Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Julia Newman of South Bay

We recently had the chance to connect with Julia Newman and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Julia, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Without a doubt, being with my son. When I’m with him, I’m completely present—seeing the world through his eyes reminds me how wonderful the simplest things can be. Lately, I’ve also been spending more time working with my hands—painting, baking, building, creating—and I find it incredibly grounding and therapeutic.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I own an architectural and interior design firm that offers a full range of services—from new builds and major renovations to remodels, furniture sourcing, and final styling. Our portfolio spans residential, commercial, retail, and medical spaces, reflecting our ability to adapt to a wide range of environments and aesthetics.

What sets us apart is our balance of creativity and practicality. I believe that every space should not only be beautiful but also deeply functional—designed to support the way people actually live and work. Whether we’re transforming a family home, curating a retail experience, or planning a professional space, our goal is always to create something timeless, thoughtful, and tailored to each client’s unique needs.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
Art classes that allowed for long stretches of focused work gave me a sense of peace and, in that quiet, I felt truly empowered. I also found fulfillment in achieving academic success. Education is something no one can ever take away from you.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
I live with a very rare chronic disorder. Though I’ve experienced symptoms on and off throughout my life, it wasn’t until early 2025 that I finally had a name for it and a treatment plan. Navigating this journey has brought unique challenges, but it has also shaped me into a tenacious and driven person. It’s given me a perspective on the world that is both personal and insightful—especially in understanding how our environment impacts our well-being.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
Individuality!

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Absolutely! I am most competitive with myself.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.juliaadeledesign.com
• Instagram: juliaadeledesign
• Facebook: juliaadeledesign

Image Credits
Shelby Bourne, Sara Tramp