Meet Samantha Gilbert | Owner/Principal Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Samantha Gilbert and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Samantha, what do you attribute your success to?
Honestly I believe that they key to my success is simply, me. Not only is Studio SG a small business but I am the sole person handling all the aspects of daily business. My dedication to my craft and to my clients drives me to pursue greatness every day and for every project. The type-A personality that explains my organization, attention to detail and extroverted approach to clients also allows for my creativity and design aesthetic to shine through. Being the only one means I am busy and must stay on top of things but it also means that my clients get a very personal experience. They are always working with me and therefore they know what to expect and that they can depend on me to follow through.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As an adult working in the naturalistic retail world I knew I needed more from my career. I wanted something that inspired me and challenged me daily and the industry I was in was just not it. I began on the tough path of a college degree as an adult. Interior design classes were ridiculously fun though. I knew right away that I’d made the right choice and I’d found my niche. I worked for large firms and showrooms for years before venturing out on my own. I worked on projects large and small, near and far all the while learning and absorbing as much as I could. Working under others allowed me to gain the experience I needed to confidently open my own business and manage my own projects. With the 10+ years of experience and schooling under my belt I stepped up to the large precipice that is leaving a steady and successful firm and going out on my own, and I leapt off the edge!

Interior Design sounds so glamorous and exciting and for the most part, it is. But there is much more to it than most people surmise. Having a prosperous business in this industry requires organization, math skills, construction knowledge, a rapport with people, mundane paperwork, the ability to manage conflict or confrontation. But it also requires drawing skills, computer knowledge, color theory, understanding of fabrics/finishes/furniture/lighting and of course extreme creativity. I find I am most successful when I strike a balance in my life and my work. I happen to be well-versed in the “left-brained” aspects while also loving the “right-brained” areas of this business. Its a wonderful balance for me that helps drive my success and keeps my projects on track, in more ways than just design!

When it comes to my art itself, I love to be versatile and unique. I’ve collaborated with a local artist to create a custom tile backsplash on a couple of projects. I’ve found one-of-a-kind pieces to integrate into a design. I strive to bring the unexpected to each project. At the same time, I do not subscribe to a single design style but instead work with and listen to my clients to discover their favorite style and design their space based on that. I love the challenges each project brings. Figuring out a way to utilize a seemingly “dead” space or creating living zones in smaller spaces, integrating a client’s antique pieces into their modern design or implementing a color scheme out of a client’s comfort zone are all challenges that excite me. The most important thing to me, in the end, is that the space we created speaks to the client and represents their personality. Helping people realize their dream home is my greatest pride.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I live in one of the best places on Earth. Denver is a fun, growing city that is large enough to have all the necessities and extra fun things but also is a friendly place filled with beauty and grace. And it is super close to some of the most gorgeous scenery imaginable in the Rocky Mountains. So, I’m happy you asked me about what to do on your week here in Denver! To start, you should actually plan to spend an extra hour or so in the Denver International Airport which you flew into. DIA is famous for its conspiracy theories and Illuminati rumors. There are various stories about DIA so I recommend you pick one and explore the theory behind said story, go find the areas mentioned in the theory and come to your own conclusions. But while you’re wandering around deciding if the tunnel city under you does exist, make sure to take in some of the beautiful indigenous art that is displayed all around the airport, but specifically in the overpass from the terminal to Concourse A. Remember that DIA is quite a drive away from the city itself so on your way into Downtown, I’d recommend a drive through the Rocky Mountain Arsenal. The conservation area has an 11 mile nature drive that is simply breathtaking. You’re sure to see deer, hawks, ducks and geese and you’ll also likely see a herd of bison that live on the animal refuge. But you might also see a bald eagle, coyote, fox, owl or pronghorn antelope. As you drive along you’ll see an unbelievable view the purple mountains majesty with the obvious silhouette of Downtown Denver in the foreground. The nature drive only take about 45 minutes but is 100% worth it to get a sense of Colorado’s plains which are often forgotten when thinking of Colorado. Then you should head to La Cueva which is an authentic Mexican restaurant in historic downtown Aurora. La Cueva has been around since 1974 and has some of the best Mexican food I’ve ever had. They aren’t the American Tex-Mex style you may be accustomed to but instead pride themselves on homemade tortillas, chips, an onion heavy salsa and a green chile to rival the best out there. Ideally you’ll stay downtown in one of their famous historic hotels like the Oxford or the Brown Palace but you could easily choose one of their many new and modern hotels as well, all of which are centralized to Denver. Personally I’d take some time to see a show at the Temple Buell and a ballet at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House. Spend some time in Denver’s art museum (the new branch was designed by Daniel Libeskind and is seriously something to behold). Denver’s up and coming foodie crowd leaves you with endless restaurant choices. From City O’ City, the all vegan spot to McCormick’s the well-known steak and seafood joint, you’ll certainly be filled with deliciousness. Then of course you must head to the mountains. I, myself, don’t ski/snowboard but if you do, you’ll be welcomed with some of the best snow and conditions in the world. And there are countless opportunities for outdoor activities. I’ve always loved white water rafting and hiking in the summer. Recently I tried zip-lining in Conifer which was the perfect fall morning activity. Surrounded by the fresh smells of fall and views for days you get to zip along the tree tops in an exciting and exhilarating experience. You must also visit one of Colorado’s many hot springs. I like them best in the winter. There is something so peaceful about sitting in a hot mineral pool surrounded by steam while snowflakes fall around you and you’re engrossed in a setting mostly seen in a painting. Glenwood Springs is wonderful for families and is large and accessible. Mount Princeton is an off-the-beaten-path springs that still has all the accommodations you would want for a relaxing retreat. And then my favorite, Strawberry Springs which is above Steamboat Springs is rustic, fabulous and literally in the middle of the woods. Colorado and specifically Denver is filled with things to do, interesting things to see and plenty to experience. I have lived here my entire life and I feel proud to be a part of a friendly, welcoming community that is a true destination. With its 350 days of sunshine a year, mild but picturesque weather, this is a wonderful place to visit, to live in, to be.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
While I am the sole person running Studio SG, there is no way I could be successful without the support and love of several people around me. It’s hard to select just a handful of people to dedicate a shoutout to because I am lucky enough to be surrounded by a community of support and loyalty. Professionally my biggest gratitude is directed at Josh Burbank of Ernst Brothers. My reputation relies heavily on the people whom I work with and hire to do projects with me. Josh is a fabulous contractor who is honest, reliable and pays attention to the kind of details that I also pay attention to. He makes me look good constantly and I always know I can count on him to finalize the beauty of a space that I have designed. Personally I of course need to recognize my family….my folks and in-laws all of whom cheer me on and pass out my cards consistently! And my son and husband who listen to my stories, watch all my project slideshows, understand when I’m engrossed in a project and most of all, encourage me to be my best and take the risks. Lastly Debbie Gonzales deserves a big shout out from me. She was my first real client after starting my own business. She’d saved for years to be able to renovate her kitchen into her dream kitchen. It was a huge project and she trusted me completely. The final result was a gorgeous, modern, functional and unique space that she was over the moon about. I thank her tremendously for the trust and faith that you placed in me.

Website: www.studiosgcolorado.com

Instagram: @studiosg.colorado

Facebook: www.facebook.com/studiosg.colorado

Image Credits
Photo credit – John Larchick, Green Room Studios