Hi, I’m Sarah, I design through stories, research, and collaboration.
I listen first, to people, communities, and ideas, and transform insights into stories that are human, visual, and meaningful. My focus is on the message, and the story a design tells. I thrive in collective, research-driven environments where design comes out of dialogue and creates belonging.

Contact me at slestephan@gmail.com

In a nutshell.

Storytelling

Spatial Design

Visual Communication

Product Development

Public Strategy

Strategy & Positioning

Design Strategist & Business Development Lead
Gehl People, 08/2022 - 07/2025

Experience Design Strategist
Sitelab Urban Studio, 10/2019 - 08/2022

Project Designer & Design Strategist
Montaag Design, 05/2017 -05/2019

Architectural Designer & Project Manager
HAAS Architecture, 08/2015 -04/2017

Architectural Designer
Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, 02/2014 - 04/2015

Teaching Assistant & Guest Juror
California College of the Arts, 01/2012 - Ongoing

Education:

Master of Architecture
California College of the Arts, 09/2010 - 06/2013

Bachelor of Arts in Interior Architecture, with honors
Académie Libanaise des Beaux‑Arts

Storytelling

California College of the Arts Design Guidelines
Equity Community Builders & Emerald Fund

Spatial Design

1951 Coffee Stand
1951 Coffee Company

An 80m Superyacht
Private Client

Viking Museum
The Viking Age Museum

Two Bunch Palms
Private Client

Visual Communication

Downtown West Walking Tour
Google & Lendlease

Product Development

Public Strategy

Old Oakland Study
Private Developer

CCA Design Guidelines
Equity Community Builders & Emerald Fund

Strategy & Positioning