We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Natalie Rodríguez. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Natalie below.
Natalie, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Do you take vacations? Why or why not?
I believe that taking time to enjoy life is crucial – especially from a mental health standpoint to prevent burnout and to ensure that we are putting our best foot forward in life and in our careers. It’s easy for some of us to fall into the trap of not taking time off, and when I think of it, I don’t intentionally take vacation a lot, unless it’s to visit with loved ones. Our industry requires a bit of travel for customers and programs, as well as for industry events and conferences. Because of this aspect, it doesn’t often feel like I’m missing out on a vacation, mostly because of the thrill of going somewhere new, while also fulfilling a productivity aspect of my job. I usually return home feeling revitalized and inspired.
There are many things entrepreneurs can do to combat the need to always be “on”, and flexibility will be a factor depending on the industry and required scope of work. But generally, holding vacation / time away to the same standard that one would hold for meetings and work events tends to be helpful, and viewing it as an investment for one’s physical and mental health. Being able to fully relax on vacation is another thing – wrapping up any loose ends on current projects prior to taking time away is so important even if it requires working odd hours to get these taken care of prior to leaving, otherwise it will be a challenge to relax while taking time away.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
In short, I’m an aircraft interior designer with a focus on VVIP private aircraft. I help to transform clients’ visions into reality through designing luxury private aircraft interiors custom-tailored to each individual’s exquisite taste and special aircraft mission.
I grew up as a competitive dancer that was also heavily involved with visual arts, which is where I believe my creative journey began. I’m an interior designer by education, holding a Bachelor of Arts degree in Interior Environmental Design from the University of the Incarnate Word, a CIDA-accredited interior design program. Prior to opening my design practice, I’m proud to have designed for three different aircraft completion centers Citadel Completions, AERIA Luxury Interiors and Gore Design Completions, with some experience in residential and commercial business interiors as well. Over the course of my career, I’ve had the honor of developing work for some of the most famed Individuals, Corporations, and World Leaders (NDA), all with various backgrounds, cultures, and design styles ranging from contemporary clean, to business jet classic, to palatial opulence.
Natalie Rodríguez Luxury Design is an exclusive, globally recognized luxury interior design practice. We proudly specialize in Boeing and Airbus aircraft, both narrow- and wide-body variants, designing fully customized luxury cabins for aircraft completion and refurbishment servicing Heads of State / Government Bodies, UHNWI, as well as private aircraft for corporate and / or charter use. We are also proud to service luxury cabins for light- and long-range business jets. Our approach is entirely customer-centric, dedicated to providing bespoke designs that meet the needs of the most discriminating jet owners. Natalie Rodríguez Luxury Design is an approved design partner with Boeing Business Jets.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
In the business / VIP aviation sector specifically, I quickly learned that flexibility, adaptability, and anticipating the unexpected are important for surviving and thriving. There have been many times throughout my career I’ve had to unexpectedly pivot and restructure a new game plan.
The first example would be working with my first aircraft completion center. When I was first hired, the headquarters were based in San Antonio, Texas, which they then relocated. I was asked to join their team at the new headquarters, and as I didn’t have plans to move at that time, I declined. I spent some time designing residential and commercial business interiors prior to accepting an aircraft interior design position with a different completion center that was also based in San Antonio at that time. Leading up to my acceptance of this role, I remember reaching out to this company quite often asking if they had any open position available. The answer was often “not at this time”, but I interpreted this response as “at some point we will, so don’t give up”, even though there were many times I wanted to give up. I’m happy to have kept up my persistence, or else I’m not sure I would be where I am now.
The second example would be during the time of the Pandemic. There were natural disasters that occurred where I was living at that time that I had never previously experienced – a category 4 hurricane, followed by a category 2 hurricane just a month later; an intense winter storm that incurred rolling blackouts, frozen waterlines and iced over roads for a week (this one occurred during a visit back home in San Antonio); and a flood with 18 inches of rain, all during the Pandemic. Each event was a reminder of how short and unpredictable life can be and left me with a strong desire to be closer to home and to my loved ones. This inspired me to begin my own design practice – to service VVIP customers and the interior design of their aircraft, while staying close to my loved ones and traveling as required.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
From a Customer Experience standpoint, it is vital to truly listen to what the Customer wants to accomplish with their interior, and to act as an advocate on their behalf during build to ensure that their goals are addressed, and that quality and craftsmanship are properly executed. There are also so many aspects to account for when it comes to detailing the interior of a custom private aircraft and I favor holding the Customer Experience at the forefront, ensuring that the process as fun and as seamless as possible for the end user and their Teams. Each program is so unique and special, and treating each aircraft with this approach, tailored to the individual, truly listening to what it is they’re looking for, and addressing specific requirements whether it has to do with functionality, aesthetics, or something completely specialized, and delivering an aircraft that truly resonates is the most rewarding experience.
From the standpoint of working with others in the industry as a team, I believe remaining genuine, honest, and keeping true to myself has helped to build and cultivate long-lasting relationships. For me this means being kind to everyone, having patience, as well as a positive, calm, resilient, and solution-oriented mindset. Expressing gratitude often is a good practice as well to show others their hard work is appreciated. Staying consistently connected with customers, industry friends, colleagues, and suppliers have also been also quite effective in nurturing these relationships.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.natalierodriguez.design/
- Instagram: @natalierdzzz
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-rodr%C3%ADguez-luxury-design/