Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Conti.
Hi Sarah, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Certainly. My passion for design is something I’ve had my entire life. Even as a child, I was more interested in drawing floor plans and building the Barbie dollhouse than playing with the dolls. That innate interest was solidified in high school when a university course confirmed that interior design was the perfect way to blend my love for design with my entrepreneurial spirit.
After graduating from Alexandria Technical College, I made a strategic decision to spend the first part of my career—about eight years—on the wholesale side of the industry with prestigious groups like Holly Hunt, The Lane Group and Scalamandre’. This gave me an invaluable ‘backstage’ understanding of how the industry truly works, from sourcing and materials to the business of design. It also allowed me to support and learn directly from some of the leading designers and architects in the field.
That experience was the perfect foundation for my ultimate goal, which was always to have my own business. After taking some time off to raise my son, I was ready to focus my professional energy in a new direction. In 2000, I put that deep industry knowledge into practice and opened my own design studio right here in Rochester, giving me the flexibility to build a career on my own terms.
I’m proud to say I’m now in my 25th year of business, using that deep industry knowledge and lifelong passion to serve my clients
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
That’s a great question. The road is never completely smooth, but every challenge has been a valuable lesson. Early on, a significant learning curve was understanding that the best service comes from working with the right clients. Honing in on my ideal client profile was the key to defining my brand and consistently delivering the concierge-level experience I’m known for today.
Later, the challenge was moving past being a solo operator who did everything. I recognized I was the bottleneck for growth, so I invested in a business coach who taught me how to build systems and delegate. Learning to hire the right team and let go of certain tasks was the key to scaling my business. Ultimately, these experiences taught me that success is built on a commitment to continuous growth and adaptation.
We’ve been impressed with SKC Designs , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
SKC Designs is a full-service interior design firm based here in Rochester, and we specialize in providing a true concierge-level experience for busy professionals.
Our clients typically have highly demanding careers; they value beautiful design but simply don’t have the bandwidth to manage the thousands of details involved in a new build, remodel or complete interior refresh.That’s where we come in. We serve as their single point of contact and dedicated project manager from the initial dream to the final, completed project.
What sets us apart is our comprehensive, end-to-end process. We collaborate closely with builders and contractors, and over my 25 years in business, we’ve cultivated an incredible network of tradespeople. We believe in total transparency, so our process is clearly outlined on our website. I always encourage people to visit it to see the details of our services, view our portfolio, and learn how we can collaborate to reach their goals.
Ultimately, what I’m most proud of is our ability to give our clients their time and peace of mind back. We take the stress and complexity of a major design project completely off their plate so they can continue to focus on their careers and families. Our brand promise is to deliver a seamless, enjoyable process that results in a home they love, without the sacrifice
Who else deserves credit in your story?
That’s a wonderful question. I absolutely believe success is built on community, and I’ve been fortunate to have incredible support at every stage of my journey.
It truly started with my family, who instilled an entrepreneurial spirit in me from a young age. My mother, in particular, nurtured my early interest in design, and key mentors in my life at that time guided me toward the perfect educational program to turn that passion into a career.
My early professional foundation was shaped during my years with nationally-recognized manufacturers. I was essentially mentored by the industry itself—learning from seasoned managers and coworkers, and by supporting some of the top architects and designers in the country.
Later, when I was ready to scale my business, I knew I needed targeted guidance. I proactively sought out a business coach, Terri Taylor, and her team. They were instrumental in helping me develop the systems and, just as importantly, the mindset to evolve from a practitioner into a strategic business owner.
And today, that spirit of community continues through my deep involvement with the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID). Serving on both local and national committees allows me to continuously learn from other seasoned professionals and give back to the industry that has given me so much. From my family to my professional community, I’ve always been surrounded by people who have guided and supported me.
Pricing:
- Complimentary Discovery Call (30 Minutes): Our process begins with a no-obligation discovery call. This is a dedicated time for us to learn about your goals, dreams, budget, and timeline to determine if we are the perfect fit to bring your vision to life.
- On-Site Design Strategy Session (1.5 Hours): If we decide to move forward together, the next step is a paid, in-depth strategy session at your home. This is the official project kickoff where we provide initial professional insights and establish a clear path forward.
- Custom Project Proposal: Following the on-site session, we develop a comprehensive proposal with a design fee tailored specifically to the full scope, complexity, and unique requirements of your project.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sarahKcontidesigns.com
- Instagram: sarahkcontidesigns
- Facebook: Sarah K Conti Designs, LLC
- LinkedIn: Sarah K. Conti
