Members’ Spotlight is a space dedicated to the members’ of TRENDBARK. Meet and connect with professionals in the interior&design industries from all over the world.
Interview with Claudia Vidal, interior and design consultant from Dominican Republic living in Bayville, New Jersey.
Can you share a bit about who you are and what’s your business about.
Hi, I’m Claudia Vidal, an interior design enthusiast turned consultant, passionate about creating spaces that inspire connection, joy, and heartful living, but above all, where families thrive. Drawing inspiration from my Hispanic heritage and upbringing in the Dominican Republic, I infuse warmth, vibrancy, and love into every design. As a devoted wife and mother of two adults and four children, family is the heartbeat of my work. Guided by a heartful approach, I aim to create environments where we not only find solace but also can give abundantly to others from the overflow of our hearts.
Your background and how you get started in your field?
Although I majored in Architecture two decades ago, I shifted gears 2 ½ years later to pursue a career in the human services sector. After nine years in this field, I returned to school to study holistic and integrative counseling. Recently, I felt compelled to reconnect with my passion for space planning. Now, I utilize my background to empower families, fostering meaningful connections and personal growth through heartful design practices. Drawing from my experience in holistic counseling, my design approach prioritizes wellness, nurturing relationships, and promoting sustainability.
In the future, I see the design industry shifting towards a deeper focus on sustainability, workplace wellness, and person-centric design solutions.
What are some of the key skills or expertise you bring to your profession or industry?
As an interior designer with a background in holistic counseling, I bring a unique blend of therapeutic design expertise and profound insight into human behavior and well-being. My skill set encompasses various disciplines, including Feng Shui, biophilia design, aromatherapy, traumatic stress studies, relationship-building, and advocating for sustainability in design practices.
4. Can you tell us about a particularly memorable project or achievement in your career?
One memorable project in my career involved the transformation of a dysfunctional family’s living space into a harmonious environment conducive to healing and growth. The parents sought to provide support for their daughter, who was struggling with anxiety challenges and depression. By integrating heartful design practices and leveraging my counseling background, I collaboratively crafted a space that not only fulfilled the family’s functional requirements but also nurtured their daughter’s mental, physical, and emotional well-being.
By truly listening with an open heart and mind, we unlock doors to endless possibilities, even where none seemed apparent before. This approach allows us to craft spaces that not only meet practical needs but also resonate deeply with the souls of those who inhabit them, inspiring joy, connection, and harmony for themselves and their loved ones.
Can you tell us about an upcoming project/service you are planning to launch?
I’m currently working on launching an interior design consultancy service focused on helping families flourish through intentional and holistic design solutions. While I don’t have a social media account at the moment, I am dedicated to providing personalized consultations and resources to empower families in creating spaces that nurture their well-being and relationships with themselves and their loved ones. If you’re interested in learning more about my work or would like to receive updates regarding the launch of my social media account, and projects, I invite you to subscribe to my newsletter here.
How do you stay motivated and creative in your work?
I stay motivated and creative by continually seeking inspiration from various sources. These include immersing myself in nature, experimenting with cooking, reflecting on my client’s stories, and observing my children as they engage with the world around them. Additionally, I prioritize self-care practices to maintain a balanced mindset and fuel my creativity. This includes introspective activities, such as meditation, practicing qigong, and expressing myself through writing.
- What inspired you to join TRENDBARK community/membership?
I was really drawn to join the TRENDBARK community because of Elisabetta’s dedication to keeping us all informed about the newest trends and her passion for bringing designers together to collaborate. She’s not only incredibly talented as an interior architect but also so giving with her knowledge and support to everyone in the community. Joining TRENDBARK has truly been one of the best investments I’ve made in recent times.
What do you enjoy most about being a part of our community/membership?
I enjoy being a part of the TRENDBARK community because it serves as a valuable platform offering diverse perspectives and expertise from its members. Connecting with Elisabetta and other like-minded professionals is always so inspiring. It’s not just about sharing insights and staying updated on emerging trends and design resources, but also about contributing to the collective growth of the design industry together.
Joining TRENDBARK has truly been one of the best investments I’ve made in recent times.
How do you see your industry evolving in the future, and how do you plan to adapt?
In the future, I see the design industry shifting towards a deeper focus on sustainability, workplace wellness, and person-centric design solutions. I’m passionate about the idea that blending different modalities can truly revolutionize our environments, both internally and externally, offering solutions to today’s most pressing issues, like climate change and mental health. To embrace this change, I’m dedicated to expanding my expertise and refining my skills in these areas.
Can you share a piece of advice or a lesson you’ve learned that has been invaluable to you?
One invaluable lesson I’ve learned is the transformative power of deep listening. It’s about more than just hearing words; it’s about attuning ourselves to the unspoken, the nuances, and the hidden desires of our clients. By truly listening with an open heart and mind, we unlock doors to endless possibilities, even where none seemed apparent before. This approach allows us to craft spaces that not only meet practical needs but also resonate deeply with the souls of those who inhabit them, inspiring joy, connection, and harmony for themselves and their loved ones.
Future goals and aspirations for your career?
My future goals are all about spreading the magic of holistic and integrative design to a wider audience. I’m passionate about reaching more people with my consultancy services and making a real difference in the lives of individuals and families, especially those in underserved communities. For me, it’s about more than just design—it’s about empowerment, inspiration, and creating spaces that truly nurture the soul. I’m committed to leaving a positive impact wherever I go, and I believe that through holistic & integrative design solutions, we can transform lives and uplift entire communities.
What are some of your interests or hobbies outside of work that you’re passionate about?
When I’m not immersed in my professional world, you’ll find me delighting in the simple pleasures of life: cooking, baking pies, gardening, swimming, reading, and singing. But above all, my greatest joy comes from creating cherished memories with my husband, children, and loved ones. These hobbies keep me happy and refreshed, helping me bring new ideas and creativity to my work.
/ Connect with Claudia Vidal
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Cover: Nadine Shaabana via Unsplash
