Philosophy

This idea is the undercurrent of the studio’s work; the spaces we inhabit shape how we feel, interact, and form memories. Field Theory’s projects are informed by a deep understanding of how clients move through their daily lives, the architecture, and the surrounding environment.

The studio gravitates toward natural materials, layered textiles, vintage and antique furniture, and quality craftsmanship—elements that gain character with age. Projects are designed for longevity, creating spaces and pieces that become heirlooms without feeling precious. And always a bit irreverent.

In both boutique hospitality as well as residential projects, Field Theory considers the full sensory experience, crafting spaces that belong to the people in them, not to a magazine or an algorithm.

The interdisciplinary backgrounds of the team allow projects to adhere to a cohesive creative vision from concept to completion in a detailed, thoughtful way. Collaboration is central to our process, and we do our best work alongside architects, contractors, craftspeople, artists, vendors, and clients.

Services

01.

Overview

Our studio specializes in residential and boutique hospitality interior design. Our projects include both new builds and historic renovations. We work closely with our architects, contractors, and trusted craftspeople throughout every phase of the project, maintaining set timelines and budgets.

02.

Our capabilities include:

• Architectural consultation and plan review
• Interior spatial planning and furniture layouts
• Design concepts, elevations, and renderings
• Materials and finish selection
• Custom furniture design
• Furniture selection
• Procurement and logistics
• Project management and budget tracking
• Construction administration and coordination
• Art curation
• Installation and styling

Tell us about your project

Team

Leah Harmatz

Principal Designer

Leah Harmatz is the founder and principal of Field Theory, a San Francisco-based interior design studio. A Bay Area native, Leah studied English Literature and Studio Art at Emory University, with a focus on Ceramics and Art History.

Her career took an unconventional path (which laid the groundwork for a future in hospitality design), from managing a backpacker’s hostel in Panama to leading marketing and operations in the craft beer industry. After earning her MBA from UCLA in 2014, she returned to her creative roots and founded Field Theory, bringing together her interests in art, architecture, and interiors. She opened the Field Theory brick and mortar storefront and studio in 2018, in the Outer Sunset neighborhood of San Francisco.

Leah lives in by the beach in SF with her husband, two children, one dog, and four chickens. She will always pull over on a road trip for an antique store or a diner.

Kelly Heath

Senior Designer

Kelly joined Field Theory in 2024, bringing a multidisciplinary background in museum exhibit design, and architecture. She grew up in Georgia and studied Industrial Design at RISD, where her focus on ceramics and furniture design gave her intensive, hands-on building experience, and an appreciation for well crafted spaces and objects.
She spent four years in museum exhibit design, where she discovered a lasting appreciation for history, storytelling, and the power of design to shape an experience. Her decade in architecture, specializing in upscale single-family residences and boutique winery hospitality projects, is where she developed a strong command of drafting, spatial planning, and construction administration.
She enjoys being involved in the entire design process, from initial architectural consultation through construction detailing and administration. She has a particular love for designing custom furniture, crafting pieces that are tailored to a client’s space, needs, and style.
Now based in San Francisco, she lives with her husband and their two cats in a lovingly restored 1800’s Victorian. Outside of work, she can usually be found hiking, sewing, painting, or seeking out a wonderfully weird movie.

Yasemin Sussman

Procurement + Project Manager

Yasemin was born and raised in the Bay Area, with brief stints in Southern California and a semester abroad in Florence, Italy. She spent over a decade in hospitality public relations, managing media relations for notable hotels and restaurants before transitioning in 2021 to pursue her longtime passion for interior design. After earning a residential interior design certificate from the Interior Design Institute, Yasemin quickly immersed herself in the industry, building strong relationships with local makers and vendors.
Yasemin appreciates the local arts and culture scene and loves finding inspiration through travels. On the weekends, she continues to immerse herself in the design world through personal projects for her 1930s Victorian home in Berkeley, and exploring local shops, restaurants, and museums with her husband and 10-year-old son.