California Design Center- Studio C

By Deborah Brightstar
Interview
Tucson, AZ

My Local Home Show (MLHS): How is it that a store with the name California Design Center ends up being a locally owned and operated business in Tucson, Arizona?

California Design Center (CDC): Originally based in San Diego, California, California Design Center/ Studio C franchised to Arizona to brand the name and grow. Then, due to a tough economy in California, it ended up closing all of its locations except for the Tucson store which is the only one left. Studio C is an upscale furniture and interior design center located in Oro Valley at 11085 N. Oracle Road. We are hoping to transform this area into the Scottsdale of Tucson.

MLHS: What makes California Design Center so unique?

CDC: There are several things that make us unique that we are very proud of.
We are a local business, not a large chain or big box kind of furniture store. We focus on offering non-typical, unique items that people can’t find anywhere else. We especially try to feature local artisans and hand select non-cookie-cutter products we think our clientele will appreciate.

Another thing that makes us unique is that we have a very careful “jury in” process with our vendors, concentrating on local vendors who offer sustainable, earth friendly products that are either replanted, reclaimed or recycled that do not use any endangered woods from rain forests. We are very conscious about our selections!

MLHS: What is your unique approach with your clients?

CDC: We take a team approach that is a customer friendly process. We don’t tell or sell. We assist and consult with a team of seven interior designers who all work together for the best results for our clients. And, we encourage people to come into our store just to browse around and get ideas, even if they aren’t going to buy anything. We want them to feel welcome and at home.

MLHS: What are some of the challenges you face in today’s challenging economy?

CDC: Believe it or not, recognition. Even though our branding has been very successful, we just moved from the Fort Lowell district and a lot of people think we either closed or left the area. We want them to find us here at our beautiful new design center.

MLHS: What would you like to be known for in the community?

CDC: We want to be affordable to anyone who sees value in quality, sustainable goods and to offer products that are unique, that only we offer.