Built to Inspire.
We are a Black and woman-owned interior decorating studio based in Northern Virginia.
the origins
Ecothesí began with a simple yet profound idea: to make homes both beautiful and responsible.
Founded in 2024 by sustainable designer and textile artist Sandra Akufo, the studio’s name is a fusion of “eco”—a prefix that refers to ecology or environment and is derived from oîkos (the Greek word for “home”)—and “thesi”—the Greek word for place. Our Greek name pays homage to the sustainable lifestyles and stunning scenery Sandra observed whilst living and studying abroad in Greece.
Sandra, inspired by her travels and activated by the growing environmental crisis—of which the residential and textile industries are significant contributors—recognized that the time was now or never to transform the processes and practices of both industries. Thus, Ecothesí, a boutique home interior decorating studio that marries eco-consciousness and sophisticated aesthetics, was born.
the ethos
Mission
To deliver bespoke interior decorating experiences and craft artisanal decor pieces that unite environmental responsibility and artistic excellence in every home.
Vision
To set a benchmark for quality, sustainability, and aesthetics in design, inspiring the interior decorating and textile industries to follow suit.
Values
Quality: We’re meticulous in our craftsmanship and attentive to the small details.
Sustainability: We act in the best interest of the planet in all that we do.
Artistic Excellence: We explore every corner and crevice of creativity and skill.
Accessibility: We serve as many people, in as many places as possible.
the founder
Though Ecothesí is a new name in design, it stands on a foundation of excellence shaped by its visionary founder, Sandra Akufo.
With a background spanning environmental design, spatial planning, and communications, Sandra brings a multidisciplinary lens to her work. She holds a Master of Design degree in Sustainable Environments from Northeastern University, where she was awarded the John D. O’Bryant African American Institute’s Martin Luther King Jr. Fellowship for excellence in leadership and service. She is also currently pursuing a Graduate Certificate in Business Administration at Northeastern and previously earned her B.A. in Public Relations and Strategic Communication from American University.
Sandra’s professional journey reflects her enduring commitment to sustainability and community-centered design. She currently serves as a Research Associate with Envision Resilience, a climate-responsive nonprofit organization reimagining coastal landscapes. Previously, she supported the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ net-zero building goals under the urban planning division of the Healey-Driscoll Administration and worked with the Town of Acton, MA to advance Electrification for All, a grant-funded initiative promoting equitable access to clean energy in multi-family housing.
Her creative and professional work has earned her widespread recognition. Sandra’s climate-resilient proposal for New Bedford’s Achushnet Avenue was exhibited at the New Bedford Art Museum in 2024 and she is an alumna of the collaborative Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center and Wells Fargo’s Milestone Makers Program, which supports women founders leading purpose-driven businesses. She also served as an advisory board member for Northeastern University’s School of Architecture, supporting the curation of its design studio culture, and as a contributing writer for the American Society of Home Inspectors, where she authored several articles about residential maintenance and homeowner education.
Through Ecothesí, Sandra continues to build more than a brand—she is cultivating a movement that aims to celebrate sustainable beauty, ethical craftsmanship, and the power of design to create homes, and futures, grounded in conscience.