Sabrina Bae developed a love of art and design early, becoming a painter in high school and then deciding she wanted to work in an industry where she could help shape the way people live, work and connect.
So she studied interior design at the Savannah College of Art and Design's midtown Atlanta campus and went to work as an interior design professional at companies including HOK and IA Interior Architects. One highlight of Bae's career occurred when she joined the team working on building a replica of The White House on the set of Tyler Perry Studios' TV series "The Oval." The project was featured in Architectural Digest.
"I joined mid-project and spent just under a year contributing to different areas throughout the build while learning a little bit about set design," she told CoStar News. "It was such a cool experience stepping into a world completely different from traditional interior design, with its own pace, priorities and creative problem-solving. I also got to assist with prop setups for the supermarket scenes in [Perry's] 'Sistas,' which made the experience even more memorable."
Just as Bae hit her stride as in sales at Teknion, a global office workspace and furniture manufacturer, she launched an interior design firm of her own called Studio OB in Suwanee, Georgia, northeast of Atlanta. Just as she goes out on her own, artificial intelligence and robotics are infringing on the human element of her profession.
Bae said her company is off to a busy start with several projects in the Atlanta market, including a boutique hospitality space and assignments to design workspace build-outs. The office project work came via word of mouth. Bae said she also has landed some business from people who saw her posts on Instagram and contacted her.
CoStar News spoke with Bae about her story and where she thinks interior design is heading.
The following interview has been edited for length and clarity.
How did you get into interior design?
I’ve always been surrounded by creativity growing up. My mom ran an art school and worked as an art therapist, so my earliest memories are filled with art supplies, vibrant colors and the understanding that creativity can heal and bring people together. My dad, who went to law school but chose a different path, was my biggest supporter. He always encouraged me to follow my heart and pursue whatever made me feel most alive.
When I went to SCAD [Savannah College of Art and Design], I declared interior design almost instinctively, and it wasn’t until I attended a panel talk with practicing designers that everything truly clicked. They spoke about how people spend more than 80% of their lives indoors and how the spaces we design have a profound impact on the health, safety and welfare of people. That realization was transformative and showed me the true power of design, and my heart knew I wanted to jump in fully.
For commercial tenants, is look more important than functionality or vice versa?
The most successful commercial spaces strike a balance between appearance and performance. A striking visual design can capture attention and strengthen a brand, but it must also function seamlessly for the people who use it every day. It should never be for one versus another.
Clients often come asking for "the next coolest thing," whether that is a bold mural, a dramatic entryway or a trending feature they saw online. While these elements can be exciting and impactful, they cannot be the entire solution. A simple eye-catching moment is not a long-term answer if the core brand and user experience are missing.
When a brand’s story is strong, even a hidden location can thrive. I have seen speakeasies tucked away behind parking garages draw crowds because the concept and design were so perfectly aligned with the brand’s identity. That kind of success comes from deep, collaborative conversations with the client, exploring how to connect their goals and values to every design decision.
How is AI changing interior design, and how does it affect the way you approach your work?
We are at a fascinating moment as AI begins to shift the design industry. On a practical level, AI tools are helping designers visualize ideas faster, streamline workflows and explore concepts in ways that were not possible before. At the same time, we are seeing new areas of growth and opportunity for designers, such as the rising demand for data center projects. These projects are becoming a significant source of revenue in our industry, and designers who can pair strategic thinking with emerging technologies are well-positioned to play a critical role in shaping these environments.
With the rise of AI and robotics, different jobs are going to also gain a lot more attention and eventually become a real necessity. There could be people fully focused on managing robotics on construction sites as we already have robots drawing out layouts in the field, which is pretty cool, and more. Drones, 3-D printers and automated machines could take over the repetitive or risky work so humans can focus on problem-solving and creativity. There might be roles for people who work alongside AI design tools, almost like an AI design curator, making sure the technology reflects the client’s vision and brand identity instead of just spitting out generic ideas and preventing glitches and hallucinations.
The more AI develops, the more these jobs feel like they’ll go from ideas to actual needs pretty quickly. So as scary it may seem, it could open up a lot of opportunities and potential for professionals moving forward.
What are the main differences between residential and commercial interior design? Has one been more fun than the other?
At their core, both residential and commercial design share the same foundation. They are both about storytelling. Every space should reflect the people who use it. A design without a clear story and purpose will always feel incomplete. Residential design is deeply personal. You are creating someone’s home, a space filled with their memories, values and daily routines. It is intimate and emotional, and I love being part of that journey.
Commercial design requires a different mindset. You are designing for multiple audiences at once, including employees, customers, visitors and the surrounding community. It involves research, strategy and a deep understanding of branding. Every decision, from the layout to the finishes, must align with a business’ identity and goals. Commercial projects also encourage boldness, as they often incorporate innovative, ever-evolving materials and emerging technologies. I genuinely enjoy both.