021: From Concept to Check-In: Inside the Sophia Hotel with Anjum Razvi

In this episode of Interior Design San Diego, host Rachel Larraine Crawford sits down with the incredible Anjum Razvi, founder and principal of Razvi Design Studio, to explore her dynamic 40+ year design journey from architecture in India to boutique hospitality design in San Diego.Anjum shares how motherhood, resilience, and a passion for creative freedom shaped the evolution of her studio—and how a single ASID showcase bathroom led to her biggest project to date: the iconic Sofia Hotel. If you’ve ever wondered how small residential jobs can lead to big opportunities, or what it takes to transition into hospitality design, this episode is for you.🌟 Highlights:Anjum’s early spark: Following her architect cousin on site visits in IndiaFinding design footing: Navigating identity, licensing, and inspiration in a new countryFrom freelance to founder: How flexibility and intuition shaped her firm’s growthLanding the Sofia Hotel: A career-defining opportunity born from an ASID showcaseHospitality design today: Tech integration, sustainability, and business-minded creativityTeaching and mentorship: Why sharing knowledge gives just as much as it gets🛎️ Key Takeaways:Design exposure matters – Participating in ASID showcases directly led to Anjum’s hospitality work.Hospitality is business – Great design must align with guest experience and the owner's bottom line.Stay adaptable – Whether designing 200 unique hotel rooms or shifting to tech-integrated spaces, flexibility is key.Your background is a strength – Anjum’s architectural foundation and global perspective set her apart.Mentorship multiplies impact – Teaching at NewSchool and mentoring ASID members keeps her connected and inspired.About Anjum RazviPresident | Founder. Anjum Razvi has a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, is a professional member of ASID and is certified by CCIDC and NCIDQ. Her design firm provides interior design services that include residential properties, hospitality properties, commercial businesses and office spaces.Razvi Design Studio specializes in guiding clients through the endless decisions required for new home construction or an extensive architectural remodel. The designers skillfully detail materials and furnishings to create a unique finished style that is both functional and beautiful. Design expertise includes whole homes, kitchens, baths, custom built-ins, material specifications and more. The design firm provides aesthetic and pragmatic design solutions for public areas and guest rooms of boutique hotel properties, both historical and new. No matter what type of project, they specialize in the intelligent integration of architecture and interior design to create an extraordinary environment.Additionally, Anjum has been an adjunct professor at The New School of Architecture and Design in their Interior Architecture program since 2019. She is the recipient of several awards for both service to ASID as well as for design excellence competitions and has been widely published in magazines and coffee table books over the years.WEBSITE: www.razvidesign.comEMAIL: [e-mail]/designerarStay Connected:Sign Up for Our NewsletterASID San Diego WebsiteLinkedInFollow us on InstagramAsk your question, share a topic of interest or be our guest here.Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss upcoming episodesShare this podcast with a fellow designer in your communityQuestions, sponsorship or feed back: [e-mail]