Today we’d like to introduce you to Becky Shea

Hi Becky, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.

I am a first-generation Cuban-American with roots in Spain, where my great-grandparents were born and worked before migrating to Cuba in the early 20th century. My grandfather was imprisoned in Castro’s forced labor camps, prompting him and my parents, then children, to flee to Miami on one of the last “Freedom Flights” in 1973. They started anew with none of their possessions or family heirlooms. My childhood was spent in my grandfather’s woodworking studio, which I believe fostered my love for craftsmanship and design.

To help finance my college education, I worked various jobs, eventually moving to NYC in 2010 with just two suitcases. I found Craigslist roommates in a converted studio on Wall Street and began my career as a flagship visual merchandiser for brands like Levi Strauss and Elie Tahari, creating memorable floor displays that enhanced both point of sale and brand value. Afterward, I honed my skills in international business development, product development, and intellectual property at several startups until one shut down its NYC office in late 2014.

With no prior experience in interior design, I took an unpaid six-month apprenticeship with Sherry Brous, a family friend, who mentored me. I gained valuable experience on construction sites while assisting Sherry’s business with digital tools. I taught myself Photoshop, Sketchup Pro, and AutoCAD through YouTube tutorials and trial and error during late nights. Once confident in my abilities, I joined a large firm in New York as a senior interior design team consultant. My high reviews quickly led to me becoming the go-to designer for VIP clients and residential renovations.

After a year, I launched my own design studio, securing my first project—a full renovation of a SoHo loft for the co-founder of the firm I had left. By 2021, just five years later, BS/D had multiple international features, and I became a recognized voice in interior design, contributing to Architectural Digest, Dwell, ELLE Decor, Domino, MyDomaine, and more. In 2020, I was voted HGTV’s Designer of the Year for the Kitchen + Bath category and have since been interviewed on live TV and panels discussing the industry.

Currently, BS/D handles complete custom builds of luxury homes, overseeing every aesthetic detail from millwork and kitchen design to siding, windows, and rooflines, with projects ranging from 7,500 to over 10,000 square feet. Working on such incredible projects with appreciative clients has been thrilling. A key to our success has been limiting the number of concurrent projects, allowing us to focus our creative attention on each home without being overstretched.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

Starting my own business in an industry where I had no prior experience was anything but smooth. It involved a lot of trial and error, and learning the right way to do things often came through failure. Figuring out who was the best to work with, and who wasn’t cut out for it, was a significant part of the journey. I faced many difficult contractors and tradespeople, many of whom had masculinity complexes, making the work environment quite uncomfortable.

For many years, balance and boundaries were nonexistent. We worked seven days a week, often putting in 18-hour days. We never turned off; it was a constant go, go, go. This relentless pace eventually caught up with me. I went completely deaf in my right ear and ended up hospitalized for exhaustion and dehydration. Burnout is no joke, and it’s often not talked about enough. It’s very real and takes a lot of inner strength and work to recover.

Rebuilding my work-life balance was crucial. Setting boundaries and limitations became essential, not only for my health but also for the success of my business. Taking care of myself allowed my business to thrive, proving that sustainable practices benefit both personal well-being and professional growth.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?

I am an interior designer specializing in high-end residential design in the U.S. Our team manages projects from start to finish, beginning with the architectural phase and continuing through to the final styling touches before a client moves in. This comprehensive approach allows us to maintain full control of the design, ensuring a cohesive and holistic palette throughout the space that perfectly captures and fulfills the client’s lifestyle needs.

We believe in creating environments that are not only visually stunning but also highly functional and tailored to our clients’ unique tastes and requirements. By being involved in every stage of the project, from the initial blueprints to the selection of furniture, art, and accessories, we can seamlessly integrate all elements of design. This meticulous attention to detail ensures that each project reflects our clients’ personalities and enhances their everyday living experience.

Our dedication to understanding and interpreting our clients’ visions means we prioritize communication and collaboration throughout the entire process. We take the time to learn about their preferences, routines, and aspirations, translating these insights into a design that is both elegant and practical. This client-centered approach is at the heart of our work, driving us to create spaces that are not only beautiful but also deeply personal and resonant.

By overseeing every aspect of the design, we can guarantee a unified and harmonious aesthetic that flows effortlessly from room to room. Our goal is to craft timeless, sophisticated interiors that elevate our clients’ lives, providing them with a sanctuary that is both luxurious and inviting. Whether it’s a sprawling estate or an intimate urban apartment, we are committed to delivering exceptional results that exceed expectations and stand the test of time.

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?

Jake Shea deserves all the credit in the world. He is not only my right hand but also the best person I have ever met. As my husband and business partner, Jake has been my biggest cheerleader, constantly encouraging me to pursue my visions and passions, always reminding me that anything is possible. He left a successful career at Google to join my business and has never looked back. Together, we have grown and expanded in ways that make sense for both our studio and our life.

Sherry Brous was the first person to welcome me into the industry with open arms. She introduced me to the Design & Decoration Building, the Architectural Digest building, and 200 Lex, unveiling the intricate world of bidding, contractor meetings, project management, space planning, color theory, and so much more. Sherry allowed me to join her team as an apprentice, and the wealth of knowledge I gained from that experience gave me the confidence to pursue this career on my own.

Both Jake and Sherry have been instrumental in my journey. Jake’s unwavering support and belief in my potential have been a constant source of motivation. His transition from a tech giant to our design studio exemplifies his commitment and belief in our shared vision. Sherry’s mentorship opened the doors to the interior design world, providing me with the foundational skills and industry insights that have been crucial to my success.

Their encouragement and guidance have shaped me into the designer I am today. Jake’s ability to push boundaries and Sherry’s expertise and patience have taught me the value of resilience, creativity, and the importance of a solid support system. Our studio’s growth and the successful projects we’ve completed are a testament to their influence and the collaborative spirit that drives our work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.beckyshea.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beckysheadesign/

Image Credits

Photos by: Jake Shea and Sean Litchfield