Today we’d like to introduce you to Paola Leon-Garcia.
Hi Paola , it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My story really begins with movement, both physically and creatively. I was born in Venezuela and moved to Miami as a teenager, where I finished high school and pursued my studies in architecture and visual arts. From very early on, I knew I didn’t want to choose between disciplines, I wanted to merge art, space, and experience into something more meaningful.
In 2008, I founded PG Studio, initially focused on architecture and interior design across residential, commercial, and hospitality projects. Over time, our work evolved, not just in scale, but in intention. I became deeply interested in how spaces can influence how people feel, how they live, and ultimately how they define success for themselves.
That perspective led me to develop what I now consider my core philosophy: architecture as a vehicle for joy. Design is not just about aesthetics or function, it’s about creating environments that elevate everyday life and reflect a person’s identity in a very intentional way.
As the studio grew, we expanded into Tampa and began working on increasingly complex and highly customized projects. It was through that process that I identified a unique opportunity, what is now a very defined niche for us in the luxury garage space. What started as a functional typology became, in our hands, something entirely different: immersive, experiential environments that blend lifestyle, design, and passion. Today, that niche has become a major part of our work and a platform for innovation.
Parallel to PG Studio, my husband, who is also my business partner, and I have built several companies together, including PG Lux, an exotic car rental company, PG Solar focused on renewable energy, and PG Homes, where we develop sustainable residential projects. Each of these ventures connects back to the same idea: creating elevated experiences, whether through design, lifestyle, or sustainability.
At the center of all of this, I am also a mother of two, which has been one of the most grounding and motivating aspects of my journey. Balancing family and multiple businesses has required a constant evolution of discipline, clarity, and purpose, but it has also reinforced why I do what I do.
Looking back, the path hasn’t been linear, but it has been intentional. Every step, from art to architecture, from Miami to Tampa, from traditional design to highly specialized luxury environments, has been about refining a point of view. And today, that point of view is very clear: we design spaces that don’t just look exceptional, but that feel deeply aligned with the lives people want to create.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, and I think that’s true for anyone building something meaningful.
There have been several layers of challenge throughout my journey. As an immigrant, I had to learn how to navigate a new culture, build credibility from scratch, and create opportunities without an established network. That alone shapes how you approach risk, resilience, and growth.
As a woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry, especially in the construction and development side of what I do, I’ve had to establish authority in rooms where it isn’t automatically given. Early on, that meant proving myself more than once. Over time, it became less about proving and more about being very clear in my vision and standards. That shift changed everything.
Motherhood added another dimension. Building a business while raising two children requires a level of discipline and prioritization that forces you to become extremely intentional with your time and energy. It’s not about balance in the traditional sense, it’s about alignment. Being present where you are, and building a life that integrates both.
And then there’s the experience of building multiple businesses with my husband, who is also my partner in life. That has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my journey, but also one that requires constant communication, trust, and clarity. You don’t get to separate roles as easily, you have to grow together, both personally and professionally.
None of these challenges were barriers in the traditional sense, but they were defining. They forced me to develop a strong sense of identity, to trust my perspective, and to build a business that reflects that clarity.
Looking back, I don’t think I would change any of it. The challenges weren’t detours, they were the process of becoming.
As you know, we’re big fans of PG STUDIO. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
At its core, PG Studio is an architecture and design firm, but in practice, what we do goes far beyond that.
We specialize in creating highly customized, experience-driven environments across residential, hospitality, and increasingly, the luxury garage space. What sets us apart is not just the level of design, but the way we approach these spaces: we don’t see them as purely functional or aesthetic, we see them as extensions of identity, lifestyle, and aspiration.
Over time, this perspective has allowed us to carve out a very distinct niche. In the luxury garage world, for example, we’ve redefined what these environments can be. What was once considered storage is now, in our work, a curated, immersive experience, part gallery, part lounge, part personal sanctuary. These spaces are designed with the same level of intention and sophistication as a luxury residence, if not more.
This evolution led me to develop a broader framework around our work, where we think about these environments not just as design projects, but as lifestyle and asset-driven spaces. It’s about understanding how design contributes not only to how a space looks and feels, but to how it performs, emotionally, experientially, and even in terms of long-term value.
What also makes our brand unique is that it exists within a larger ecosystem. Alongside PG Studio, my husband and I have developed several companies, including PG Lux, an exotic car rental company, PG Solar focused on renewable energy, and PG Homes, where we focus on sustainable residential development. Each of these ventures informs the other. They give us a deeper understanding of our clients’ lifestyles, priorities, and aspirations, which ultimately translates into more thoughtful and relevant design.
What I’m most proud of, from a brand perspective, is that we’ve been able to stay very clear in our point of view. In a world where design can often feel trend-driven, we’ve built a studio that is rooted in intention. Our work is highly tailored, highly personal, and always aligned with a bigger vision for how our clients want to live.
Looking ahead, I’m particularly excited about expanding our role earlier in the process, working more closely with developers and visionaries to shape these environments from the ground up. Not just designing individual spaces, but influencing how entire projects are conceived, experienced, and positioned in the market. Ultimately, what I want people to understand about our work is that we’re not just designing spaces, we’re creating environments that elevate how people experience their lives.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
For me, networking has never been about collecting contacts. It’s about building meaningful, aligned relationships over time.
I’ve always been very intentional about putting myself in rooms where I can meet people I respect or feel aligned with, and then approaching those interactions with curiosity rather than expectation. Instead of thinking about what I can gain, I focus on understanding how we might align, whether that means collaborating, creating opportunities together, or even connecting them with someone in my network who could be valuable to them.
That mindset shifts everything. It turns networking into something much more genuine, and over time, those relationships compound in a very organic way.
When it comes to mentorship, I think it’s important to expand the definition. Mentorship doesn’t always come from one formal relationship, it can come from different people at different stages, depending on what you need. I’ve learned a lot by simply being observant, asking thoughtful questions, and staying open to guidance from people who are ahead of me in specific areas.
At the same time, I’ve made a conscious investment in my personal and professional growth. I regularly attend seminars and environments that challenge my thinking, and I work with a coach who has had a profound impact on how I navigate both life and business. That level of support has helped me develop clarity, discipline, and a stronger sense of leadership.
If I had to give advice, it would be this: be intentional about the rooms you enter, be generous in how you show up, and focus on building real relationships, not transactional ones. Over time, that approach creates opportunities that you could never manufacture on your own.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pgstudiodesign.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pg_studio?igsh=NG9ra2YycDJjYTQ3&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PGStudioInc
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@pgstudioinc9849
