Meet Anthony Oyatayo | Engineer & Interior Designer

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

Hi Anthony, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
A good amount of people think the interior design process is quick, easy, and simple – a process that involves purchasing furniture and placing them in a space, requiring minimal effort. On the contrary, the design process is very involving. It requires curating a space that is specific to the inhabitants, while also taking into consideration function, mood, and the harmony of everything. What people often don’t see are the countless hours spent sourcing, reviewing materials, balancing aesthetics with budget, and managing timelines. Every decision, from scale and proportion to texture and lighting, impacts how the space feels and performs. The process is also highly collaborative, often requiring coordination, with contractors,vendors, and maybe even inspectors depending on the scope of the project. Good design tells a story, and crafting that story thoughtfully takes time, intention, and a deep understanding of how the client lives.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Oyatayo Interior Design was born out of a desire to create spaces that feel intentional, personal, and connected to the people who live in them. When I started this business, I had zero real world experience in the field, a full time career as an engineer, and not much more than a deep love for spaces and aesthetics. Despite that, I took a leap fueled by instinct, curiosity, and passion.

What I’m most proud of is stepping into this space without a traditional background or a network of clients and I’ve been building everything little by little. I didn’t have a roadmap or a big launch moment; just a commitment to keep going, keep learning, and build my brand one client at a time. The journey hasn’t been easy. Balancing a demanding career while starting a business from scratch meant long nights, self doubt, and a lot of figuring out things on my own.

What sets my approach apart is the balance of function and mood. I design spaces that are both aesthetically pleasing and livable, where the layout, materials, and finishes work in harmony with how people actually move through and use their space. Essentially it’s about what brings them comfort and how design can elevate everyday life.

What I want the world to know is that design isn’t just about beautiful rooms, but about creating environments that reflect who we are and how we want to live.

My journey may not be conventional, but it’s real and it’s just getting started.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
You know, I tend to keep things really simple these days. I mostly enjoy having people over my house for a night of music, food, drinks, and games. Generally speaking, some of the activities I’d participate in with a friend are as follows:

– Lulu’s in Santa Monica on a Sunday for brunch and good vibes
– The Laugh Factory on a Sunday night
– Haidilao in Century City for some great hot pot meals
– Food trucks in Granada Hills on a Friday night
– Afro Beats day party when available
– A nice drive on Topanga Canyon to the beach (Malibu, Santa Monica, Venice)
– Joey in Woodland Hills almost any weeknight
– Six Flags Magic Mountain
– A Halloween haunted house event – such as Delusion – if in season
– An escape room that’s actually interesting, such as The Basement LA
– Sometimes, you just gotta go with the flow and see what fits best for the night

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There’s no one that rides harder for me than my mom. She is my biggest fan, cheerleader, and supporter. From the very beginning, she’s believed in my creativity and has always encouraged me to pursue whatever I set my heart on. Even when I doubted myself or felt like I was starting from scratch in a whole new potential career, she reminded me of my strengths and potential. She never hesitates to celebrate even the smallest wins with me. Her belief in me has been a constant source of motivation and I genuinely wouldn’t be where I am today without her love and support.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oyatayo_id