Designform studio is built on the foundation that good design is the product of close collaboration between
the client, designer and builder. Our client-centered approach makes every design solution uniquely tailored to
each client’s needs. We collaborate with our clients to discover and articulate their vision and to make it a
built reality. As designers, our rigorous approach to each project ensures that we explore the newest materials
and technologies to create well-built, sustainable and high-performance environments. We take pride in working
with builders and master craftsmen, who form an integral part of our team. Our collaborative approach ensures
that imagination, expertise, and reality come together to produce the best possible project for our clients.
Designform studio specializes in residential remodeling projects and small commercial interiors. Whether
you are looking to remodel your kitchen, create custom casework for a cafe, or remodel your entire house, we
have a solution for your home or commercial interior. At Designform studio, we design with the premise that the
details in the spaces we design have the most effect on your daily life. We tailor each design solution with you
in mind so that the spaces we create inspire you.
We a full-service design firm. We provide a wide range of design services including: space planning
and layout services, material finish selections, lighting design, custom furniture and casework design,
furniture and appliance selection, construction documents , color consultations, bidding and permitting and
construction supervision.
Our services our broken down into phases to carefully develop and execute your project. Our careful
planning ensures a successful and smooth project. The following is a breakdown of our work process and
services:
- Pre-Design We will first meet with you at your site and begin to establish your project parameters.
To do this we will first interview you to understand your needs, establish an initial budget and gather additional
information in the form of site photos, site measurements and any other information we may need to begin to
develop a design concept.
- Concept Design In this phase, we will go to the drawing boards and create a design concept that will
consist of a space plan, visualization of the design.We will then present the design concept to you and begin
to discuss finishes, lighting and other details so that we may start to approximate a realistic budget for your
project.
- Design Development Next, we will come to the final design of the project by refining the details of the
concept and making all selections for necessary materials, casework, finishes, hardware and lighting. We will
then meet with the selected contractor and present you with a construction and design budget that meets your
requirements.
- Construction documents In this phase, we will produce the final set of construction drawings, specifications
and will incorporate any third party documents from consultants.
- Construction Supervision You may choose to hire us for construction supervision which ensures that your
project is built to spec. Construction Supervision includes: site visits, compliance control and cost analysis.
Design Excellence and Expertise
We specialize in interior architecture and renovations so you are hiring a professional designer that is
trained in the field and passionate about creating thoughtful and carefully designed spaces. We create designs
with modern elegance that rich in materials and beautifully crafted details.
Client Centered Focus
We take pride in our client centered approach and listen carefully to your needs and make you an integral
part of the team. We are skilled communicators and endeavor to serve you. The success of each projects is
measured by your level of satisfaction.
Visual Communication Expertise
One of our core competencies is graphically communicating design intent to our clients. We use the latest
3d and graphical tools to communicate our design intent throughout the entire project so that you understand
and can collaborate with us on the design. We are not only interior architects but skilled graphic designers
that can skillfully visualize your project.
Collaboration with Builders
We collaborate closely with contractors from the beginning of your project to ensure that we can execute
your design efficiently and within budget. We believe this is the single most important factor in cost control,
project efficiency and overall quality of the finished product. An careful game plan incorporating the entire
team means a successful project.
From and early age and throughout his life, Giovanni Castillo has pursued creative interests in many fields
including painting, sculpture, installation art, graphic design and media arts. His work in these fields has
won him awards both as a student and as a professional artist and designer. It was while studying Fine Art in
college that Giovanni began to design and build spaces using media technologies, lighting and building materials.
This interest in creating spaces eventually led Giovanni to study Interior Architecture, which completed his
design training. His background in fine arts as a maker and craftsman, combined with his design training, gives
him a unique and hands on approach to spatial design.
Giovanni has worked at ZGF Architects in Portland, Oregon as an Associate for the
Interiors department and at Paul Lukez Architecture in Boston, MA. At these firms, he
worked on projects in health care, retail, transportation and commercial office
renovations. Since forming Designform studio, he has been commissioned to design
a mixed use residential project, a small Latino museum and residential remodel
projects. Before beginning his career in architecture Giovanni worked for NASA
Ames Research Center where he led a design team that produced several award-
winning projects
He earned a Bachelors of Fine Art from the Art Institute of Chicago and a Masters of Interior Architecture
from the Rhode Island School of Design. His international studies include the University of the Americas (Mexico),
Valencia Polytechnic (Spain), and two exchange programs to study architecture in Rome, Italy. He is a member of
the Nation Kitchens Association, and is a member of the International Interior Design Association (IIDA).