ABOUT ME

I learned to solder at five years old, feet dangling from my grandpa's workbench, a tiny circuit board in front of me, and dreams far bigger than either of us. I approached the project with unwavering determination and the confidence that, somehow, I would figure it out.

That workbench was my first studio, and in a way I never left. I'm happiest in the deep end, chasing ideas that feel a little too ambitious, pushing me to experiment, learn, and bring something unexpected to life. Whether it's a tiny circuit board or an entire spatial experience, I approach each project with the same belief that started at my grandpa's workbench: if I can imagine it, I can find a way to make it real.

  • ArtCenter College of Design

    2023 - present

    Expected Graduation Date: Spring 2027

    Pasadena City College

    2022 - 2023

    University of California, Santa Barbara

    2021 - 2022

  • Materials Innovations: Seaweed Sponsored Studio (Spring 2026)

    Researched and developed innovative applications for seaweed-based materials. Tested and refined processing methods for bio-based materials through material exploration, ethical sourcing, and application development.

    Pacific Edge Sponsored Studio (Spring 2026)

    Led cross-disciplinary collaboration to develop spatial experience design concepts spanning multiple scales for an ongoing hospitality project. Crafted a narrative guest experience through material exploration, imagery, and high-impact rendered visuals.

    Bernhardt Design Sponsored Studio (Fall 2025)

    Translated a project brief into a furniture concept for Bernhardt using iterative sketching and digital modeling. Designed, fabricated, and assembled a full-scale prototype, later selected for production.

    Pacific Edge Designstorm (Fall 2025)

    Collaborated within a creative team to develop and present an original hospitality concept integrating out-of-the-box design thinking and a strong understanding of place and thoughtful guest experience.

  • AKJOHNSTON: Associate Art Director

    Summer of 2025 Internship

    Leanna Lins Wonderland: Gallery and Sales Associate

    2018- 2025

    Yust Family Trust: Assistant Property Manager

    Summer of 2023 - Present

    Plumbbob Construction Marketing: Marketing Associate

    Spring 2022 - Fall 2023

  • Growing up in Los Angeles as a sixth-generation artist, Sophie has been immersed in unique arts and culture her whole life.

    Initially drawn to Pre-Medical studies, she hoped to apply her background in sculpture to a career in Surgery, ultimately finding that art and design are what she is most passionate about.

    She then pivoted to studying Art and Jewelry while preparing her portfolio at Pasadena City College.

    She is now pursuing her B.S. in Spatial Experience Design at ArtCenter College of Design, and has work currently displayed in the Hillside Gallery and 3D Display Cabinets.

    Her design approach centers on community well-being, striving to fulfill both individual and collective needs while maintaining a deep connection to the surrounding environment.

  • Denhart Sustainability Scholarship (First Place, Gather Altadena)

    AXEL LIVES SCHOLARSHIP 2024 (Third place winner)

    Kit Henrichs Scholar (2023-present)

    Japan Traffic and Culture Association: Prize for Excellence Winner 2024 (Project: Flamingo Estate Wellness)

    Projects Displayed in Hillside Gallery: Forage By Gather, Flamingo Estate Wellness, MUD retreat and gallery, Resilient Belonings, Gather Altadena and KONA lamp

  • Through her work, she aims to celebrate the harmonious relationship between humanity, architecture, and nature, reminding us that when these elements coexist in harmony, true wellness can be achieved and sustained.

brand video for flamingo estate wellness