Julia Sanford
President
Julia is the founding principal of Starr Sanford Design Associates, a residential design firm based in Northeast Florida specializing in custom Residential design. Before founding Starr Sanford Design, Mrs. Sanford designed for an extensive range of projects including: feature film sets, resorts, office buildings and retail centers. She was NBC's art director for the Today Show and 1996 Centennial Olympic Broadcast. She has provided design and project management for historical renovations, showrooms, libraries, museums and private galleries. She is a Founding Partner of the Sky Institute + Foundation for the Future, a non-profit organization dedicated to building sustainable communities. Julia earned a Bachelor of Arts in Art History from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Master of Architecture from the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta. Her Master's Thesis was tutored under Mack Scogin of Harvard University. She is fluent in French and Italian.
Daniel Popky
Business Director
Daniel is the Business Director at Starr Sanford Design. Prior to joining Starr Sanford , Daniel was Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Florida East Coast Industries, Inc.
Michael Sherrod
Project Manager and Director, Production Studio, AIA Associate
Michael is an accomplished building designer and former contractor with over 15 years of experience. After studying Urban Planning and Civil Engineering at Alabama A&M University, he designed and built cabins, bungalows and lake homes throughout Alabama. He has worked on numerous projects in the Southern United States including urban planning, plan production, town mapping, and commercial/residential design for Mouzon Design and Starr Sanford Design. As a Project Manager and Associate Director of the Production Studio for Starr Sanford Design, Michael’s responsibilities include project management, technical drafting, graphic design, and space planning. After living and working in Alabama, Michael relocated to Jacksonville Beach in 2014.
Katherine Mixson
Interior Designer
Born in Jacksonsonville, Florida, Katherine went to study at Samford’s Interior Architecture program where she minored in art and graduated with honors. She has a passion for art and studied abroad in London for a summer. Recently she worked on residential interiors at Hannon Douglas in Birmingham, Alabama before she joined the Starr Sanford Design team.
Joel Chalfant
Assistant Project Manager
Joel is an assistant project manager on the Starr Sanford Design team. He studied Architecture and Environmental Design at Kent State University with a minor in Business Management. Joel is experienced in green technology, sustainable design and LEED certified building construction practices. Joel has extensive experience and expertise in operating 3D design software, essential to the design of new construction as well as complex renovations.
Christi Bowler Elflein
Planning Director
Christi has fifteen years of experience in urban planning and a passion for sustainable urban development. She holds a Master’s of City Planning from the Georgia Institute of Technology and a Bachelor’s of Science in Social Sciences from Florida State University. As a city planner, Christi has worked for such cities as Atlanta, Georgia, Vail, Colorado, and Newport News, Virginia. While working with the community planning firm, Glatting Jackson in Orlando, she was involved with planning projects such as Alys Beach, the St. Johns Town Center, and Welaunee. Christi is also an accomplished writer and was a regular contributor to First Coast Magazine.
Amanda Thompson
Client Concierge + Purchasing
Originally from Jacksonville, Amanda is a talents individual who pursued her passion for dance. She studied at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, where she honed her skills and developed a deep understanding for various dance forms. After completing her education, Amanda embarked on a professional dance career in both Los Angeles and New York.
In addition to her dance endeavors, Amanda has explored other creative fields. She has delved into the world of styling, using her artistic eye to curate fashionable looks and enhance visual aesthetics. Furthermore, Amanda has ventured into the real estate industry, specializing in home staging. Her keen sense of design and attention to detail have allowed her to transform spaces and create inviting atmospheres.
Nathaniel Ebert
Photography & Creative Direction
Nathaniel graduated University of North Florida with a major Communication and minor Photography. He shows great passion for producing visuals through various mediums and continues to expand his creative horizons.
Oscar Dulce
Interior Designer
Born in Pasto, Colombia, Oscar Graduated from the Art Institute of Jacksonville with a Bachelors degree in Interior Design. He has a passion for all forms of art, design and architecture.
Aidaliz De Jesús Rosario
Assistant Project Manager, AIA Associate
Aidaliz (Aida) is an assistant project manager on the Starr Sanford Design team from Cayey/Ponce, Puerto Rico. Aida attended the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico where she earned a Bachelor of Architecture with a minor in Historic Preservation and Conservation. Before coming to Jacksonville, Aida worked for FEMA in Puerto Rico, assessing structural damage to buildings after Hurricane Maria. Aida is passionate about green building design and beautiful architecture. In addition, Aida is an accomplished artist, highly skilled in rendering.
Channing Brodie
Assistant Project Manager
Channing is an architectural intern on the Starr Sanford Design team. He studied Architecture at Auburn University and Art at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He has been involved in architectural construction and planning at a mixture of scales leading to experience in urban planning, precast building systems, and residential construction. Additionally, Channing is passionate about partnering with Maji:Hope to organize and advance clean water projects in rural villages across Tanzania.
Lauren Jagger
Land Planner, ASLA Associate
Lauren is the land planner for the Starr Sanford Design team. She has a passion for site planning and landscape architecture. Lauren earned a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from the University of Maryland and a Master of Science in Education from Johns Hopkins University. She worked as a planner and urban designer for an international firm in Washington DC, which focused on large scale urban planning projects. In 2019, after several years of teaching, Lauren returned to her passion in the design field, and joined the Starr Sanford team.
Sarah Geer
Showroom Manager + Stylist
Sarah Lindley Geer grew up in a third-generation family business on the Outer Banks, where she honed her natural talent for business. However, her true passion has always been in the creative realm. After earning a degree in Entrepreneurship, she pursued a career in interior design and worked her way up to become a studio manager for a renowned designer, expanding the brand into retail. Sarah gained invaluable experience working directly with clients and vendors, bringing fresh ideas to their homes. She also earned a technical certificate as a Home Staging Specialist at UNF. With over 8 years of experience in the interior design and retail industry, Sarah now serves as the Showroom Manager and Decorating Specialist at Starr Sanford Collection. She uses her expertise to guide clients in creating their ideal living spaces, reflecting their values and lifestyles. Sarah's sincere and friendly approach helps her build strong relationships with clients, and she approaches every project with joy and enthusiasm.
Eric Johnson
Logistics Coordinator
Eric is our mover and groover. He manages miracles around here, always with a grin and a little spin. He makes it happen on time and in order.