We recently connected with Sydney Ledden and have shared our conversation below.

Sydney, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s the best advice you ever gave to a client? How did they benefit / what was the result?

Picture this: a client who dreams big but can’t quite wrap their head around what it takes to turn those dreams into reality. They wanted a full restaurant makeover—new floors, repainted walls, fresh counters, stylish furniture, and even a bathroom overhaul. Ambitious, right? But there was a catch. Actually, there were several: an unrealistic budget, a timeline straight out of a fairy tale, and a penchant for pushing away skilled workers in favor of the cheapest options available. They also had a bit of a DIY streak, ordering and returning products like they were on a home shopping spree, despite my recommendations.

Now, client relationships can either be the wind in your sails or the iceberg that sinks your ship. The best thing I can do for a client is to educate them on the journey they’re about to embark on. Renovating or building a space, whether it’s a home or a business, is a huge financial and time commitment. Your budget, partners, and timeline will directly impact the end result, no exceptions.

Back to our ambitious restaurateur. After countless revisions and debates, we still hadn’t nailed down a budget or prioritized the projects. Every time we proposed materials or products, they’d decide to “research” alternatives, only to circle back to our original suggestions—usually after a few missteps and returns. They couldn’t understand why the materials and labor didn’t fit their anticipated budget, and every change they made triggered a domino effect on the timeline, pricing, and functionality. It was like watching someone try to build a Jenga tower on a trampoline.

Here’s the thing: when you hire a designer, you’re paying for their expertise, their vision, and their ability to see a gutted or outdated space and know exactly how to transform it into something fabulous. Trust that they know what they’re doing. If you don’t trust them, you’ve hired the wrong person. Before diving into a project, interview designers until you find one whose portfolio and personality align with your vision. Then, give them clear goals and—this is crucial—step out of their way.

If someone promises to pull off a major renovation in a week, ask yourself: A) Why aren’t they booked solid? and B) Why aren’t they charging more for this miracle work? Over-promises are red flags. A good contractor will give you a realistic price range and timeline based on the level of luxury you’re after.

And to all the business owners out there itching for a renovation: be prepared to close up shop for a few days each month or even longer. Unless you’ve got a crew of 40 ready to work around the clock, most large renovations can’t be squeezed into a weekend unless you have an HGTV budget. Ask your designer questions, and only work with someone who gives it to you straight.

Designers, if your client insists on taking the cheaper, faster route, let them. They’ll be back, trust me. Because in this business, you really do get what you pay for.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Hi, I’m Sydney Ledden, the founder and principal designer at Sentio Design Studio. My journey into the world of design is a bit unconventional, but that’s what makes it so exciting. I started with a background in biology and fine art, a combination that might seem worlds apart from interior design and UX at first glance. But for me, it was a natural progression—blending the analytical rigor of science with the boundless creativity of art. This fusion eventually led me to where I am today, designing spaces and experiences that are not only beautiful but also deeply rooted in sustainability and neuroscience.

At Sentio, we specialize in large-scale commercial and residential projects, tailoring each one to meet our clients’ timelines, budgets, and stylistic needs. What sets us apart is our commitment to sustainability and neuro design. We don’t just create spaces; we craft environments that enhance well-being, productivity, and connection—whether it’s through the careful selection of materials or the thoughtful integration of handcrafted elements that stand the test of time.

One of the driving forces behind my work is the belief that design should be as functional as it is beautiful. With a background in UX, I’m passionate about using user research, data, and design science to inform every decision. Accessibility isn’t just a box to tick off; it’s a fundamental part of creating spaces that work for everyone. This philosophy has guided all of our projects, ensuring that each space is tailored to the needs and desires of the people who use it.

I’m incredibly proud of the work we do at Sentio, not just because of the spaces we create, but because of the impact we make. Our goal is always to deliver designs that are as sustainable as they are stunning. We work closely with clients who are conscious of their environmental footprint, helping them bring their visions to life in a way that’s both responsible and resilient.

What I want potential clients and followers to know is that at Sentio, we’re more than just designers—we’re partners in your creative journey. We listen, we collaborate, and we bring a unique blend of expertise and passion to every project. If you’re looking for a design studio that values sustainability, craftsmanship, and innovation, you’ve come to the right place.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson I had to unlearn was that you don’t have to scale to sell. If that is your goal, great! However, the best advice I got was to build slow and sustainable. Figure out what works before you are dealing with a lot of capital (or burning it haha). Slowly grown businesses have the grace to build procedures alongside projects and make thoughtful decisions. Many startups get a lot of money but haven’t gotten proper market feedback from their product or service. Bootstrapping a business teaches you how to run lean and efficient while also forcing you to listen to the market over solely your amazing ideas. Make efficient systems, build a network of partners, and don’t overextend yourself before you have good data on what you’re already trying. Also, evolve! What you think is not always how things go- you have to evolve with the market, tech innovations and more.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Social media is great but get into your community! Join a relevant professional organization, join a non profit, organize events, meet people in person. I have learned that is the most effective. People like emails and fun videos but connection is key.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sentiodesignstudio.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sentio.design?igsh=NXpja3lpbGJxYWlm&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leddenfineart?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sentio-design-4a3519270?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Image Credits

Jen Lobo