Her Story
About Sharon
Sharon Smith serves as an interior designer and project manager at Theron Design Studio in Chantilly, Virginia. She launched her career in the field in 2014, drawing on a bachelor's degree in architecture and prior experience as an assistant architect and project manager at CBRE, a commercial real estate company, and later at Bank of America. Her background in procurement and project management for government projects, including work on FF&E at Fort Lee, informs her approach to interior design, which she describes as heavily project-management oriented while still allowing her to express her lifelong creativity. Smith has owned several businesses and participates in numerous networking groups that have supported her professional development. She emphasizes values such as integrity, transparency, patience, and client-centric accountability to deliver the best return on investment for her clients. In addition to her work, Smith advocates for young people considering careers in interior design. She has hosted students from Radford University and Thomas Jefferson University for studio experiences and aspires to expand these opportunities once her new studio is fully operational.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Sharon
01What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Do a lot of research and studying. Make your current job your business partner by using bonuses and time off to go to markets like High Point Market to learn about trends, vendors, and the business side. Understand systems and the profound business science behind interiors, not just the creative side.
02What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Operating with integrity, listening well to clients, asking the right questions, delivering the best product, transparency, patience, and client-centric accountability to ensure best ROI for clients who spend significant money.
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