Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephen Scirrotto.
Hi Stephen, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
As far back as I can remember, I was always interested in design and architecture. As a child, I spent my time drawing plans of my future dream home, watching any television program that had to do with architectural design or construction, and looking forward to my next trip to nearby Philadelphia to explore the old and new built environment. When the time came to select a career path, there was no question about it; my goal was to become an architect. I earned a Bachelor of Science in Architecture and a Master of Architecture degree and then became a licensed architect and a WELL AP (Accredited Professional). At the start of 2020, after 14 years of working at both boutique and large global architecture and design firms, I decided to take a hiatus from architecture to gain a new perspective and I joined a previous client at his new real estate start-up. Several months later the Covid pandemic hit. I was spending a lot more time at home and began to miss working in an architecture firm.
Serendipitously, friends and colleagues began reaching out to see if I was interested in taking on residential projects. I decided to take the leap and started SJS Studios. It was not long before I was taking on many new residential as well as commercial office and laboratory projects, and we opened our office in Solana Beach shortly after.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Absolutely, there are obstacles when going out on your own, and there are a lot of risks involved when starting a new business. We started at the height of the pandemic and with that came its own challenges, including networking without face-to-face connection. We relied on social media platforms to help grow our business and reconnected with past relationships. We have a diversified practice of both commercial and residential projects, which allows us to pivot when one market is not as active. It has been a roller coaster of challenges, from figuring out the necessary insurance and contracts to dealing with inflation, but also a time of great growth and we have learned so much on this journey.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about SJS Studios?
We have worked on an array of projects in both commercial and residential architecture, from workplace tenant improvements, laboratories, ADUs (accessory dwelling units) and home additions/renovations. At SJS Studios our goal is to help our clients envision and achieve a better place to experience life. With each project, we craft innovative design solutions that are not only functional but that are also inspiring and allow for future flexibility.
In addition to being a licensed architect, I am also a WELL AP (Accredited Professional). The WELL AP credential denotes expertise in the WELL Building Standard, and we have a commitment and passion for advancing human health and wellness in the built environment. While we can help a client achieve a WELL Rated or WELL Certified project, we understand this is not possible on all projects so we look for opportunities to weave in wellness features wherever we can. We strive to be true advocates for our clients and provide a high level of professionalism as well as personal attention and responsiveness.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
Having spent the first 30 years of my life in the Northeast, I truly appreciate the weather here. I love the diverse landscape of San Diego from the mountains to the ocean, the outdoor lifestyle, and the opportunity to blur the lines between the indoors and outdoors with our architectural spaces. While there are many positives to living in San Diego, the lack of affordable housing is a challenge for many. While it is a small part of a very large issue, it has been rewarding to know that the ADU (accessory dwelling unit) projects that we’ve designed are adding to the housing inventory in our community.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sjsstudiosinc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sjsstudiosinc
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sjs-studios-inc
- Other: https://www.houzz.com/pro/sjscirrotto/sjs-studios-inc
Image Credits
Studio Maha
Haley Hill Photography
