SINCE 2020
CRAFTING SIGNATURE
who we are
Based in Scottsdale, Arizona, Social Design Studio specializes in boutique hospitality spaces. We design for any concept that welcomes guests - restaurants, nightclubs, hotels, spas, and salons. We are a team of highly passionate designers and creators. With interior and graphic design backgrounds, we connect the threads between interior design, brand, and concept.
our approach
Each client has a unique vision and story to tell. We firmly believe your space should reflect your brand - not ours. From the beginning, we work with each client to refine the mood, atmosphere, and overall project goals. We are with you from concept development through design, documentation, procurement, and final installation. We thrive on partnering with clients to develop environments that provide experiences for their guests.
As a hospitality specialist, Nicole Herman thrives on creating lasting client partnerships. Throughout her 15-year career, she has worked with local boutique restauranteurs, award-winning chefs, five-star luxury hotel clients, and countless national and international brands. She sees each project as a unique opportunity to bring the client's vision to reality.
Nicole is the primary creative director, guiding the design direction for each new concept. Leading the studio and her team, Nicole emphasizes the importance of tapping into the authentic story (key to the core of every project) while striving for the best possible business outcome for every client.
Originally from Montana, Nicole has called Arizona home for over two decades. She has a deep passion for the arts, design, great food, and how our environment influences our lives. When not designing, Nicole enjoys yoga, hiking, traveling, and spending time with her family.
our story
Although we are a relatively new firm, our team has over 30+ years of combined experience. We are not new to the industry but have been a part of many of the valley's most iconic locations. Our founder launched the firm after spending 15 years leading designs and teams for projects locally, nationally, and internationally.
Nicole's favorite projects have always been the ones where she was able to work directly with the Owner. It is these projects she felt the most passionate and creatively driven by. And so after taking a small break from the industry, she launched Social Design Studio in 2020 with the intention of focusing on local boutique concepts.
ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGNER
INTERIOR DESIGNER
WORK WITH US
our team
Meet the talented team behind Social Design Studio and the members you'll get to work with.
Kalli is a designer passionate about creating functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces that will exceed client expectations. As an Arizona native, she enjoys working closely with local entrepreneurs to bring their visions to life. Her favorite aspect of her role is collaborating with the rest of the SDS team to create innovative and exciting concepts.
Kalli received her BA in Interior Design from Northern Arizona University with a minor in Studio Art and Events Management. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, walking her dogs, Marley and Lola, and exploring the Phoenix food & beverage scene.
With a multidisciplinary background in design, Lis Populo focuses on building memorable experiences. As an Environmental Designer, her skills have been refined by developing brands through every design phase - from original concept to full expression in the built environment. By crafting each unique story through brand identity, graphic design, typography, signage, and core interior elements, Lis gives each project its unique depth and character. With a comprehensive and thoughtful approach to her work, she stays curious, always looking for the best solution for a design challenge.
Originally from Los Angeles, Lis has lived in the Southeast and England and now enjoys calling Phoenix home. When she isn't in the studio, she can be found tending to her jungle of indoor plants or exploring everything Arizona has to offer outdoors with her husband and two dogs.
Born and raised in Phoenix, AZ, Sophia has always appreciated the abundance of creativity the city offers. Design being her creative outlet, she has found herself loving every phase of a project. Her love for hospitality design comes from the ability to use unique and out-of-the-box ideas to create experiences and memories for all who enjoy the space.
Sophia received her BA in Interior Design from Arizona State University with a minor in Real Estate. When not designing, Sophia enjoys socializing with her friends and family, reading her favorite books, and learning new cooking recipes.
@socialdesignstudio.co
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