Today we’d like to introduce you to Steffi Reyes-Thomas.
Steffi, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I fell in love, head over heels down the rabbit hole of architecture in third grade when I learned this word on a spelling test: Architect. I said, “That’s me.” Anyone who knows me personally knows that when I fall, it’s deep and unwavering. Love. That word sends me. It reminds me of all the times I was completely dedicated, head, heart, & soul. I started learning drafting and 3D modeling at age 15. From there, I studied Architectural Engineering for 2 years. Then finished up with another 4 years of Interior Architecture and Communication Design. That’s when I met my new love, Neuroscience in Architecture. I quickly moved to San Diego to discover the coast and the world of ANFA (Academy of Neuroscientists for Architecture). A corporate job, some design heartache, and 3 years of bootstrapping later, I’m here. A Holistic Interior Architect. Entrepreneur, Artist, Founder & Chief with over 10 years of experience.
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?
I am blessed with a road full of lessons and inspiration. I am one of those lucky people who can learn from other people’s mistakes. I am also still human enough to learn from my own. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that we need partnership. My father was deported when I was 11. When he went back to Mexico, my mother lost her footing. My younger brother and I became homeless. We would stay with family, church members, and friends. This took a significant toll on my mental health and grades. I now partner when many members of the community. One, because I love it. Two, because I value community above all else. It was our community that prevented us from being on the streets. The suburbs of Chicago sounds cushy until you realize that you’re the coldest people there.
The next lesson I learned was the importance of financial stability and independence. Something that I really didn’t have a choice about, and maybe I’m crazy, but I feel that the task of creating tri-generational wealth has been bestowed upon me ever since I chose architecture in the third grade! So, you see, I will succeed. I have to.
The third lesson I learned directly from my mother and that is I need to be helping people while I’m doing what I love, no matter the consequences. Speaking of which, I’ve done away with design that does not honor Pachamama. I’ve rejected various interior design firms on account of their irresponsible practices. 50% of what’s in the landfill is from construction waste.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’ve taken my talents (feeling, drawing, color) matched them with skills (tech, spatial acuity, research), and combined them into my strengths. The result is intentional spatial precision with compassionate accountability for occupants and the natural environment. Interior Design is missing something. It’s missing the roots of why people started designing in the first place. The human aspect. I call it Holistic Design. This process yields results that are geared towards wellness, regeneration, function, and the desired aesthetic. A truly regenerative approach must contribute to the evolution of human consciousness. With Holistic-Spaces Design Consultancy, I create original spaces that are deeply personal.
My claim to fame around San Diego is the work I’ve done at Maya Moon Collective. The custom interiors encompass everything a bustling cacao café needs while holding space for the energy that matters most: community. It was built from the brand up with a party that reflects their flagship product. I was empowered to integrate my design residency there with art that was specific to the space. In May ’21, I made my debut with The Neuro Collection – a series of prints and carbon-neutral NFTs in an artistic process that connects both sides of the brain. It was an unveiling of the last 20 years of my art.
I am most proud of my entrepreneurial flow. When George Floyd was murdered by the police in front of the nation, it brought up a life’s-worth of oppressive feelings that I had set aside. It was after lots of deep reflection and shadow work that I decided that I wouldn’t code-switch anymore. This, plus a pandemic lay-off, put me in the perfect position to fend for myself. It’s scary to this day. Every day is different, and I am now able to fully express myself through my work. I am an artist, and freedom is important on many levels. I can proudly say that even my administrative work is expressive. I am truly free! I feel gratitude to all the people and the revolutionary acts that help me to be here today.
My offerings include:
Holistic Design Consultation
Design Assist (working with other designers)
3D Modeling
Public speaking, Hosting design literacy events
Energetic Space Clearing
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I am lucky to put gratitude first and to be able to thank the universe every single day. I’m lucky to be a person who doesn’t get bored and always has an imagination that is engaged. I am lucky to know manifestation and to have community that encourages and appreciates my intuition. I am lucky to have family both biological and chosen. It’s my dream to share the power of design with all of my loved ones, and I hope to be lucky enough to do so one day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.holistic-spaces.org
- Instagram: steffi.holistica
- Other: https://linktr.ee/steffi.holistica
Image Credits
Randy Sleem
Chris Rov Costa
