We are pleased to introduce interior designer Sara Smith, NCIDQ. Since joining Tryba's Dallas team in the summer of 2024, Sara has been recognized by her peers as a rising star at the firm, noted for her leadership, collaboration and can-do attitude. A graduate of Harding University, Sara previously worked in Arkansas and Detroit and brings a decade of professional experience including corporate interiors, higher education, adaptive reuse and multi-family projects. We asked Sara to tell us about herself, her perspective on design, and what inspires her.
What drew you to a career in interior design?
I have always been drawn to the arts, so knew I wanted a career in a creative field, but also wanted something that used technical skills. This helped narrow down my options to the field of interior design. I also saw examples in my life of others in commercial design and was able to see a future for myself in that field through their example. As I got settled into the field, I fell in love with helping clients bring their visions to fruition and building better spaces for individuals and communities in the process.
Tell us about a favorite project from early in your career, or one that shaped you as a designer.
Early on in my career I was fortunate to work on two very different projects simultaneously over the course of several years. One was a new, classically designed sorority house and the other was a youth center for homeless youth and kids aging out of the foster system. The sorority house helped me fully realize my love and appreciation for historic design while the youth center fueled my passion to provide good design for all, especially those in underserved communities.
What is your favorite thing about being an interior designer?
I love the variety of day-to-day work and skills we get to build. Whether it is working with clients on a vision, detailed construction documents, or selecting the perfect finishes, I enjoy it all.
You have worked on several historic interiors and renovations. How do you use context to create places that honor the past while being relevant in today’s world?
I believe it is important to honor and respect the thought and craftsmanship that has come before us. The context of a historical space tells a story that the owners and patrons of the space find meaning in. In a society where we are in a crisis of community, I find historic spaces particularly important because history inspires interest and connection for inhabitants or visitors, which can be a fuel for creating communities. Additionally, I find historic interiors relevant to today's world through the importance of sustainability. Renovating instead of bulldozing not only adds character and story to communities, but also preserves the existing embodied carbon and reduces waste in landfills.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that our readers would be surprised to learn.
I was an oboist for 10 years which gave me a love and appreciation for classical music that I still have today.
Best piece of wisdom or advice you’ve received that you’d like to pass along:
Always practice with honesty and integrity.
What is your favorite thing about working at Tryba Architects?
My favorite thing about Tryba would have to be the work culture. I thoroughly enjoy working with the team here in all offices (Dallas, Fort Worth, and Denver) and find that my values of thoughtful and timeless design are shared here. Working with a great team makes collaboration effortless and makes our projects more successful.
