shoutout socal interview

2.28.25

We had the good fortune of connecting with Triadic Design Studio and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Triadic, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Work-life balance has definitely evolved for each of us over the years. Early in the start of our company, we were all about the hustle, working long hours, late nights, weekends, and constantly being “on” for clients. As we gained more experience and established ourselves, we started to realize that maintaining that pace wasn’t sustainable in the long run and it wasn’t enjoyable. Now, we’re much more intentional about setting boundaries. We’ve learned to prioritize our time better and delegate tasks when necessary. We each aim to keep after-hours and weekends for personal time, with respect to the occasional projects that require extra attention to get over the finish line. It’s a matter of finding a balance that keeps our creativity flowing without leading to burnout.

For us, work-life balance is not a clear 50/50 split but more of a dynamic ebb and flow. Some weeks might lean more heavily towards work, especially during multiple big project deadlines, while others allow for more personal time. We also make sure to schedule regular breaks, whether that’s stepping away for a quick walk or setting aside time for hobbies that recharge our creative energy. The goal is to keep our passion for design alive while still having the space to enjoy life outside of work. It’s a constant work in progress as our company continues to grow and we continue to evolve with it.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
What truly sets us apart is the unique harmony between the three of us as co-founders. Each of us brings a different set of skills and strengths to the table, whether it’s creative vision, project management, or technical expertise. This fusion of skills allows us to approach projects from multiple perspectives, which results in well-rounded designs that are both beautiful and functional. We are most proud of our collaborative spirit, not only among ourselves but also with our amazing clients. We strive to make every project a genuine partnership, where our client’s voice is heard and their needs are central to the design.

To be honest, getting to where we are today wasn’t easy. Like any business, we faced challenges, balancing different creative visions, finding the right client fit, and navigating the ups and downs of managing a growing business. One of the biggest hurdles was learning to communicate effectively as a team and make unified decisions, even when we didn’t always initially agree. We overcame these obstacles by embracing open dialogue, respecting each other’s expertise, and always keeping the best outcome for our clients in mind. In retrospect, it was a challenge that was a blessing in disguise.

The most important lessons we’ve learned revolve around adaptability and the importance of staying true to our values. We’ve learned that success isn’t about chasing every trend but about crafting timeless, personalized spaces that reflect our clients’ lifestyles. We also realized that the most challenging projects often yield the most rewarding results when we push through with creativity and determination.

Ultimately, we want the world to know that our brand is built on authenticity, transparency, collaboration, and a deep commitment to our clients. Our story is one of teamwork, passion, and a shared love for design that goes beyond aesthetics. It’s about creating meaningful environments that enhance the way people live and feel in their spaces. We love the powerful effects of great interior design and simply want to share that with as many people as we can.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Things to do:
Morning walk/hike by the water at Torrey Pines State Beach
Check out some historical homes/landmarks such as the Cabrillo monument, Villa Montezuma
Visit a farmers market to try out some delish bites such as Little Italy or Cardiff’s farmers market
Catch a Padres game and walk the Harbor Drive Bridge at night
Explore Downtown, Seaport Village, Balboa Park, Old Town
Pop into an estate sale or find a thrift store to vintage shop such as Rancho Coastal Human Society Thrift Shop or Consignment Classics
Venture across the Spruce Spring Street Suspension bridge and stroll the nearby neighborhoods in Bankers Hill to admire the amazing historical homes with ice cream or dessert in hand
Paddleboard in Mission Bay
Tide pools and water near OB Pier and Sunset Cliffs
Catch the sunset with a picnic basket full of goodies such as at Windandsea, Law Street Beach, or Torrey Pines Glider Port

Things to eat/drink:
Grab breakfast and morning bevies at the cutest spots such as the Blue Palm, Stratford Court Cafe, Bivouac Adventure, The Olive Cafe, The Inn at RSF, the Blue Whale, Rika Fika, Selva Coffee House
Grab lunch at Atelier Manna, Cafe Coyote
Take them to as many speakeasies as possible, so many to choose from! Mothership, Raised by Wolves, False Idol, The Grass Skirt, Young Blood.
Nice dinner at Born and Raised, Herb and Wood, Cannon Ball, Monarch, Campire, Cesarina, Javier, Wolf in the Woods, Mister A’s, and on and on and on!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
In all honesty, we couldn’t have made it this far without the incredible support of our design community. Our fellow designers have been more than just colleagues, they’ve become our family. They’ve shared everything: advice, resources, client referrals, even trade show invitations. These aren’t just professional connections; they’re lifelines that have carried us through the ups and downs of building our business.

And our reps? They’re absolute superstars. When we zero in on a specific vision or material, they don’t just listen, they go above and beyond. They understand that we’re not just looking for a product, but for that perfect piece that will transform a space. As interior designers, we’re part of this massive, interconnected puzzle, and every relationship, every connection matters. Our design community has been the glue that holds everything together, enabling us to create those meaningful environments our clients deserve. We are incredibly thankful.