Designing for People, Not Just Spaces – A Daily Transcript Q&A Conversation with FS Design Group
Did you catch our leader, Amy Tobia, profiled in The Daily Transcript? Thank you to editor Doug Sherwin for a fun Q&A opportunity for one of San Diego’s star commercial interior designers.
If you subscribe to The Daily Transcript, click here to read the full article.
If not, we’ve got you covered with this recap. Amy shared insights on everything from workplace trends to Fruity Pebbles (yes, a childhood favorite that’s still on the menu— now just for dessert).
People First in Design
After moving to San Diego in 2005, this designer quickly discovered that the City’s real treasure is its people. Collaboration is at the heart of Amy’s work — whether it’s with clients, engineers or contractors — because great spaces are born from teamwork.
One of her current nightstand books lines up well with this philosophy: “Happy City: Transforming Our Lives Through Urban Design,” which discusses how thoughtful design can lead to happier lives.
What’s Next for San Diego Interior Design?
Post-pandemic, Amy says the return-to-office conversation is still shaping many design projects. While some organizations are still hesitant due to economic uncertainty, others are embracing tailored solutions that fit their culture rather than cookie-cutter layouts. Think more focused workspaces, acoustical upgrades, residential-inspired comfort and an emphasis on movement and ergonomics.
The most challenging projects? Not a particular building type, but ones with large committees, unclear goals or shifting budgets. The most promising growth areas? Healthcare, senior living, mixed-use and adaptive reuse projects.
Just the (Fun) Facts, Ma’am
No Q&A would be complete without some fun facts. In addition to Fruity Pebbles being her favorite cereal growing up, Amy disclosed that she’s Pepsi over Coke, a reluctant early bird rather than a night owl and the last movie she saw in a theater was Thunderbolts.
Finally, if Amy wasn’t shaping commercial spaces, she would be studying human behavior as a sociologist because, at its core, FS Design Group’s work is about understanding people and creating environments where they can thrive.
