As a third generation resident of Tacoma’s North End, I grew up appreciating the mix of architectural styles that give the area its character, from classic Northwest Craftsman and Colonial revival, to grand, turn-of-the-century homes with sprawling Olmstead-designed gardens, to the mid-century designs of local modernist architect Alan Liddle. These surroundings helped spark my lifelong interest in the arts and history and lead me to a career in interior design. 

I attended college in New York City, earning BAs in visual arts and history from Fordham University at Lincoln Center. I took full advantage of the city’s cultural resources, visiting museums and galleries, and wandering streets lined with architectural wonders. One of my favorite corners of the Metropolitan Museum of Art was the American Wing. Roaming the galleries and standing in reconstructed interiors, I appreciated the scale of the spaces and the detailed millwork crafted by artisans and tradesman more than 200 years ago, still timeless in their classic aesthetic.

After college, my husband, Eric, and I lived in Washington DC, where I worked in non-profit fundraising at a Quaker school. My office in the basement of an 1827 stone farmhouse that once housed the kitchen on the old estate was a reminder of the how the function of an interior can change dramatically over time. The juxtaposition of historic buildings on campus with the USGBC LEED Platinum, Gold, and Silver Certified buildings we raised funds for highlighted the impact the design choices we make for interior spaces today has on how future generations live.

Upon returning to Tacoma, we settled into our first home in the North End, a small turn-of-the-century “Craftorian,” giving me my first opportunity to apply my growing design interests. I continued my work in fundraising at a Tacoma Art Museum, managing a capital campaign that included a new wing designed by Olson Kundig Architects and organizing a number of events at homes designed by the firm. This exposure helped expand my appreciation for design beyond historic period residential interiors to include modern design aesthetics.

After caring for our three daughters full-time and moving into our next family home in the North End, I decided it was finally time to turn my personal passion into a vocation. I completed a degree program in interior design, acquiring comprehensive technical skills and knowledge. I also completed an internship and subsequently took a position as Design Associate at a high-end tile and cabinetry showroom, Cupboard & Clay. With this thorough academic training and practical experience, and building on years of personal design study, I took the next step of establishing my own design studio, Sonju Interiors.

My deep commitment to thoughtful and creative design, extensive technical skills, eye for detail, product knowledge, and collaborative nature are my strengths. I value and have broad, current knowledge of quality materials and furnishings. My understanding of custom cabinetry, handmade tile, natural stone, bespoke furniture, and designer fabrics has informed my unique perspective and ability to create authentic, sophisticated designs. I work with my clients to craft spaces that feel grounded in their environment with reverence for the architectural style and historical context of the home, offering a harmony of comfort and aesthetic appeal.

My passion for interior design is rooted in the opportunity it affords me to enrich my clients’ home lives. Successfully designed homes can provide us a measure of comfort and beauty to make navigating life’s daily challenges a little easier. We associate many of our most cherished memories with the places in which they were made, and well-designed spaces can help foster connections and enhance those memories. Creating spaces that feel to my clients like their best version of home is my highest priority and privilege. 

DESIGNER + OWNER