Meet andrea carneiro | interior designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with andrea carneiro and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi andrea, as a parent, what have you done for you children that you feel has had the most significant impact?
About 8 years ago, I made a life changing decision, having my entire family be relocated to the United States of America. A new life, a fresh start and a new beginning for all of us!
However, as exciting as it may sound, the big move also comes with a big price tag. Having to overcome family distance, cultural barriers and career transition along with so many adjustments to fit in a country which is not yours. These past years have taught me a lot about perseverance and determination. Even though sometimes you feel like you want to give up, there is always something inside me keeping and me pushing forward to achieve a well-desired sense of accomplishment. Faith? Beliefs? Strength? Altogether! It all matters and have been crucial to make me who I am, to keep my chin up and focusing on a bright future to come. So, I think the biggest thing I did that have impacted my children was moving here believing I could provide them a better life and future.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
About 5 years ago I launched my interior design business after being certified by the NYIAD (New York Institute of Art and Design). One of the things which I think that sets me apart from others is the fact that I come from another country, so I bring to my clients different perspectives, different design ideas and different ways of seeing things as a result of my own cultural experiences. Also, being able to communicate in 03 different languages (Portuguese, English & Spanish) makes me able to connect with the great diverse population of Great Houston which I believe to be very advantageous of making people feel comfortable to interact with me in their own language. For last, I also bring to the table a well-rounded business process mindset as a result of my professional background acquired in more than 20 years working for big and international corporations. I’ve got to where I am currently following my heart. However, there is no passion enough to keep up a business running without knowledge. I’m always looking for new tools and new resources to implement on my designs. There’s not such a thing of being a great designer without knowing how to make that happen. A design is not a great design if it’s not feasible. Not executable! And, I’ve learned along these years that not every client is my client. I’m not everyone’s designer. I may work for one family and may not for another one. And, it does not mean that I’m not good enough. Simply means that everyone is different and there’s always a better fit for everyone.
Finally, I want people to know that I’m not only capable of delivering a great design. But also, behind the business there’s a delicate person, someone who is really passionate about what she does and who is always striving to deliver the best outcome as possible in whatever I’m committed to.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Being a mother of 2 athletic teenagers, I would say, there is no best way of emerging into the American Culture without checking out the sports and local basketball, baseball and football games. They’re so much fun and the facilities are amazing! Also, I’d take my friends to visit NASA, Houston Zoo, Downtown Area and its Museums. It’s worth to check theater and shows agenda. There is always something going on and great things to do.
The Galleria Area and its surroundings is another great spot with great malls and amazing restaurants options such as Caracol and North Italy. And, If we had enough time, I’d take them also to visit Austin to check out its gorgeous nature.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Aside of my family and dearest life-long friends who have always played a big part in my life, I also think about someone who I met here in the US, Ronda Ferguson. She is president of the Interior Design Society (IDS) – Houston Chapter, and ever since I got into the interior design business and had the pleasure to meet her, I can say I’m a better person. She has always been caring, loving, and she always encourages me to keep going and never give up on my dreams. I owe her the world for always being beside me.

Website: www.acdesigntexas.com

Instagram: @acdesigntexas

Facebook: www.facebook.com/acdesigntexas