Ana Claudia Schultz is known for creating thoughtful, contemporary interior designs for residential and commercial clients. A native of Brazil, Miami-raised, long time resident of Brooklyn and now resident of Upstate NY, Ana Claudia is just as eclectic and diverse as her background.

by Gianna Marzella
December 17, 2020

Upon graduating from Florida International University with a Liberal Arts Degree focused in Architecture, Ana Claudia worked in architecture for about a decade only to realize she loved interior design. For 5 years she worked at Ligne Roset as an Interior Designer where she honed her skills, not just in design but she also became a better listener and developed strong customer service. While at Ligne Roset, Ana Claudia started her own design company, first as a jewelry company known as ACD Jewelry and soon after she decided to focus solely on Interiors. She hasn’t regretted a moment since.

After a couple of years working as an Interior Designer, Ana Claudia met her husband, Aaron Smyle through a long time friend and sister of her husband. Aaron and Ana Claudia not only connected personally but they also connected because they are both small business owners who are passionate about their careers. Soon after they met, they moved in together.

Here is what Ana Claudia has to say about all things Interior Design and more.

When did you know you wanted to become an interior designer? What inspired you to transition to it? I didn't know I wanted to be an interior designer. I knew I wanted to help people and once I found the medium that I was passionate about then I proceeded, but helping people was necessary for it to be my passion.

Who is your design icon? Diane Von Furstenberg - bold, classic, and timeless

What do you become most obsessed with when designing? I design in 3d so I obsess over every detail, even cushion shapes.

Can you tell us something people don’t know about you that surprises them? I used to own a jewelry company.

What is your approach to options? Do you like to show your clients many options or do you like to go in with one clear favorite? I go with a clear favorite and show it on my renderings to show how well it all works together.

How do you stay inspired? Collaborating with makers keeps me inspired. What do you love the most about being an IC member? The friendships and networking.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve gotten from fellow Collabers? There are so many. Gala's advice to keep red away from your bedroom color palette. My husband and I have a red house, so when we bicker outside of the house, we both look at it and think "it's the red."

Can you share an experience about a minor mishap that has come up in a project and how you handled that situation? I overlooked that my invoicing program charged the sales tax incorrectly. I let my clients know as soon as I found out. Luckily the invoices were sent only a few days ago and these clients are kind and understanding. But don't be hard on yourself for mishaps, just learn from them

Ana Claudia was recently featured on Chronomag.com.  Click here for a tour of her personal home, to learn more about the journey that brought her and her husband, Aaron, together, and why they decided to move into their stunning Hudson Valley property.  Ana Claudia’s local pride is reflected throughout her home in Rhinebeck.  Her commitment to local makers is reflected both in her home and in her design featured in the Kingston Design Showhouse.  Click here to take a peek inside this design gem in the Hudson Valley. 

 Ana Claudia also recently opened a Gallery.  https://www.thebeckrhinebeck.com/. The Beck, located in historic downtown Rhinebeck, NY, is a by-appointment Design Gallery created in order to showcase Hudson Valley makers and artists. This new creative hub will amplify the voices of local creatives and provide an engaging way for both residents and visitors to tap into the pulse of the region. The Beck also houses the professional offices of Ana Claudia Design Studio and Smyle & Associates, LLC.

Ana Claudia Schultz is taking project requests for the start of 2021, if interested please contact her by clicking the button below.

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