Often, I am asked about the origin and meaning of my name. So it is with great pride that I share this personal blog post. I was named after the Patron Saint of Valencia, Spain – La Virgen de las Desamperaodos. I am the 3rd in my family with this name, as it belongs to my mother and my grandmother. In 2009, I travelled to Valencia, Spain in search of this story and its significance. Within the public square of the historic city centre stands ‘The Basilica of the Virgen de los Desamparados‘. The original Basilica completed in the Renaissance style dates back to 1666, and later renovations were subsequently completed in the Baroque, Rococco and Neoclassical styles. It was a life-changing event to experience sitting in the divine chapel of The Basilica in the beautiful city of Valencia, my mother’s birthplace. Moreover the connotation of my namesake holds a special significance to my identity and purpose. Amparo is a Spanish word which means refuge or shelter and in a broader sense, protection.
As I am often asked to define the unique qualities of my design practice and why I chose this profession, I am constantly reminded of the WHY? The reason why I love to create exquisite spaces for people to feel wonderful in, is deeply rooted in my desire to create a place of refuge within a calm and inviting space. A place to improve YOUR quality of life.
With the hectic pace our lives, we are pulled in multiple directions and expected to complete ongoing tasks, many of which are stressful and challenging. Our homes should be a place of refuge – a welcoming space to return to and love.
We are all in need of such a space and I’m here to help YOU create it.