From São Paulo to San Francisco: How Diverse Influences Shape My Design Philosophy

Every designer has a story, and mine begins in São Paulo. Growing up in Brazil, surrounded by a rich mix of cultures, architecture, and styles, gave me a deep appreciation for design that is both vibrant and meaningful. When I moved to Jerusalem and later to the San Francisco Bay Area, my design philosophy evolved, shaped by the diverse places I’ve lived and the people I’ve worked with along the way.

In São Paulo, I learned to embrace contrast. The city itself is a mix of old and new, with modern high-rises standing next to colonial buildings, and lush greenery woven into an urban landscape. That’s where I first developed my love for blending different elements—merging traditional with contemporary, mixing bold colors with neutral tones, and finding harmony in the unexpected.

When I moved to Jerusalem, my design approach shifted again. There’s something about working with historic buildings that really forces you to slow down and appreciate the craftsmanship of the past. Restoring homes in the Old City, I had to think carefully about how to preserve the original architecture while introducing modern touches that suited my clients’ lifestyles. It was a delicate balance—one that taught me the importance of respecting a space’s history while still making it functional and personal for today’s world.

Now, in the Bay Area, I’ve found a new rhythm. Here, design is not just about aesthetics; it’s about sustainability, innovation, and creating spaces that feel connected to nature. California has a unique energy, and it’s inspired me to focus even more on incorporating eco-friendly materials and practices into my work. The Bay Area’s laid-back yet sophisticated vibe has pushed me to design spaces that feel effortless but are thoughtfully curated—where each piece has a purpose and every detail tells a story.

What ties all these experiences together is my belief that design should be personal and reflect the lives of the people who live in the space. Whether I’m working on a family home in Jerusalem or a modern loft in San Francisco, my goal is to bring in elements from different places and cultures in a way that feels authentic and meaningful to my clients. I’ve found that my international background helps me think outside the box and come up with creative solutions that might not always follow the rules of traditional design.

I love the challenge of taking all these influences—Brazilian warmth, Jerusalem’s sense of history, and California’s modern, eco-conscious mindset—and blending them into something unique for each project. It’s this combination of experiences that makes my design philosophy what it is today, and I think it adds real value to the spaces I create. Each home I work on becomes a reflection of not only my client’s story but also the journey I’ve taken as a designer.