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Community Highlights: Meet Samantha Sinclair of Samantha Sinclair Design

Today we’d like to introduce you to Samantha Sinclair

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started my career in commercial real estate, working on a small team, at a very large brokerage firm, that specialized in residential land acquisition. My role involved financially underwriting and selling “the dream” to potential developers for projects ranging from 400-unit apartment buildings to mixed-use developments. This is where I was first introduced to floor plans and building layouts, and I learned how important the psychology of space is—what really matters to people in their living environments.

It wasn’t until the COVID pandemic, when we were all spending more time at home, that I began exploring a more hands-on approach to creating a space that felt truly mine. I ripped out the carpet in my two-bedroom condo and installed hardwood floors—thanks to YouTube tutorials—and later tackled my kitchen and bathrooms with the same enthusiasm. By the time I sold that condo and moved to LA, I found myself at a crossroads: stick with the stable, corporate path I was on, or take a leap and build a life and business around my passion for creativity and design.

I decided to take the leap and it’s been the best decision I think I’ve ever made. I went back to school for interior architecture and design while working along side some incredibly talented architects and designers, and after graduating, I opened my own business. Now, I’m in the exciting startup phase, and it’s actually a serendipitous time, as many of my friends and referrals are buying their first homes. They get the keys and are suddenly faced with the big question, “What do I do with all this space and freedom?” That’s where I come in, helping them turn their new homes into the spaces of their dreams.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It’s definitely been a wild ride! Right now I’m a team of one! So, I’m juggling a lot of very different roles that all require different skill sets—I probably wear 15 different hats on any given day. I handle everything from marketing, billing, budgeting, ordering, and procurement, to outreach, client relations, trade partnerships, accounting, taxes, permits, hiring contractors, coordinating schedules, and, of course, actually designing the projects. So I think one of the biggest challenges has been time management and really making sure that I’m sticking to a schedule. I’m hoping to grow the team in the next year or so, which is an exciting step that I’m looking forward to.

And with all of that being said, I think the biggest hurdle I’ve had to overcome, was the overall mental game of taking the chance on myself – and really looking in the mirror and saying “I’m going to do this and I’m going to give it my all.” It’s honestly much easier said than done and I’ve realized it requires building a strong mindset where you’re both your own biggest advocate and critic. Finding that balance has been a challenge—pushing yourself while staying grounded—but it’s all part of the journey!

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Samantha Sinclair Design is a bespoke interior design firm that is currently specializing in residential projects – and would love to tap into the retail & hospitality space. I think what is actively setting me apart in an industry that often has a reputation for being expensive, out of reach, pretty high barriers to entry, and almost unattainable for the better part of the general public —my approach is different in that I really do believe that theres always a work around for finding cost-effective solutions without sacrificing quality or style.

While I do work on an hourly rate, I’ve been able to help my clients save thousands thanks to my industry knowledge, exposure, experience, and creative workarounds. I’m proud that I’m able to provide a balance between beautiful, thoughtful design and practical, budget-friendly solutions. Of course everyone has different definitions with what that looks like but I want people to know that great design can be accessible.

And with all of that being said, I’m a huge believer that great design doesn’t just impact how your space looks—it has a ripple effect on your whole life. When your home feels comfortable, clean, safe, and secure, that energy carries over into how you show up in the rest of your life. The more at ease you feel in your space, the more confident and grounded you’ll feel in everything else you do. That’s why I’m so passionate about creating spaces that really reflect my clients’ needs and personalities—it’s about more than just aesthetics, it’s about how your home makes you feel day in and day out.

What does success mean to you?
I’d define success as being able to truly match my design vision with what my clients wants and needs—essentially being the best “matchmaker” between their style and the final result. It’s about understanding who they are, how they live, and what makes them feel at home, and then translating that into a space that reflects them perfectly. Success for me isn’t just about a beautiful design—it’s when my clients feel seen and heard throughout the process, and when they walk into their finished space, they feel like it’s exactly what they dreamed of, or even better.

Ultimately, the true measurement of success comes down to client happiness. If they’re thrilled with the end result and feel like their home not only looks great but also enhances their day-to-day life, then I know I’ve done my job well. Success is when clients not only love their space but also feel that it’s a reflection of who they are and a place where they can thrive.

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Image Credits
Headshot: Andrew Friendly

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