We had the good fortune of connecting with Oscar Banta-Guevara and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Oscar, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My passion for Interior Design led me to launch my own design business, Interiors by Oscar LLC. For years I was behind the scenes in a supporting role. After several years as a Senior Design Associate for a local design firm my next move would be to fulfill my lifetime dream. It takes courage to start your own business. Especially after the Covid lockdown and witnessing the current supply chain shortages. But I accepted the challenge and I have not regretted my decision.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My instinct to start my business became a reality when I noticed the increase in demand for professional design services post-Covid lockdown. During the pandemic, our homes became more than a dwelling place—they would become our work spaces and our sanctuaries. This uptick in the design industry gave me the confidence to start laying out my plan to roll out my own business. My years of experience in the interior design industry gave me a sense of what today’s consumer was lacking when looking for professional design services. As Houston is the fourth largest city in the nation, it already had established design talent. I had to strategically set myself apart and offer multi-faceted design services ranging from new construction project management, home renovations, and individual room project assistance. This would allow me the opportunity to handle multiple clients at one time since each project requires a different level of design service. My goal was to grow a clientele base; therefore, I had to appeal to all audiences. I was being approached by a new wave of homeowners who were interested in hiring me to do a specific room at a time. Other clients wanted a higher level of service, such as assisting them with the construction of their new home by project managing the selection of fixtures, finishes, and materials. The booming real estate market also opened up a demand for remodeling projects; I am fortunate to have formed partnerships with Custom Home Builders and Remodeling General Contractors to collaborate on a wide variety of projects to help meet my client’s design needs.

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.

There is a lot to see and experience in Houston. We have wonderful museums including the Museum of Fine Arts and the Menil Collection, two of my favorite treasures.

Houston also has beautiful parks, with hiking trails, whether it’s along Buffalo Bayou or Memorial Park. A perfect place to grab an afternoon lunch would be Tiny Boxwoods, Tiny’s Milk and Cookies, and Tres Market. Then I would take them to my favorite shops in Houston which include, Boxwood Interiors, Bill Gardner Antiques, Arsin Rug Gallery, Kuhl-Linscomb, and Thompson + Hansen. Other great place to eat and drink would include Armando’s, Brasserie 19, LuLu’s Restaurant, Brennan’s and my newest favorite, Marmo.


Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My husband Bruce Banta–Guevara pitched the idea of me starting my own business over dinner one night. When he proposed the idea, I had no preconceived plans on running my own design firm but thought it was an intriguing idea. With his encouragement and loving support, I began envisioning my future. Along with my husband’s business experience and my passion for design I quickly began laying the groundwork and launched Interiors By Oscar, LLC four months later.

His input has given me a solid foundation for my business. Bruce Banta–Guevara is my business manager as well as handles all my press and philanthropic endeavors and I love him very much!

Website: InteriorsbyOscar.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/interiorsbyoscar/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oscar-banta-guevara-9331229

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/interiorsbyoscar/

Image Credits
1. Bruce Banta-Guevara 2. Julie Soefer Photography 3,4,5, Laurie Perez Photography 6. Seek Media Photography 7,8, Julie Soefer Photography

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