We recently had the chance to connect with Pamela Castillo and have shared our conversation below.
Pamela, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
Right now, I’m being called to start over in a career that’s both familiar and new. Coming from interior design, construction feels connected yet very different and I was afraid of what it would mean to begin again. The growing pains have been real and, at times, uncomfortable.
Going back to school after several years for a master’s in Construction Management was also intimidating, but it’s turned out to be incredibly rewarding. With my background of work experience, I’ve found myself understanding concepts more deeply and connecting the dots in ways I couldn’t have before. That’s been gratifying.
What I’ve learned so far has only fueled my curiosity and inspired me to keep exploring everything construction has to offer.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Pamela, an interior designer turned construction professional. For most of my career, I focused on designing large retail spaces for companies like IKEA and Whole Foods, and I also explored commercial furniture design with Knoll. After years of interior design, I found myself wanting something deeper. I wanted to be part of the process from the ground up, literally. That curiosity led me to pursue a career in construction, where I could be involved from the very first earthwork dig to the final element being put in place.
Today, I’m pursuing my master’s degree in Construction Management while stepping into a new role in the field. What excites me most is combining my design background with construction knowledge, bridging creativity with execution. My story is about growth, reinvention, and following curiosity! I’m eager to see how this next chapter unfolds.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
My earliest memory of feeling powerful was at my very first job as a level 1 designer, just a few years out of college. I’ll never forget when my boss’s boss told me, “Pamela, you have a lot of pull with this team, and I need your help in making things better.” That moment made me realize the influence I carried, not just through design, but through leadership.
It showed me that influence isn’t about title or years of experience but it’s about character, trust, and the ability to inspire others. From that point forward, I understood that I could help lead people through change, overcome challenges, and set higher standards that others wanted to follow. That was the moment I first recognized my own leadership power.
What’s something you changed your mind about after failing hard?
Something I’ve changed my mind about after failing hard is the idea that failure is purely negative. Early on, I saw rejection as a sign I wasn’t capable, but over time I realized that each setback is really a form of redirection. Every time I failed, I took what I learned, doubled down, and exceeded expectations on the next opportunity. Those experiences have taught me resilience, sharpened my judgment, and shown me that failure isn’t an endpoint but it’s a powerful teacher guiding growth.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’m committed to putting good energy into the world and trusting in the power of attraction. I believe that the positivity, effort, and intention you put out come back to you in ways you may not see at first. With time, life has a way of rewarding that consistency, and somehow, I keep leveling up along the way.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope the story people tell about me is that I lived with purpose and integrity. That I had the courage to take on challenges, the curiosity to keep learning, and the drive to make a difference in every space, place, or life that I touched.
I’d like to be remembered as someone who brought people together, who set high standards, and who made others feel empowered to do their best in life. Beyond the projects and the titles, I hope people say I left things better than I found them, whether it was a building space or a moment in someone’s life.
