Now, with a keen interest in dermocosmetics, Sonia is exploring new opportunities in emerging markets, setting the stage for exciting ventures and challenges on the horizon.
1. Can you share more about your early experiences with your parents’ decoration venture and how it shaped your career in architecture and interior design?
Being born in the world of decoration gave me a comprehensive idea of what it means to create a product from its dream to its conception, as all items are handmade to suit each client. I had contact from the raw material supplier to the artisans, my parents always had their own manufacturing and I understood the importance of the customer having an exclusive piece. This is what gives me the most pleasure in all projects, monitoring them at all stages.
2. How do you ensure a holistic approach to your projects, considering your diverse specializations from interior architecture to furniture and lighting design?
Considering the place where we live is not just a house, but a real home, which promotes comfort and a sense of belonging, is the challenge when it comes to interior design. An extension of habits, and preferences, needs to be an extension of an individual or a set of them, living in a healthy and harmonious way. Creating functional, beautiful spaces that are also capable of providing energy regulation that benefits those who live there is the objective with a holistic perspective, that involves not only the aesthetic but also the spiritual aspect. With my change of continent, I already had an interest in feng shui and it became more intense, it made me explore this knowledge. The holistic approach applied to architecture and design considers the human being as connected as a whole in the environment in which they are inserted. That´s why home decor is so important, and can even affect our mood. When carrying out a project for an apartment, for example, the professional needs to check the usefulness of the environment, how it will be related to lighting, and what feeling it brings to those who will be there for years or even decades.
3. Moving from Europe to Asia was a significant shift. How has this experience influenced your work, and what advice do you have for professionals considering international moves?
What most influenced my experience was the holistic approach and cultures that seem interconnected, more so than in Europe. Despite having very evolved countries and very globalization, they have not lost their cultural roots. The Chinese practice of feng shui is rooted in Singapore´s architectural complexes. The art of orienting buildings and objects according to a system that harmonizes everything with the environment can be found anywhere in the city. However, they are one of the most modern countries in the world. When incomes to industry and suppliers, there are many options. For a design professional to have a wide range of business contexts in which to reinforce the thinking and creative design process with solid knowledge.
4. Juggling a thriving career, family, and an active lifestyle can be demanding. How do you maintain a balance, and what advice do you have for others in similar situations?
The theme of “work-life balance” is a cross-cutting issue that increasingly arises among people. Women can manage this globally. Of course, they will be able to be mothers and professionals. Having confidence in yourself and following the path that brings the most satisfaction to your life. I had the attitude, since the first day of my arrival, of finding people who would help me. We can’t do everything alone. There is no family abroad. I also give responsibility for my son, to be more independent and that everything can work. Organization and discipline are part of this equation, and to think that my family also benefits from my balance. Not scheduling meetings for the end of the day and setting aside time to do what you like are some tips that have a positive impact on the family. I have a husband who motivates and we support each other in our projects.
5. Looking ahead, what new ventures or projects are you excited about, and how do you see the future of architecture and interior design evolving?
With the change of continent, I not only strengthened my basic professional areas. Dermocosmetics once again combines traditional roots that last over time with new evolutions. As I believe that body and soul must be connected, we will know how to better manage our emotions. I developed a taste for biofeedback, and quantum therapy, which i took a course on. Architecture and interior design are undergoing a significant transformation, with trends pointing towards a more conscious and sustainable future.
