Meet SIMON TOBON | Architecture and interior design

We had the good fortune of connecting with SIMON TOBON and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi SIMON, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Fear and happiness are the first thoughts that come to my mind when I think about before starting my own business. The fear of not knowing what will happen, if the business will be successful, if customers will like what I’m going to do, among other things, but at the same time, a feeling of happiness for taking that big step, for believing in myself, and for having a big dream to work on every day

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What characterizes me and I feel helps me stand out from others is my sensitivity to understanding clients and capturing their needs and preferences to translate them into a design. I aim to comprehend them, ensuring that the project flows smoothly, and ultimately, that they are always happy and satisfied with the process. I take great pride in my dedication and passion with which I work every day. I truly enjoy what I do, and I’m thrilled that this enthusiasm is reflected in my work.

Professionally, I previously worked for a company I deeply cared about, and I dedicated all my efforts to it. I learned solid foundations that have served me well to this day, these foundations being dedication and a love for interior design. When I embarked on my big dream, I always aimed to refine the company’s processes to achieve better and more efficient results and satisfy our clients. Day by day, I’ve gained experience and knowledge, which has allowed me to establish an organized company that is becoming increasingly recognized in the industry.

One of the most challenging commercial issues was building a name and recognition so that people who didn’t know me would believe in me and the company. However, with dedication and good management, we have gradually achieved this. In terms of design, a significant challenge is understanding and deciphering the client to be effective in presenting the design. When alignment is not initially achieved, it’s a significant challenge to re-understand the client and discover their style to create a customized design for each client. In the construction phase, accurately quantifying a quote is essential. Today, we are meticulous in estimating the quantities of work and providing accurate quotes to avoid major discrepancies during project execution. Every day presents new challenges that are important to discuss and learn from to improve.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I live in Medellín, the vibrant capital of the Antioquia region in Colombia. It’s a city filled with charm, history, and a unique culture that deserves to be explored in detail. From its mountainous landscapes to its modern architecture and warm hospitality, Medellín offers an unforgettable experience for travelers.

First, make sure to choose a place located in El Poblado or Laureles to facilitate access to the tourist areas.

Start by visiting the center of Medellín, where you’ll find Plaza Botero, famous for its sculptures by the artist Fernando Botero. Don’t miss a visit to the Museum of Antioquia to learn more about the history and culture of the region. Explore the Basilica of Our Lady of Candelaria, an impressive church built in the 19th century.

For lunch or dinner, savor the delicious local cuisine at Mercados del Río, a gourmet food market with a variety of local and international options.

You can explore the natural beauty surrounding Medellín by heading to Parque Arví, an ecological park where you can go hiking, biking, or take a cable car ride to enjoy panoramic views of the city.

Visiting the Medellín Botanical Garden allows you to learn more about nature. This beautiful garden houses a variety of exotic plants and is an ideal place to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings.

Explore El Poblado district, known for its lively atmosphere and shopping options. You can visit El Tesoro shopping center or Parque Lleras, where you’ll find boutiques and local designer stores. Take a stroll through the Provenza neighborhood, famous for its street art and bohemian ambiance. Explore local art shops and enjoy a drink at one of the open-air bars.

Indulge in Medellín’s gastronomy at one of the many restaurants in the El Poblado area. Try the ‘bandeja paisa,’ a traditional Colombian dish that includes meat, rice, beans, and plantains.

Visit the Museum House of Memory to learn about the armed conflict in Colombia and the touching stories of those affected by it. It’s an educational and emotional experience that will give you a deeper understanding of Medellín’s history.

Don’t miss the opportunity to take a day trip to Guatapé, a picturesque town about two hours from Medellín. Enjoy a day exploring the famous El Peñol Rock and the reservoir, offering a beautiful natural landscape and opportunities for water sports.

Medellín is a city that will captivate you with its friendly people, rich culture, and natural beauty.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The people I want to thank the most are my family because they believed in me and supported me in creating a new business unit within the family company that would be focused on interior design and architecture. It’s important to clarify that the family company is in the financial sector and has nothing to do with architecture or design. Since its inception, they have been a tremendous support, helping me with client growth and team building. They have also been there for me during challenging times, assisting me in finding the best solutions

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