Newsletter

State of La Union Newsletter - April 2025 Recap

Sonia-Lynn and Sergio Max, founders of La Union Studio, standing in a construction site wearing safety vests and hard hats in front of a blue-painted framed wall

Greetings Friends,

Spring has sprung! We're embracing a season of fresh energy and new momentum. It’s a time for growth not just in nature, but in our work and communities. From finishing key projects to celebrating clients’ successes, April was a month of milestones.

As designers, we’re constantly reminded of the power spaces have to shape how we feel, interact, and belong. Creating spaces that resonate—spaces that reflect the people who inhabit them and the communities they serve—is at the heart of everything we do. Whether it’s a vibrant home, a welcoming storefront, or a cultural gathering place, our goal is always to foster connection, meaning, and beauty. We believe that thoughtful design can ground us, inspire us, and bring us closer to one another—and that’s what continues to drive our work every day.

Thank you for being part of this journey with us.

Warmly,

Sonia-Lynn + Sergio Max

Founders of La Union Studio

IN THIS NEWSLETTER

Project Spotlights - Florentine Condo Remodel
Media Features - Ayala Coffee!
In the Community - RVCDF Community Impact Event
Connect With Us - Have a Project?

PROJECT SPOTLIGHTS

Interior rendering of the Florentine Condo remodel showing an open living and kitchen area with sage green walls, a blue accent wall, white built-in cabinetry, a red modern accent chair, and a white sectional sofa

Behind the Design - Florentine Condo Remodel

Located in Seattle’s historic Pioneer Square neighborhood, the Florentine Condo Remodel is a vibrant transformation in progress for a beloved Seattle icon in journalism industry. This home has been reimagined with layers of vibrant color, texture, and thoughtful design—all carefully crafted to reflect our client’s exuberant personality and the storied character of the space.

Interior rendering of a small sitting room in the Florentine Condo remodel with mint green walls, a teal velvet sofa, an abstract watercolor-style wall mural, and white built-in cabinetry

Tucked within the bustling heart of the city, this remodel embraces the challenge of creating a true urban oasis—one that offers warmth, comfort, and a deep sense of personal expression amidst the energy of downtown life. From rich jewel-toned walls to bold furnishings and tactile finishes, every detail has been curated to infuse the space with joy and individuality. The result is a home that not only honors the building’s historic bones but also brings a fresh, contemporary spirit that mirrors our client’s vibrant lifestyle.

Catch a glimpse of the process on our social channels—we’re excited to share more soon!

Have a Vision? Let’s Work Together!

MEDIA FEATURES

Interior of Ayala Coffee in Union, New Jersey, showing customers seated at wood tables and staff working behind a curved tiled counter with wood shelving and pendant lights

Ayala Coffee - Union, New Jersey

We’re proud to highlight the completion our very first project on the East Coast!

Partnering with New Jersey-based Ayala Coffee owners, Trixie and Matthew, La Union Studio’s foray into another market marked a meaningful milestone for our company as we expand our support to business owners locally and across the country.

Ayala Coffee, the New Jersey’s first Filipino coffee shop, has gone through several transformations in the past few years. Originally a pop-up coffee cart, then a small Union coffee shop in 2021, Ayala has now grown to a full-fledged café brick and mortar in Union, NJ, combining their signature drinks with delicious Filipino-inspired eats.

Check out a recent article featuring Ayala Coffee’s growth and expansion!

Two baristas working behind the curved counter of Ayala Coffee, with wood shelving, pendant lighting, and a menu board in the background

Learn More

Exterior of BAHTOH salon, a brick storefront with a gray awning reading 'BAHTOH,' large display windows filled with plants and flowers, and a neon sign glowing inside

Happy 8th Anniversary - Bahtoh!

We’re thrilled to celebrate a special milestone with our dear friends at BAHTOH—eight years of creativity, community, and culture in Seattle’s Chinatown International District! As La Union Studio’s very first project back in 2016, BAHTOH holds a meaningful place in our origin story. Watching their evolution over the years has been nothing short of inspiring, and it’s been a privilege to support a vision so rooted in artistry, love, and authenticity.

Founded by Bobbie Yanoupeth and Michael Sing, BAHTOH is a true testament to creative reunion and cultural expression. What began as a long-distance dream has blossomed into a celebrated salon and creative space that continues to uplift and beautify our city. We raise a toast to BAHTOH’s incredible eight-year journey—and to the magic that brought them home.

Interior of BAHTOH salon filled with plants, framed art on the walls, a blue velvet sofa with leopard-print pillows, and glass display shelving, with a glimpse of the storefront and street outside

Learn More

IN THE COMMUNITY

Speaker at a podium addressing an audience seated at round tables during the RVCDF 10th Annual Community Impact Event, with a gold and green balloon garland arching over the stage and a musician playing keyboard in the background

Rainier Valley Community Development Fund Community Impact Event

Celebrating Local Impact with RVCDF

We had the honor of attending the Rainier Valley Community Development Fund’s 10th Annual Community Impact Event—an inspiring evening recognizing the people and projects making a difference in our communities. It was a powerful reminder of why we do what we do: designing spaces that uplift, connect, and empower.

We’re grateful to be in a room full of changemakers.

Catch a glimpse of the event here: RVCDF Community Impact Awards