20 Years in Design: A Reflective Journey

Mar 11

Every job I had, every lesson learned, and every decision taken has helped me build the way to where I am now. I can see how every single experience opened the door to the next one, and that's how I ended up arriving in Tulum, Mexico, knowing very little about the town I landed in and not sure why I was there.

I recognize the unconscious act of coming here as the kick to transform my present into what I had been wanting to achieve for long time.

Living for several years in Tulum and Yucatan, encouraged me to build my business and learn from every single person I met. I arrived a year ago in San Miguel de Allende, discovering its amazing culture and willing to extend a warm welcome to potential clients.

My design career actually began in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the place where I was raised, and my family and upbringing were an important part of my journey and inspiration as a designer.

When I was pretty young and spent weekends with my mom visiting museums, ballet, and opera concerts, and especially vintage stores. My dad used to have very little time, but he would take us to discover some new ship that had arrived at the puerto and kept telling us the story of the city and the big art deco buildings where he had worked or had any kind of anecdote.

I was not aware of it at the time, but these experiences turned out to be training for who I was going to become.

The respect for an artist and their pieces, the silence and contemplation you learn in museums, the discovery of memorable buildings, old vintage treasures, and learning how to differentiate between original and fake pieces gave me the tools I needed and showed me the way to what I wanted to do for a living.

When turning 17, I was still deciding what career to study and got my first job at an important fashion brand. I always knew that I wanted to do something related to creativity, and gaining experience would open my mind and horizons. My friends and relatives, were a bit amazed at starting the other way round, but everyone supported me, and I think always believed in me. I could feel empowered at that time; I demonstrated to myself that following your heart was the way.

The road to interior design was a long one. I studied fashion design and worked for the best brands and CEOs, meeting the most amazing artisans who generously taught me everything about handmade pieces.

I had terrible experiences, too, often feeling defeated and at other times that I could touch the sky with my hands. But most importantly, I've learned from every person and place where I’ve worked, forever grateful for that time of my life, turning me into a consecrated professional at an early age.

But also starting too young and being part of the nicest projects made me want to search for new horizons. Fashion had been enough, and there was something about interior design that had been calling my name for several years. All the knowledge learned at factories, next to artisans and materials, let me discover a whole new world and I became an operations specialist. So I could say Interior Design Inspiration began with what I had been in contact with while being a child and the type of work, materials, and people I related to during my fashion design experiences.

This second half of my life is something I can't explain very well, as I had made certain decisions that were not usual for me, but I'm going to try to be as clear as I can. The truth is that I had decided not to work anymore for the fashion business and started my new interior design project, took a trip to N.Y with my very best friends, and when the time to come back home came, I instead decided to travel to Tulum, Mexico to meet another friend who was in a similar mood.

The very first time I arrived in Tulum, I understood we could learn so much from each other. It was what I had been looking for, and I truly believe the other way around.

Inspiration and enthusiasm appeared again, all my knowledge and experience seemed to be perfect for what Boutique Hotel owners were looking for, and little by little, I became part of that world.

I had the chance to travel around the diverse country of Mexico and was able to get to know the different cultures, the amazing food, the talented artisans, and the colorful stories, the monumental buildings, the cutest streets and corners, and the infinite color palette and techniques of this country. Mexico became an eternal source of inspiration, and let me tell you, the surprises never end.

Interior Design Projects were a reality, and I was feeling happy and empowered again. All the hard work done, places I had been, and participation were helping me assume the Interior Design Manager position for the biggest Boutique Hotel Company in Tulum, Colibri Boutique Hotels. From keeping areas fresh and trendy, specializing in boutique experiences and entire remodeling projects, I spent the funniest and most challenging time of my life.

I would say my Interior Design Philosophy has to do with, first and foremost, understanding the surroundings, which materials are the most accurate for the place, as with food (focusing on local and seasonal), and lastly, merging with the place in such a way that I understand what makes it look reasonable and functional.

Using natural materials as much as I can, I have proven through all this time that the dignity, authenticity, and characteristics of natural wood, textiles, etc., not only add value to the place but respect the environment and local producers.

I'm committed to embracing the connection between Mexican artisans, suppliers, and artists with my projects, cooperating and coexisting with each other. I always try to listen and respect those guidelines.

Client feedback is crucial in helping me understand how clients experience their projects and this provides the tools I need to adapt to each project and idea.

"Exceptional interior design work by Delfina Porras! Bee My Guest is thrilled with the collaborations and the results of our units decorated by her. Delfina's attention to detail, creativity, and professionalism shine through in every aspect of her work. Her designs have truly enhanced the ambiance and appeal of our properties, leaving our guests delighted and impressed. We highly recommend Delfina for her outstanding talent and dedication to excellence in interior design."

These are the interior Design services I provide:

Full-service interior design,
Shopping and styling,
Virtual Design, and
Boutique experiences.

All offer a consultation process and the commitment to delivering exceptional design experiences tailored to each client's vision and lifestyle. Let's start creating; I invite you to dream together about your place.

Lastly, I would like to say thanks to all the inspiration from my childhood, to Mexico for receiving and opening a new whole reality for me, to all the bosses–nice and challenging–, the coworkers, friends, family, and the clients who trusted me and gave me all the freedom to do my art. I am especially grateful for that part of myself that was brave enough to reach for all I had wanted in life.