Today we’d like to introduce you to Sonja Cellucci.
Hi Sonja, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for sharing your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
I’ve currently been designing for 10 years in the outdoor design industry. I’ve always had a passion for art, drawing, architecture, and nature from a young age, and I wasn’t exactly sure which field I was going into at first, but I received my BA in Interior Design from NAU in Flagstaff, Arizona and then took an internship with a pool building company my final year. As soon as I got into the field, I knew I wanted to start my own business, as I’ve always had an Entrepreneurial spirit. 3 months later, I began OM Design (Open Mind) OM stands for Open Mind, helping clients create their dream homes in their backyard. My business quickly took off, and I designed independently and guided my clients to different builders to bring their designs to life. As my business grew and with the reach of social media, my designs reached worldwide, and I began designing in different states. My design process can be completed virtually, so I offered it almost anywhere with the proper documents. I built my company in Arizona for 6 years and then decided to move to Florida for a change of scenery, the ocean, and a new landscape. Now today, I design all over the country (mainly between Arizona and Florida), and I have always specialized in 3D renderings and visualizations to help clients see their designs before construction. I spend most of my time designing on my computer but travel 3 to 4 times a year to different locations to check on job progress, meet my clients, and see my projects come to life for my clients to enjoy! It’s an advantageous and fast-paced business, but I enjoy what I do and have created as a solo designer.
It wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been relatively smooth so far?
This has been a rewarding experience so far but There have been many challenges along the way in growing a business and learning, and with construction, something always comes up! But I love to grow from the challenges, and it’s always a learning experience. (I did not expect this this to grow slow, I knew I would be successful because I put passion into everything I do), which was the main challenge: learning to scale it efficiently. I am self-taught in terms of the computer and technology. I also create my website and content; each design is entirely custom. I learned to balance many projects at different phases (some in the design phase, some in bidding, and some in construction). Open communication, honesty, and hard work have paid off for me so far!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might need to become more familiar with what you do, what can you tell them about what you do?
My company is an outdoor exterior design service. I design everything from swimming pools, spas, hardscapes and landscaping, sports courts, pavilions, outdoor kitchens, sunrooms, pool houses, cabanas, driveways, garages, etc., anything outdoors! The possibilities are always endless with design. I am passionate about feng shui and nature, so I infuse those practices into all my designs. I’m known for my unique design edge and detail in my renderings. I’m most known for the realistic 3D renderings I create for each project so my clients can visualize their projects. They are realistic and detailed, and the projects are like photo renditions. I treat each project as my home, and I’ve met many great people. I just passed my 600th design in my career, and I’m most proud to have created homes for families to enjoy for years!
Networking and finding a mentor can positively impact one’s life and career. Any advice?
Networking is key! Finding the right people is essential. Sometimes, that may come by trial and error, but you live and learn. I saw designers who inspired me when I started, but I always kept my style. An essential piece of advice is to trust your intuition and keep going. Change is good, trying new things is good, and make sure you genuinely enjoy and love what you do. Passion is essential, and that shows in your work as an artist.
Pricing:
- Projects range from 250,000-1,5 mil
- Design fees range and are based per project depending on the size, scope, and detail
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sfcdesign.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/om_design__/
Image Credits
Kary Ann Hoopes, Hoopes Photography
