Photo Credit: Jeanne Canto

Norma and Gaston Galella, co-founders of Duoma Atelier, recently explained their design firm's philosophy and attributes with Haute Design.

Haute Design: As we have previously noted, Duoma Atelier is comprised of two main components. How do the two of you divide work flows for each project? Do both of you interact with the client?

Norma Galella: It's very important for us to listen to our clients from every perspective, whether that be design or constructibility. While I direct the design process and Gaston directs the construction process, we are constantly consulting with each other. We both interact with the client at all stages of each project, allowing for our corresponding expertise to inform each other and to brainstorm for better solutions in order to fulfill our clients' needs.

HD: What is the best service Duoma offers to its clients?

Gaston Galella: We can't really pinpoint a specific service. We believe our clients benefit the most when they hire us for our design and construction turnkey services. This is when you will truly experience peace of mind through our concierge practice.

HD: What is your design style?

NG: We all have personal styles, and believe it or not, it evolves throughout the years. However, what is truly different about our studio is that we try not to impose our style and trends onto our clients. Instead, we go through a rigorous discovery session with questionnaires and visuals to uncover their own style, which then informs our design process. Our clients don't come to us for a certain 'look.' The result is a truly customized project that fits each client individually, supporting their aesthetics, needs and wants.

Photo Credit: Jeanne Canto

HD: How do you bring peace of mind to your clients?

GG: In a traditional design and construction process, the client is the project manager for their home project and it can easily become a full-time job. The client would have to hire and supervise the design team and the consultants while providing construction documents for permits. The client would then have to oversee permitting and hire a general contractor for quotes. More often than not, price estimations come back higher than anticipated and initial design plans must be tweaked and adapted, not to mention permit drawings would need to be revised as well.

We have heard horror stories from clients who have gone through this lengthy and painful process only to realize their project was not feasible and they had to abandon their plans for their dream home.

At Duoma, the client only has to interact with us and we act as their representative throughout the entire process. We hire and manage all necessary consultants and subcontractors. We will establish the clients' goals and needs from the beginning of the design process accordingly, so the entire process is streamlined and more efficient. We always keep the client informed and we work with them as one team.

HD: How did the name for the firm come to be? Who came up with 'Duoma?'

NG: Duoma stems from the word 'duo' and signifies the expertise duality on which our studio is founded. The 'o' in Duoma creates the center and balance of our logo and is composed of two floating symmetrical shapes. Each shape represents each discipline constantly pulling and pushing each other, creating a holistic approach in design and construction.

We worked with a branding company called Panamera. They're a very creative group who helped us develop a bespoke brand to represent our aesthetics and what we stand for.

Photo Credit: Jeanne Canto

HD: Describe Duoma's design philosophy in three words. 

GG: Bespoke, mindful, functional.

Photo Credit: Jeanne Canto

The post Duoma Atelier Offers Peace of Mind appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Michele Salazar

Photo Credit: @YSV_Photo / Yara Virreira

Michele (Cozy) Salazar was born in Miami, Florida, daughter of Suzanne “Sissy” De Maria and Joseph De Maria. Her childhood nickname “Cozy” stuck, evoking the warmth and charm she exudes. "Cozy" eventually evolved into her burgeoning brand name.

Michele recently took the time to formally introduce herself and explain a bit of her design philosophy and what she envisions for the future of Cozy Salazar.

Haute Design: If you could describe your design style in three words, what would they be?

Michele Salazar: Traditional meets contemporary.

HD: When was the first moment you realized you wanted to become an interior designer?

MS: My mother says my birthday request was always to redo my bedroom growing up. We still have my "dream bedroom" I drew when I was about 10 years old!

HD: What would you consider to be the most crucial moment in the design process?

MS: I would say the important stages are:

• Establishing your clients' wants and needs while managing their expectations.
• Remaining organized throughout the duration of the project. Organization is vital to a successful outcome. In design, there are so many moving parts, so keeping everything tight and organized is the best way to avoid any unnecessary complications or misunderstandings.

Photo Credit: @YSV_Photo / Yara Virreira

HD: Describe your ideal relationship with a client. 

MS: It's so important for me to connect with a client. My ideal relationship with my clients is one where they feel heard and understood, that way they know their wants and needs are my priority when working on their project. When a client knows you have their best interest at heart, they are more comfortable and as a result, more trusting of your vision. Trust is key! If the client doesn't trust you, they won't be willing to stretch out of their comfort zone, and that is where the magic happens!

HD: Which is your favorite space to design in a home? Why?

MS: Every room is so important. I suppose the kitchen or dining room. Both spaces bring people together and offer up a unique set of requirements. For example, a client with small children who wants a very formal dining room but needs practicality, or a couple with conflicting ideas for their kitchen (one spouse wants minimal design and the other, a chef's kitchen). Each special request offers up a fun challenge and allows us to stretch our creativity.

HD: What is your vision for the future of Cozy Salazar?

MS: I would love for our team to continue to grow. Every project is more exciting when there are multiple creative minds working together. It's always incredible to look over the progress of a project from our initial vision to the final. This is often due to collaboration and different perspectives. Additionally, it's important to me that we stay true to our style and edge. We are not 'one style fits all' here. We are constantly mixing looks and styles, which is what makes us unique.

If you are interested in booking Cozy Salazar Interiors for an upcoming project or wish to earn more about Michele Salazar, CLICK HERE.

The post Michele Salazar Shares Her Vision For The Future Of Cozy Salazar Interiors appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.