Design Elevated
Sue Subbotin Riviello
ASID allied, Principal
Design changes lives. For more than 40+ years, Sue Subbotin Riviello has been creating interiors that enrich the way people live, gathering inspiration from nature, architecture, travel, and the personal stories of each client she works with. As founder and principal of Sue Subbotin Interiors, Sue is known for designing timeless, livable spaces that feel collected, authentic, and deeply personal.
Founded more than 35 years ago, Sue Subbotin Interiors has built a reputation throughout the San Francisco Bay Area for thoughtful, sophisticated design rooted in comfort, beauty, and functionality. Sue’s signature aesthetic blends understated elegance with warmth, layering texture, color, and natural elements to create interiors that are both refined and welcoming.
Sue studied Interior Design at Parsons School of Design, where she developed a strong foundation in interior architecture, space planning, and the decorative arts. She furthered her studies at University of California, Berkeley while living in San Francisco. Her education and early career experiences in both New York and Paris continue to influence her sophisticated yet relaxed design perspective.
Before launching her own firm, Sue worked with Kenneth Alpert Associates, a prestigious New York City residential design firm whose clientele included Mary Tyler Moore. There, she developed an exceptional eye for detail and gained invaluable experience managing luxury residential projects.
Throughout her career, Sue has been selected to participate in several prestigious Decorator Showhouses, a notable honor within the design industry. These highly curated events bring together top interior designers to create spaces that help raise significant funds for charitable organizations. Sue has contributed her talents to showhouses benefiting multiple nonprofit organizations and community causes.
In addition to her design work, Sue taught “Introduction to Interior Design” for two semesters in Connecticut, sharing her expertise and passion for design with aspiring students. Her work has also been featured in regional magazines and on the Martha Stewart website, recognizing her approach to design.
Sue’s projects include award-winning residential interiors, including a fully renovated Menlo Park home that received Gentry Magazine’s “Best Family Home” Award. She has also designed rooms for numerous showhouses and created a featured vignette for the opening of San Francisco’s Exploratorium.
At the heart of Sue’s philosophy is the belief that every home should reflect the people who live there. She values spaces that feel layered and natural, never overly decorated, where furnishings, art, and objects tell a story collected over time. Inspired by the colors and textures found in nature, Sue creates interiors that balance beauty with everyday livability, always considering the practical needs of families, children, and pets. Sue remains actively involved in supporting charitable and community organizations through donations and volunteer efforts, believing strongly in giving back through both design and service.
About Sue Subbotin Interiors
At Sue Subbotin Interiors, we believe that design has the power to transform daily life. Our mission is to inspire, enrich, and support our clients by creating homes that bring a sense of comfort, beauty, and inner joy.
We approach every project collaboratively, designing spaces that are tailored to each client’s lifestyle, personality, and vision. Whether reimagining a single room or overseeing a full-home renovation, we create interiors that feel timeless, approachable, and deeply personal.
Our services include designing Mountain Homes, Lake Houses, Wine Country Homes, Beach Houses, as well as City and Suburban residences. Each project is thoughtfully designed to reflect both the surrounding environment and the people who live there.
Our work is grounded in the belief that great design should not only look beautiful, but also support the way people truly live. Inspired by nature, architecture, travel, and the layering of old and new, we create interiors that are sophisticated yet comfortable, refined yet livable.
Every home should feel collected over time, authentic, welcoming, and uniquely personal.