Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Allen Sofiov. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Allen, appreciate you joining us today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being a business owner force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

There are definitely moments when I stop and think about what my life would look like if I just had a regular job. A predictable schedule, clear boundaries, and the ability to clock out at five. It usually crosses my mind on the tough days, when I’m juggling clients, deadlines, job sites, and the unexpected problems that come with running a design-build firm.

One moment that stands out was earlier this year. A project was delayed because an engineer kept disappearing on me. I was dealing with clients waiting for answers, a project timeline falling apart, and money on the line. I remember thinking for a second how simple it would be to just hand this stress to a manager and walk away. But then I caught myself. As stressful as it was, I realized I was only in that position because I built something of my own. I created the relationships, I earned the clients’ trust, and I was the one they were counting on. That pressure comes from responsibility, but also from opportunity.

The truth is that even when it’s overwhelming, I love what I do. I get to create spaces for people. I get to design, solve problems, build a team, and grow something that reflects my standards and values. No regular job would ever give me that level of meaning or control.

So yes, I sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else. But every time I think about it seriously, I always come back to the same conclusion: I’m happier running my own firm. The challenges are part of the deal, and the wins make it worth it. Being a business owner forces you to grow, adapt, and keep pushing. And in the end, I wouldn’t trade that for anything.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I run Sofiov Design, a design and build firm based in the Bay Area. My path into this industry started very naturally. I’ve always been drawn to spaces, to how people live, and to the way good design can completely change how someone feels in their home. What began as a personal passion slowly became a full-time career when I realized how much people trusted my eye, my ideas, and my ability to translate their lifestyle into a functional and beautiful space.

Today, my company focuses on residential design, full home remodels, kitchens, bathrooms, ADUs, and commercial wellness spaces. We guide clients from concept to construction, helping them visualize their home with detailed layouts, renderings, material selections, and project management. I’m involved in every project from the first meeting to the final walkthrough because relationships matter to me just as much as the design.

One of the things that sets us apart is the level of care and attention we give our clients. I’m extremely hands-on. I think deeply about circulation, light, storage, and the day-to-day experience of the space. Clients always tell me they feel supported and that I make the process easier for them. Whether it’s navigating permitting, selecting finishes, or solving unexpected site issues, I’m always present and always trying to find the best solution.

I’m proud of the business I’ve built because it reflects my standards. My team and I are not here to do cookie-cutter design. Every project is personal, and we’re known for delivering spaces that feel clean, modern, elevated, and practical.

What I want people to know about my brand is simple: we care. We design with intention, we communicate clearly, and we commit fully to every project we take on. My clients trust me with their homes, their timelines, and their investment. I take that responsibility very seriously.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

My work ethic played a big part. I don’t cut corners. I don’t rush through decisions. I take the time to understand how people live and what will actually make their home better and more functional. When clients see that level of intention, they know they’re in good hands.

Consistency is another big part of it. Whether I’m doing a full home remodel or just helping with a smaller project, I give the same level of attention and respect. Over time, that built a reputation for reliability, quality, and honesty.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

One of the biggest pivots in my career was moving from strictly design work into offering full design and build services. I started out focusing only on the creative side, working on layouts, materials, and helping clients envision their space. But over time, I found myself deeply involved in the construction side anyway. I was managing contractors, solving on-site issues, coordinating timelines, and guiding clients through decisions that directly affected the build.

At some point it became clear that design and build naturally go together. Clients wanted one person who understood both the creative vision and the practical execution. I already had years of experience managing projects and communicating with trades, so stepping into the build side felt like the right move.

That pivot completely changed my business. It allowed me to give clients a smoother experience from start to finish and to protect the integrity of the design during construction. Instead of handing off the project and hoping everything would be done the way I intended, I could stay involved, guide the process, and deliver a final result that matched the vision.

Looking back, it was one of the best decisions I made. It made my firm stronger, more reliable, and more complete. And it allowed me to use all of my skills, not just part of them.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sofiov.com
• Instagram: @sofiov_design
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/sofiov-design-palo-alto-3