Hidden Gems: Meet Sarah Jacobson of DS2 Studios

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Jacobson.

Hi Sarah, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My love for design started when I was about ten, spending countless late nights on The Sims—not playing the game, but designing the homes. In high school, my mom suggested I explore interior design, and I eventually earned my bachelor’s degree from The Art Institute of Los Angeles. It wasn’t always smooth—there were moments I wanted to quit—but those challenges shaped me into the designer I am today.

Right out of school, I landed three commercial projects in my first month, co-founded a firm, and learned quickly how unpredictable entrepreneurship can be. I’ve experienced big wins, burnout, rebuilding, and even taking on side jobs to keep things going. Every step taught me something new about design, business, and resilience.

Today, I run DS2 Studios, a boutique residential and commercial design firm. I focus on projects that inspire me, blending a laid-back, modern style with functional, thoughtful solutions. Whether it’s a home or a business, I love creating spaces that feel personal, tell a story, and truly work for the people using them.

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?
Not at all—it’s been anything but a straight, smooth road. Over the years, I’ve faced slow seasons where I had to take on part-time jobs just to keep the business going. I’ve experienced burnout more than once, had to make the tough call to lay off my entire team, and even borrowed money to make payroll. There were moments I seriously considered walking away from design altogether.

But those challenges ended up shaping me. Each setback taught me something—how to run my business more sustainably, manage finances smarter, and only take on projects that truly inspire me. Looking back, those difficult seasons were the push I needed to create a business that works for my life instead of running it.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
DS2 Studios is a boutique interior design firm specializing in both residential and commercial projects. I’m known for blending a laid-back, modern aesthetic with functional, intentional design—spaces that not only look beautiful but truly work for the people using them. From family homes to restaurants, retail, and office spaces, every project is tailored to reflect the personality, lifestyle, or brand of my clients.

What sets DS2 Studios apart is our personal, collaborative approach. I take the time to really understand my clients’ goals, routines, and challenges so the final design feels authentic and uniquely theirs. I’m not here to create cookie-cutter spaces or just follow trends—I design with longevity and meaning in mind, making sure every detail serves a purpose.

Brand-wise, I’m most proud of how DS2 Studios has evolved to reflect my values—creativity, connection, and sustainability in how I work. I’ve built (and rebuilt) my business in a way that allows me to stay inspired, choose projects that excite me, and deliver a high level of personal attention to every client.

For readers, I want them to know that DS2 Studios isn’t just about making a space look good—it’s about creating an environment that tells your story, supports your life or business, and feels like it could only belong to you. Whether you need full-service design or hourly consulting, my goal is to make the process as seamless, collaborative, and inspiring as possible.

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
The easiest way to work with DS2 Studios is to reach out through our website or social media to schedule a consultation. We offer everything from full-service interior design to hourly consulting, so whether you’re building from the ground up, remodeling, or just need guidance to pull a space together, we can create a plan that fits your needs.

For collaborations, we love partnering with builders, architects, developers, and brands that share our vision for thoughtful, functional, and beautiful design. If you have a project where great design plays a key role, we’re always open to exploring how we can work together.

To support DS2 Studios, follow along on Instagram, engage with our posts, and share our work with friends or colleagues who might need design services. Referrals are one of the biggest ways we grow, and we’re always grateful when past clients or followers connect us with new opportunities.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ds2studios.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ds2studios/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ds2studios/
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/DS2Studios/

Image Credits
Kitchen & Headshots: https://www.shandraflemingphotography.com/
Modern Home: https://www.estrinhinds.com/