More than
interior design.
For over 45 years, Shawback Studio has been shaping residential, hospitality, and wine country environments throughout Napa Valley and the western United States.
Rooted in interior design and expanded through architectural thinking, project oversight, and a deep understanding of how people live, gather, and move through spaces, our work is grounded in one simple belief: thoughtful environments create meaningful experiences.
Every project is approached with curiosity, care and a commitment to creating spaces that will continue to support your life for years to come.
We believe the strongest projects are built on trust, collaboration and long-term relationships.
Ethos
Dedication to Craft
Rigor is at the heart of everything we do. We believe craft is a deep commitment, honored at every stage of every project, until the outcome is exactly right.
Sense of place
Every space we design belongs to its place. We honor the land, the architecture, the culture, and the environment around it, so that every project feels like it could only exist exactly where it does.
Human Experience
Great design reaches beyond the eye. We design for all the senses and the experience of people.
Respect for Materials
We study, research, and select materials with deep consideration, so that every surface, every finish, and every element serves the outcome with purpose and intention.
“Thoughtful design is about understanding how a space will be lived in, coordinating the many moving parts behind the scenes and guiding our clients through each decision with clarity and care.”
JULIE SAVOIA
Shawback Studio Principal & Owner
Forty five years ago, Penny Shawback founded this studio on a simple belief: thoughtful design has the power to enrich people’s lives. That belief remains unchanged, even as our work has evolved.
Today, we move forward as Shawback Studio, a name that honors our history while reflecting who we are today: collaborative by nature, dedicated to our craft, and expansive in our approach.
The way people experience spaces has changed. Homes are expected to feel like retreats, while hospitality environments strive for the warmth and individuality of home. Creating places that are both beautiful and enduring requires more than great design. It requires trusted relationships, shared expertise, and a team that knows how to bring the right people together.
Over the years, we have built an extraordinary network of architects, builders, makers, artisans, and specialists who share our commitment to quality, integrity, and craftsmanship. They are more than collaborators. They are an extension of our studio, allowing us to assemble the right expertise for every project.
Everything we create is guided by four enduring principles: the human experience, respect for materials, dedication to craft, and a strong sense of place. These values shape every decision we make and every space we help bring to life. Shawback Studio is built on decades of trusted relationships, carefully considered design, and homes and hospitality spaces created to endure. We are proud of where we have come from and excited for what comes next. We would be honored to be part of your story.
– Damon & Julie Savoia
Shawback Studio Principals & Owners
Every project is led directly by a Shawback Studio principal, supported by a team selected around the specific needs of the work. This structure keeps senior design leadership closely involved from the earliest conversations through completion, while drawing on the collective expertise of our wider studio. Our principals guide the vision, key decisions, and creative direction, with the team providing the rigor, coordination, and continuity required to bring every detail together. The result is a highly personal process, backed by the depth and capability of a collaborative studio.
Principal led,
team supported.
PRINCIPAL & OWNER
PRINCIPAL & OWNER
FOUNDER
STUDIO MANAGER
DESIGNER
DESIGNER
OFFICE MANAGER
Julie Savoia
Damon Savoia
Penny Shawback
Natalie Hemingway
Muza Bugaenko
Moey Nelson
Rochelle Cassayre
We believe the best projects are built together.
We view ourselves as one member of a larger project team. Throughout your project, we collaborate closely with architects, contractors, engineers, fabricators, consultants, and specialty trades to ensure everyone is working toward a shared vision. Clear communication is one of our highest priorities. We believe proactive coordination creates better outcomes, reduces unnecessary surprises, and helps projects move forward more smoothly. Our role is not simply to design beautiful spaces. It is to advocate for your project from beginning to end.
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