About Us
Sondra Okada
Sondra Okada, arrived in Bradenton, Florida via Shanghai, China in 2017 bringing with her 35 years of design and remodeling experience. In the same year, she established Coastal Life Design, a coastal lifestyle themed Design-Build showroom which quickly became the premiere source for home design in the Anna Maria Island/Longboat Key/Bradenton region.
Several years later she visited Valdosta and fell in love with the 'Azalea City'. Determined to plant deep roots there, she began developing a plan to bring her talents to Georgia and expand her 'Life Design' brand. 2023 finds her realizing that dream and opening her 2nd showroom in historic downtown Valdosta.
Sondra's detail-oriented, client-focused approach creates interiors that are reflective of their unique tastes and interests, marrying form and function in each project. As an architectural designer and kitchen and bath expert, her wealth of experience and problem-solving skills are a key attribute that ensures your design is tailored to your taste and specific needs.
Sondra received certification from the NY School of Interior Design, and went on to receive two additional degrees while on assignment in China. During her time abroad she was profiled in GQ (China) & Elle magazine. Sondra is a principal at Okada Design Group, curator of Pinterest's, 'The Posh Pad' and owner of Coastal Life Design.
Outside of design, she is a lover of all things on or near the water, enjoys travel, spending time with her children and grandchildren, and scouring local thrift shops for hidden treasures.
Pamela Gambuti
Pamela Gambuti comes to Southern Life Design as a lifelong resident of Valdosta with a passion for design. In 2014 Pam decided to pursue her passion and received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Interior Design at Valdosta State University with honors. After graduating from VSU, she had the opportunity to work as an independent designer, where she gained valuable experience in both residential and commercial design. Seeking to further her education she became a certified Home Stager in 2020. 2023 finds Pamela joining the team at Southern Life Design to share her knowledge and inspiration with the greater Valdosta area. Pamela is a member of the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA).
Homeowners - Contractors
The Process
Design Assist
Design Assist
If you haven’t visited the showroom, this is your best first step! During the initial conversation with your Designer, they will discuss your project's scope, desired products, lifestyle, priorities, budget range, and construction timeline.
While walk-ins are welcome, we recommend scheduling an appointment so we can dedicate the time need
If you haven’t visited the showroom, this is your best first step! During the initial conversation with your Designer, they will discuss your project's scope, desired products, lifestyle, priorities, budget range, and construction timeline.
While walk-ins are welcome, we recommend scheduling an appointment so we can dedicate the time needed to review your project properly.
A Complimentary site visit is scheduled to review your project(s) while in your space. We revisit budget, as a budget range is necessary for the Designer to assist you with product selections and prioritizing. If the Client wishes to proceed, a design retainer is collected. Designer will then photograph and
measure the existing conditions to create as-built drawings. With our 3D architectural design software we will prepare concepts for you to view at your design meeting.
A Design Meeting at the showroom is scheduled 2-3 weeks after the initial site visit to review the proposed concept drawings and make any necessary changes, and select products.
Depending on the size, and scope of your project, about three to four weeks later, you will meet with the Designer at the showroom to review a complete written Scope of Work including all products, and pricing.
If you are using a contractor for your project, a pre-construction meeting will be scheduled with them to review the project, plans and materials prior to starting work.
If the Scope of Work is approved, a contract is signed, deposit paid so the purchasing process can begin and materials ordered. Materials can be shipped to your contractor's warehouse or directly to your home.
This method streamlines the construction process by having the correct materials ordered, and delivered prior to demo, eliminating construction delays.
Design Assist
Design Assist
Design Assist
For Contractors, we introduced 'Design Assist', a project delivery method where our design team is hired to collaborate with the homeowner and contractor during the design phase through build-out. This method reduces costs, and time for construction and improves constructability.
Design Assist gives the contractor the resources to take co
For Contractors, we introduced 'Design Assist', a project delivery method where our design team is hired to collaborate with the homeowner and contractor during the design phase through build-out. This method reduces costs, and time for construction and improves constructability.
Design Assist gives the contractor the resources to take control of the project while giving the homeowner one point of contact for all finish materials.
Southern Life Design designs your client's project, assists in specifying and ordering all finishes and provides the contractor with cabinet schedules, elevations, 3D perspectives and permit drawings. We can also drop ship materials to their warehouse.
We take the time to work with you and your client every step of the way, to the successful creation and completion of your project.
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