Meet Federica Ungaro | Brand Designer + Concept Creator for the Hospitality and Wellness industry

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

Hi Federica, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
My name is Federica Ungaro, originally from Venezuela, where my journey began in a vibrant, competitive school that sparked my passion for design and branding. Growing up surrounded by the colorful chaos and natural harmony of my homeland deeply influenced my aesthetic foundation. At 19, I took a leap and moved to Paris, a city that taught me about my preferences—specifically, that I’m not a city girl and that black and grey are not my only colors.

This realization led me years after to Costa Rica, where I developed patience in the corporate world at a renowned design agency. After a few years working in Costa Rica, I decided to redesign my life, ultimately moving to Bali. There, I immersed myself in the beauty of textures, materials, and interior design alongside some of the best designers and spas in the world.

In 2005, as my time in Bali came to a close, I found myself in San Diego doing a masters in holistic studies, specifically in Encinitas—a place that beautifully blends art, soul, ocean, and desert.

For 19 years, Encinitas has been my home. My first role here was as Art Director for Chuao Chocolatier, where I gained invaluable experience over seven years. Then in 2012 I started as an independent brand designer for many well known restaurants in San Diego and Wellness Boutique Hotels in Mexico. I also started incorporating my ability and vision to do Interior concepts & design for many of them, which I truly believe comes from my passion of traveling and creating unique, soulful spaces inspired by my adventures, particularly in Mexico where the colors, architecture, food and warmth of its people have profoundly influenced my work.

Overall, my diverse background has shaped my unique approach to design, allowing me to infuse a global vision into every project. The soul and uniqueness I bring to brand creations and interior experiences stem from a rich tapestry of influences acquired throughout my life.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m excited to share a bit about my journey. I build dreams and I develop brands and Interior experiences that forge emotional connections through a holistic approach. My Design ethics are all about blending functionality with a strong sense of aesthetics, creating spaces that truly reflect the personalities and lifestyles of my clients. What sets me apart is my focus on storytelling through design—every project is an opportunity to weave together a narrative that resonates with those who inhabit the space.

I’m particularly proud of a recent project I did in Costa Rica developing the brand of this beautiful Transformational Growth Center and Organic Farm sanctuary, I am looking forward to continue helping them on the interiors. The joy on my clients’ faces when they saw the final reveal was incredibly rewarding. It’s moments like those that fuel my passion.

Getting to where I am today wasn’t always easy. I faced numerous challenges, from navigating the competitive landscape of the industry to learning the intricacies of running a business. Early on, I struggled with self-doubt, but I overcame it by seeking mostly spiritual mentorship and embracing continuous learning. Each obstacle became a lesson—whether it was honing my negotiation skills or refining my design process.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of collaboration. Surrounding myself with talented professionals, from artisans to architects, has enriched my work and allowed me to push creative boundaries.

What I want the world to know about my design work is that it’s rooted in authenticity. Every design decision is intentional, aiming to create spaces and brands that not only look beautiful but also serve a purpose. My story is about passion, resilience, and a commitment to making every project unique and soulful.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love this question!

If friends were in town for a weekend, I’d definitely take them to Encinitas. We’d start by exploring the downtown shops and cafés, then enjoy a peaceful walk through the meditation gardens with views of Swami’s Beach. After that, I’d drive them to Mexico—just a 40-minute trip from Encinitas to the US-Mexico border, followed by another 40 minutes to Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico’s wine country. Many of my friends jokingly call me “the Queen of Baja” because of my passion for the region.

I adore Valle de Guadalupe for its incredible food, wine, and unique architecture. We’d stay at my favorite hotel “Bruma” , which I consider one of the most beautiful places I’ve visited. I even had the chance to collaborate with one of the owners on the concept for their restaurant, “Fauna”. After a delicious meal there and a visit to their winery, we’d head to another Hotel I love called “Cuatro Cuatros” to catch the sunset while tasting their wine. This glamping venue is special because it offers ocean views from the top. I worked with “Cuatro Cuatros” when they first started in 2013, helping to develop their event venue concept.

Though the weekend is short, if time allows, I’d love to take them to “Deckman’s”, an outdoor restaurant at a winery known for its amazing Baja-fusion cuisine—it’s such a unique experience that you might find yourself lingering all afternoon.

If they had more time, I’d fly them to Cabo and take them to Todos Santos and La Paz—my favorite places on earth. Honestly, I could write a book about recommendations for those spots, but that’s a topic for another time focused solely on Baja travel tips! 😉

I’ve followed this itinerary with friends multiple times, and everyone has loved it and had an amazing weekend. Plus, it’s only a two-hour drive from San Diego! What a fantastic place we live in!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I can confidently say that my aesthetic foundation stems from my mother’s side of the family, where I was surrounded by architects and artisans in my home country, Venezuela, along with my father’s adventurous and travel-loving spirit. This unique blend shaped me into the person and designer I am today.

I also owe a debt of gratitude to my Chuao Chocolatier family, where I gained valuable insights into the corporate world here in California. Special thanks to my coworker and best friend, Sebastian Gomez, the best designer I know. Additionally, I’m grateful to Melissa Young from Studio MYID for inviting me to collaborate on her restaurant projects since 2012; I’ve learned so much from her about the interior concept aspect of my career. Baja deserves recognition as well, as its breathtaking beauty constantly inspires me and helps me recharge my soul.

I wholeheartedly agree with Fyodor Dostoevsky’s inspiring quote that resonates with me: “Beauty will save the world.”

Ultimately, I must give credit to God, or whatever you may call that higher force, for granting me the gift of transforming spaces and enhancing brands to create beauty in our work.

Website: https://www.federicaungarodesigns.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/federica-ungaro-0146b228b/