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https://voyagela.com/interview/life-work-with-karina-rizzo-of-los-angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Karina Rizzo.

Interview with Professional Interior Designer Karina Rizzo

Karina, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey into interior design began through science, structure, and a deep interest in how environments shape human experience. After earning my Master’s degree in Environmental Science from UCLA, I worked as an Environmental Consultant at UCSF, ensuring research laboratories and offices complied with strict state and federal regulations. While the work was highly technical, it gave me a strong foundation in ergonomics, spatial efficiency, and the impact well-designed environments have on people’s productivity, safety, and well-being.

That passion evolved naturally into design when I was entrusted with the full remodel and redesign of the UCSF Medical Library. The project focused on functionality, flow, and user experience, and the outcome was so successful that my department received formal recognition, including a letter from the Vice Chancellor noting that the redesign played a key role in keeping the library operational. That experience became a turning point and solidified my path into interior design.

I went on to design offices and laboratories throughout UCSF while also pursuing innovation as an entrepreneur. I invented 3Dazer, a laser measuring device that transforms an iPhone into a professional measurement and data management tool. The product earned a Bronze Stevie Award from the International Business Awards and second place in Silicon Valley, reinforcing my belief that design thrives at the intersection of creativity, technology, and problem-solving.

Giving back has always been an important part of my work. I contributed to the design of the Downtown Women’s Center for homeless women, using design as a tool to create dignified, supportive environments. Later in my career, I was honored by the City of Los Angeles with the title “The Most Historically Accurate Interior Designer” after leading a team in a highly competitive design challenge that included more than 200 designers. The recognition reflected my commitment to preserving architectural integrity while thoughtfully adapting historic spaces for modern living.

Today, my focus is on accessibility and impact. I founded BonGoods, an online interior design studio created to make high-quality, intentional design available to everyday households. By combining virtual design services, photorealistic renderings, personalized layouts, and transparent pricing, BonGoods allows busy homeowners and small-space dwellers to achieve elevated interiors without the cost or stress traditionally associated with interior design.

My philosophy is simple: design is about enhancing experience. When beauty, function, and emotion come together, a space becomes more than a room—it becomes a way of living. My goal is to help people create homes that feel balanced, meaningful, and deeply personal, without breaking a budget.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I immigrated to the United States from Russia without speaking English. When I began my education, I studied with a dictionary by my side—often translating every sentence just to keep up. Learning a new language while pursuing higher education was exhausting, but I believed deeply that effort would eventually turn into opportunity.

To support myself, I did whatever work was available. I worked in restaurants washing dishes, cleaned homes, volunteered whenever I could, and took on long hours without complaint. At the same time, I pushed forward academically, working in research laboratories and contributing to scientific work that later resulted in two published research papers following my graduation from UCLA. There was no separation between survival and ambition—they existed side by side.

I don’t believe in tears; I believe in hard work. This country gave me an opportunity, and I felt an enormous sense of gratitude and responsibility to honor it. I learned the language, built skills from the ground up, and continued moving forward even when the path felt overwhelming.

I often describe my journey as moving like a blinded horse in an arena—focused straight ahead, without distraction, without looking back. It was a difficult road, but vision and persistence carried me through. Progress came slowly, then all at once, shaped by consistency rather than luck.

What I hope women take from my story is this: you don’t need perfect conditions to succeed. You need resilience, discipline, and belief in your dream. No matter where you start, if you keep moving forward and stay committed to your vision, meaningful outcomes will follow.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I create interiors that balance beauty, function, and emotion—spaces that feel intentional, warm, and deeply human. As an interior designer, I specialize in blending luxury aesthetics with ergonomic, research-driven design, ensuring that every space not only looks beautiful but supports the way people actually live.

What I’m known for is a thoughtful, detail-oriented approach that combines creativity with precision. My background in environmental science and ergonomics allows me to design spaces with a strong foundation in scale, flow, and human behavior. Whether I’m working on historically sensitive interiors, compact urban homes, or modern living spaces, my work is guided by research, proportion, and emotional resonance rather than trends.

One of the things I’m most proud of is my ability to make high-quality design accessible. Through my online interior design studio, BonGoods, I bring boutique-level design to people who may never have considered working with a designer before. By using virtual design, photorealistic renderings, and curated solutions, I help clients achieve elevated interiors without the stress or cost traditionally associated with interior design.

What truly sets me apart is my belief that design is an art of living. I don’t create cookie-cutter spaces. I listen deeply, translate personal stories into physical environments, and design with intention and empathy. For me, success isn’t measured only by aesthetics—it’s measured by the moment a client walks into their space and feels seen, supported, and at home.

At the core of my work is a simple goal: to create spaces that enhance daily life and make beauty attainable for everyone.

How do you define success?
For me, success is not measured by titles, awards, or numbers alone. Success is waking up knowing that my work has meaning and that it improves people’s lives in real, tangible ways.

As a designer, success means creating spaces that support how people live, feel, and grow—homes that feel balanced, intentional, and emotionally resonant. When a client walks into their space and feels calm, inspired, and truly at home, that is success to me. Design should enhance daily life, not complicate it or make it feel out of reach.

On a deeper level, success is rooted in resilience. Coming to this country without speaking English taught me that progress is built through discipline, patience, and consistent effort. Success is continuing to move forward—focused, hardworking, and committed to your vision—even when the journey is difficult or uncertain.

I also define success by accessibility and impact. Being able to bring high-quality design to everyday households, without breaking a budget, is something I’m deeply proud of. If my work helps people feel more confident, supported, and connected to their homes, then I know I am on the right path.

Ultimately, success is living with purpose—using creativity, hard work, and gratitude to build something that serves others while staying true to who you are.

Pricing:

  • Online Interior Design (BonGoods): Flat-fee, room-by-room design packages at accessible price points.
  • What’s Included: Personalized concepts, scaled layouts, photorealistic renderings, and curated product selections.
  • Personalized design concept Scaled floor plans and layouts Photorealistic 3D renderings Curated furniture and décor selections Clear, transparent deliverables with no hidden fees
  • Virtual services allow clients to work within their budget, timeline, and location.
  • My goal is to ensure that high-quality interior design feels attainable, stress-free, and empowering—so more people can live in homes that feel intentional, beautiful, and truly theirs.

Contact Info:

Karina Rizzo is the founder and creative force behind Karamia Designs Inc., a Los Angeles-based interior design and remodeling studio known for modern, luxury residential spaces. With over 20 years of experience, she specializes in custom home interiors, kitchen and bathroom design, full-home remodeling, ADUs, and garage conversions. Her design approach blends timeless elegance, functionality, and personalized details to create sophisticated spaces that reflect each client’s lifestyle across Los Angeles and Orange County.