Name: Sophia Pappas / Carmen Tabatabay
Instagram: @needtoknowdesign
Website: www.needtoknow.design
Age: 36 – Sophia / 30 – Carmen
Title:
Cofounder · Detail Devotee · Design Minimalist (with a Side of Drama) – Sophia
Cofounder · Concept Queen · Forever Moodboarder – Carmen
Married/Single: Both Married
Kids: Both – Newborns
City you live in: Both – Phoenix
Sophia
A typical day in my life includes… early-morning construction emails over coffee, getting site-ready for meetings, picking up finish samples, squeezing in a grocery run, and carving out a few focused hours for design. Every day looks a little different. It’s a constant balancing act.
I was born… here in Phoenix! Native baby!
My favorite thing about Arizona… the community, and watching how much it’s grown since I was young. Downtown, for instance, used to be a place you didn’t go, now it feels like a real city with a close-knit community that’s still incredibly intimate.
I’m listening to… according to my Spotify Wrapped, I’m apparently 85, so it’s a mix of 60s Italian pop and modern-day post-punk like Boko Yout. A real mixed bag.
My family… means everything to me, and we’re about to welcome a new member any day now. We’re so excited for this next chapter.
If I could have dinner with anyone, it would be… someone who’s built something meaningful from the ground up, not for attention, but for impact. I’m always drawn to people who create culture, not just product, like Ilse Crawford, whose work consistently prioritizes how spaces make people feel.
One thing I cannot live without… my pen and paper. I know I have a notes app on my phone, but there’s something about physically writing things down that I can’t imagine living without. I go through a lot of notebooks — they always have to be travel-sized.
When I was younger, I wanted to be… doing something hands-on and creative. Building, making, and being part of the process rather than watching from the sidelines.
I’m inspired by… traveling to new places, memorable meals, art that tells a story, and spaces that feel layered and lived-in. I’m especially inspired by the stories behind them. How people gather, move, and create meaning within a place.
The person/people who motivate(s) me is/are… my partners in life and business: Blake and Carmen. They push me to work harder, design better, and think bigger. I work hard for them and for the future we’re building together.
If I could change anything in the world, it would be… even more support and resources for young entrepreneurs, so it’s easier to take a risk and build something of their own. A lot of good can come from elevating innovative, young perspectives.
The perfect day would be… an install day, watching a space finally take shape. It feels like Christmas morning, the energy is high, the work is hard, and seeing it all come together is truly chef’s kiss.
My first job was… working in my family’s restaurant, doing whatever needed to be done and learning the rhythm of hospitality early on.
My favorite escape… the Instagram rabbit hole of dreamy, off-the-beaten-path destinations. I love finding a boutique hotel in an unexpected city, seeing who they follow, and letting that lead me into building entire future itineraries. Usually involving two plane rides and a long car drive to somewhere quietly magical. Recent trip was Sea Ranch, California. IYKYK
My life… equal parts structured chaos and quiet moments.
I’m currently working on… new product lines for our sister brand, Known Goods. It’s been a slow burn for a few years, and now it finally feels like the right moment to bring it forward.
Always… bring a tape measure.
Never… trust a photo alone.
Favorite Quote… “The devil is in the details.”
Biggest Dream… to continue growing Need To Know while shaping not only Phoenix’s spaces, but exploring new markets, always pushing the boundaries of personal, brand-driven design with every client.
My Pet Peeve(s)… a messy desk. Straight to jail.
Carmen
A typical day in my life includes… coffee, coffee, coffee, always first thing at a local shop. It’s my favorite ritual to start the day.
I was born… in Phoenix, a native through and through.
My favorite thing about Arizona… the diversity of the landscapes. In just a couple of hours, you can go from snow-capped mountains and pine trees to vast plains with beautiful grasses. Every corner is a new view.
I’m listening to… “Women Designers You Should Know” podcast. It features current designers talking about icons like Eileen Gray and Charlotte Perriand, which always sparks new ideas for me.
My family… recently grew! I married a Swiss man and we had a baby girl. This Christmas, we’re heading to the Alps to celebrate. Can’t wait to introduce her to snow for the first time.
If I could have dinner with anyone, it would be… Molly Baz. She’s an insanely successful businesswoman and I’ve followed her journey since her early days at Bon Appétit. I’d pick her brain about food, design, and business. Basically everything I love.
One thing I cannot live without… my computer. It’s not just work. It’s inspiration central. I use it to design, watch videos about the things I love, and explore new ideas every day.
When I was younger, I wanted to be… a singer. That’s all I’m going to say about that.
I’m inspired by… all working mothers. I’ve just stepped into this role myself, and I’m in awe of the strength, patience, and resilience it takes to balance everything.
The people who motivate me are… my husband, Darius, a licensed Swiss architect, who constantly pushes me to think deeper about design. And my work partner, Sophia, who sees solutions where no one else does and has an eye for incredible detail. I’m endlessly grateful for both of them.
If I could change anything in the world, it would be… bad lighting. Nothing makes me cringe more than harsh, over-bright white light. Unless it’s a hospital, give me warm, 2700K lighting any day.
The perfect day would be… brunch, a stroll through an art museum for inspiration, and then a few hours designing at a cozy coffee shop.
My first job was… hostess at a restaurant when I was 15. I’ve always loved hospitality and creating experiences for people.
My favorite escape… Joshua Tree. The more remote the Airbnb, the better. It’s my ultimate reset button.
My life… is shaped by the people I love and the spaces I inhabit.
I’m currently working on… updating our website with all the amazing projects we’ll be wrapping up in early 2026. I’m beyond excited to share them with the world.
Always… measure twice, cut once.
Never… doubt your gut.
Favorite Quote… “When the objects we use every day and the surroundings we live in have become in themselves a work of art, then we shall be able to say that we have achieved a balanced life.” — Bruno Munari
Biggest Dream… for NTK to continue growing, with two strong departments, a product company, and a full-service interior design team that keeps pushing boundaries.
Pet Peeve(s)… bad lighting. I can’t stress it enough. It drives me absolutely crazy.
About Need To Know:
At the heart of ‘Need to Know’ lies an unwavering belief:design has the power to transform not just spaces, but lives. We’re here to elevate spaces into vessels of experience—joy, connection, inspiration, or even nostalgia.
We create spaces that hit different—uncomplicated, high-energy, and deeply connected to the people who use them. Peeling back the layers of every idea, uncovering the why behind each decision—delivering interiors that are not only functional but alive. Every choice has a reason, every detail has a story, and every project is an opportunity to defy expectations.
Sophia Bio:
Sophia designs with restraint—but never plays it safe. Her work balances clarity and tension, always grounded in one unforgettable moment. With a background in interior design and construction from NAU, she brings big ideas down to earth. Before founding Need to Know, she honed her edgy-minimalist style in commercial interiors. She’s all about bold clients, sharp concepts, and details that hit exactly where they should. For Sophia, the process is just as creative as the outcome—and no idea is off the table.
Carmen Bio:
With a Master’s in Interior Architecture and a background in Communication Technology & Society from ASU, Carmen brings sharp strategy and bold creativity to every project. She cut her teeth in the fashion world, curating for the Phoenix Art Museum and styling for names like Stella McCartney and Harper’s Bazaar. For over five years, she’s been designing interiors that don’t just look good—they tell a story. Her roots in PR, sales, and editorial shape how she crafts spaces that connect and convert. Carmen founded Need to Know out of an obsession with creating work that shocks, delights, and makes you say, “Damn, that’s good.”
