We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Eva Franco a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Eva, appreciate you joining us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
My journey in design and architecture started a long time ago, driven by my love for this field. I’ve learned a lot by working with some amazing designers, traveling, and seeing how skilled workers like carpenters craft their products. Also, I believe in investing in my education in every opportunity that I get, so I’ve taken various courses that go from decorating to drafting and 3D programs I use in my work.
I remember one big obstacle that I faced was wanting to take a marketing course that I found really exciting but couldn’t afford at the time. I ended up asking my mom to help me out financially, and I’m so grateful she supported me without hesitation. After completing the course, I was able to make my first sales and quickly paid her back, which really showed me the value of believing in myself.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My name is Eva Franco, and I’m an Interior Designer specializing in high-end residential spaces. My journey into this field started in Venezuela, where I studied Architecture. After moving to Miami, I completed both my Associate’s and Bachelor’s degrees, and along the way I explored various roles in the construction industry which helped me understand the technical aspects of design.
What truly ignited my passion in design was the realization that I loved creating experiences and spaces that people feel comfortable living in. My skills in organization stand out in my project management, as my business is dedicated to helping homeowners enjoy a stress-free renovation process as I handle everything from concept design to vendor coordination and final decorations.
Creating timeless and functional spaces is my priority. I believe that a home should not only look amazing but also be practical for everyday living. What sets my business apart is simply me. While others in the industry may share similar backgrounds or design tastes, my unique perspective and experiences shape my approach to every project—and that is something solely unique to me.
For potential clients and followers, I want you to know that my work is always centered around your needs and lifestyle. I believe in designing spaces that grow with you, where beauty and function blend effortlessly.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
One of the most challenging projects I worked on was a home renovation where we redesigned the whole living room. Everything seemed to be going smoothly, until we discovered major structural issues halfway through. We were in the middle of demolition when the contractor found a huge beam in the ceiling that was hidden over the original ceiling design. This not only stopped the demolition but also completely changed the ceiling design plan.
We knew we had to act fast to keep the project moving, but this kind of issue required a full reevaluation while trying to keep the original budget and timeline realistic. I remember feeling the pressure to not only solve the problem but also maintain the client’s trust during such a stressful moment for them.
Rather than seeing this as a problem, I viewed it as an opportunity to change things up and show how adaptable we could be. We immediately sat down and brainstormed all potential solutions and put these ideas in plan to see if it were even possible in the first place. We redesigned the whole ceiling taking into account the beam, making adjustments that actually improved the aesthetic and functionality of the ceiling. The process wasn’t easy, but it taught me how important it is to stay calm and focused when things don’t go as planned.
In the end, the renovation was completed not only on time but with a result that was even better than what we initially envisioned! The clients were very happy about overcoming the challenge, and that experience confirmed for me that resilience in interior design is about adaptability. No matter the challenge, there’s always a way to create a beautiful, functional space by being resourceful and flexible.
Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?
I think one of the most interesting parts of being a designer is finding the balance between what looks amazing on paper and what actually works in real life. It’s very easy to get caught up in the excitement of a new project and start dreaming of designs that push the boundaries, but then you have to bring it back to reality. It has to be functional, it has to fit the space, and of course, it has to work within the budget. But I’ve learned that those limitations don’t have to hold you back. In fact, they often lead to even better solutions. Sometimes, by being forced to rethink an idea, you actually end up with a design that’s more improved and flows better with the space. For me, it’s about blending that creativity with a ‘practical’ mindset. It’s not about compromising your vision, it’s about evolving it into something that’s both stunning and achievable.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.interiorsbyevafranco.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evafranco.arch/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Eva-Franco/61559194573008/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/interiors-by-eva-franco-miami
Image Credits
Adriana Hernandez