Director - Interiors & Branded Environments

Victor Lewis firmly believes that interior design has transformative powers. But just as important, how those powers are expressed should vary by the purposes of places.

Today he designs safe, welcoming, and inclusive interior environments for YMCAs. He loves that they foster a sense of community, promote individual growth – and provide safe places for members. “It goes beyond creating aesthetically pleasing spaces,” Lewis says. “It delves into the realm of psychology. A well-designed interior can promote relaxation, productivity, creativity, and social interaction – depending on the intended use of the space.”

In Lewis’ previous work for a major US retailer (where he was a senior vice president of store interiors), the objectives were different. “Over 27 years I designed very different spaces in the for-profit sector,” he says. “The focus was money, budget, and perception. In the non-profit world, it’s about changing lives and communities as the sole priority.”

Lewis doesn’t pull ideas out of the air. Rather, he’s known to go “into the weeds,” by doing whatever it takes to understand the people associated with a project. He wants to know what makes communities tick – and what nuances will enhance acceptance within those communities.

Lewis brings to Gro and our clients an ability to see the built environment prior to it being completed. He spends time listening and shepherding the design process, always with an eye on cost in order to deliver the best design at an affordable price.

And for as much as he has a clear vision of what new spaces will look like and how they will perform into the future, he’s fully aware of the history that precedes them. Lewis earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration, management, and operations from Mt. San Antonio College. He is a volunteer with God’s Love.

“For almost two centuries non-profit organizations have formally existed to dismantle systems that cause harm,” he says. “They fill in service gaps that are not covered by the public sector and provide aid to those in the community who need it most. This brings me amazing satisfaction, to serve the greater good.”