We are Via: Meet Sara Dupin
In case you missed it last month, we are kicking off a new series for our blog to formally introduce to you the amazing people that make up our team at Via Design. From architects to designers and everyone in-between, we would not function the same without our talented staff. This month we share with you Sara Dupin, Interior Designer, and Project Manager. She started in 1996 and has been with us ever since.
Sara as an intern in 1996.
How long have you worked at Via?
I started as an intern in 1996 as a sophomore at Kendall. I replaced Emily as an intern, and I remember there were 4 of us total at Via.
Sara graduating from Kendall in 1998.
Where did you grow up? Have you always lived in Michigan?
Yes, I’ve always lived in Michigan. I grew up in Hudsonville, moved downtown to Heritage Hill when I went to Kendall, and stayed in GR since.
LR: Becky, Sara
What made you choose your profession?
I always loved art and design throughout high school. I knew I wanted to go to art school in high school. I started undecided and took foundation classes and found out the interior department is where I made the most friends and felt most similar to everyone!
What inspires you in daily life and at work?
I am honestly inspired and happy to be at a job that I love. I get excited about other projects and seeing the other designers and their work here at Via. When I’m traveling, I love to look at architecture and be an observer. It’s funny, now I’ve taught my girls to critique buildings too, sorry, girls! There’s no single style I dislike; if the design is done well, it inspires me.
Your favorite hobbies?
I love to read and travel and be with my family.
Sara with her husband Chad.
Sara and her family in the Netherlands.
Tell us about your family, any kids/pets?
I’ve got a husband named Chad, and we’ve been married for 20 years! We have two daughters, Reese and Sadie. Chad is adventurous, and we all love to travel. The girls play lacrosse and are always on the go. We recently got a dog (during quarantine), and his name is Banjo; he’s supposed to be a mini bernedoodle, but he grew to be almost 50 lbs!
The Dupin family: Sara, Reese, Sadie, Chad, and Banjo.
What is your life motto/quote?
Don’t let the little things bring you down. Be careful about what controls your emotions, which we started to implement in our family after COVID put so many things in perspective. Without being too cheesy, “don’t sweat the small stuff".”
What is one thing you wish everyone knew about design/architecture?
I wish everyone knew that good design takes time; it shouldn’t be rushed. I encourage everyone to enjoy the process, allow projects to evolve as they should. People need to slow down and allow themselves to make the right decisions. TV shows don’t help either, it sets up a faster expectation for the interior design process.
What does your ideal day look like?
Get up and go for a walk with Banjo. Make breakfast for everybody. Go on a road trip and have fun exploring.
During quarantine, we would go for day trips by looking up places in the “Atlas Obscura” book and get in the car and drive. It took us to crazy places in Michigan we wouldn’t have thought to go to ourselves!
Chad, Val, Sara and Banjo.
Your favorite place to eat or drink in Grand Rapids?
Buffalo Traders Lounge for drinks and Terra GR for food!
What Staff Says about Sara:
“Sara has a great ability to synthesize extensive amounts of information and complex project details into smart, simple solutions. Sara is great to work with, and has contagious energy while collaborating with architects and the project team.”
“Even with all her crazy projects and deadlines she always remains calm (or so it seems on the outside) and never loses her cool. Such a great role model!”
“Sara is such a hard worker, nothing can stop her from getting the job done!”
“No matter how busy she is, Sara will always stop what she is doing to answer a question, help find a resource, or offer advice. She is lighthearted and puts a humorous twist on adversity!”
“She had an incredible eye for detail and her sense of humor is always a delight. Basically, she is a Rockstar.”
“It’s a pleasure to work with her, always responsive and on top of her game”
Sara’s Favorites (according to husband Chad):
Podcast: True Crime
Music: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Gund & Roses
TV: Murder She Wrote, Dateline, 48 Hours
Hanging out with Banjo
Creating her own artwork