With decades of experience, Stella Abdoulin has established a distinguished career in interior design, specializing in hospitality projects for hotels, restaurants, spas, and senior housing. She currently serves as the president of SA Dezign Studio Inc., a role she has held since 2013. Throughout her tenure, she has refined her expertise in creating functional and aesthetically pleasing environments. Her responsibilities include assessing project spaces, considering user needs, facility requirements, regulations, and relevant codes to develop well-designed interiors that enhance both function and experience.
Ms. Abdoulin is dedicated to understanding her clients’ needs, determining optimal environmental elements, and achieving the desired aesthetics. She guides clients through the design process by creating mood boards, developing space plans using AutoCAD, selecting furniture and fabrics, and delivering tailored presentations. Her meticulous attention to detail ensures that each project aligns with the highest design standards.
Before founding SA Dezign Studio Inc., Ms. Abdoulin spent 15 years as a senior designer and project manager at Barry Design Associates from 1998 to 2013, where she managed projects from concept to completion. Earlier in her career, she worked at Medical Environmental Designs, where she gained experience in designing specialized medical spaces, reinforcing her understanding of how design impacts functionality and user experience.
Ms. Abdoulin laid a strong educational foundation, earning a Bachelor of Science in interior design from Woodbury University. She also holds a certificate in executive education from Harvard University and is LEED-certified by the U.S. Green Building Council. Her commitment to excellence extends beyond her professional work, as she is actively involved in charity efforts focused on addressing homelessness.
In light of her impressive undertakings, Ms. Abdoulin has received accolades such as the Gold Key Award. She attributes her success to perseverance and an enduring passion for interior design. She believes what sets her apart is her attention to detail, ensuring that every aspect, from door handles to sofas and lighting fixtures, is carefully considered. She places a strong emphasis on scale, an often overlooked yet essential element of design, ensuring that furniture and lighting interact harmoniously within a space.
Outside of her professional life, Ms. Abdoulin enjoys reading, exercising, researching for projects, walking, and playing card games with friends. Looking to the future, she remains passionate about creating environments that are both functional and beautiful, striving to make spaces that evoke happiness and comfort. For women entering the field, Ms. Abdoulin emphasizes the importance of learning from the ground up. She stresses that understanding all aspects of the profession is essential, and a well-rounded designer should never take any knowledge for granted. She underscores that mastering the fundamentals is key to becoming truly proficient in the field.