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

Shahrzad, appreciate you joining us today. Can you tell us the backstory behind how you came up with the idea?

As someone who is in the creative field, I am always looking for new ideas and looking to implement them in my next projects. However, working under someone else’s direction can sometimes limit this creative process. Despite of having had a great experience with my previous role and supervisor, a shift in management presented an opportunity for change.

My brother, who is not directly involved in the creative industry, but I consider him a creative person, proposed to start a design firm and offered to manage the business side which would enable me to focus on the design work. So, I decided to resign from the position I held for 12 years and that was the beginning of this new chapter.

Throughout my years in design, I have realized that beauty and functionality of a space are just part of the equation, and the flow of energy also plays an important role in how users experience that environment. I discovered my ability to Intuitively create spaces that promote harmonious flow of energy. Combining this insight with skills that I have developed throughout my design career became my next exciting endeavor.

I was born with the passion for design and architecture, and this was my opportunity to allow this passion to flourish. Did I know this was going to be successful? Of course not, but I believe anyone who decides to step into this journey hopes for success.

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

As far back as I can remember, my love for art and design has always been a part of me. One of my earliest memories is of being amazed by the 4th floor of a department store in Austria, filled with various items including miniature buildings made of Legos. That scene is still vivid in my mind. I think I was 8 or 9 years old. That was probably the day my love of architecture and building began to take shape.

As a teenager, I always envisioned myself becoming an architect, but life had other plans, as life usually does, and led me to the interior design industry instead. For nearly 21 years, I have worked as a hospitality and commercial interior designer finding great satisfaction in the architectural elements within interior design. I think life knew exactly what it was doing!

Over the years, I have designed variety of public spaces such as lobbies, lounges, offices, outdoor lounges, fitness centers, dental offices and cozy cafes to name a few. What theses spaces all have in common is their role in welcoming guests and clients. It is important for these spaces to make visitors feel comfortable and, in the case of dental offices, relaxed and at ease. A key goal is to create experiences that encourage guests to return.

Think back to those moments when you entered a room and instantly felt relaxed or even excited. You couldn’t quite explain why but that feeling stayed with you. Your body remembers it every time you think back to that place. That is the experience we aim to provide for our clients’ customers and guests.

At Sketch Interior Design, we focus on creating beautiful and functional spaces that promote a positive flow of energy. When you feel good, every aspect of your life – and that of your clients – is positively influenced. As a result, you will enjoy a thriving business.

We are also here to support you and your project from sketch to completion!

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

There is a saying: “Find a job you love, and you will never work a day in your life.” And I feel very fortunate to have found my passion. One of the greatest privileges of my career is the ability to share the joy I experience through my designs. So, I made it my mission to create uplifting spaces to spread this joy to others.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

Like many, I have struggled with imposter syndrome in much of my life, often downplaying my achievements thinking I just got lucky or that anyone could have done it. I believed everyone else had it all figured out and had enough knowledge and skills. It wasn’t until I faced a challenge at my previous work that I realized that I not only had the talent and skills for what I do, but I may even have more knowledge than some. It took me a long time to overcome this wrong belief. They say that if you don’t learn your lesson, the challenges keep resurfacing until you do. I think that is true! Unlearning a belief that you have carried for so long does not happen overnight. But I think I finally learned my lesson, at least I hope so!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sketch-interiordesign.com
• Instagram: @sketchinteriordesign
• Facebook: sketch Interior Design
• Linkedin: Sketch Interior Design

Image Credits

Nadereh Salarpour