CARLSBAD —— For designer and business owner Shilla Tabrizi, creating architectural decorative glass is an artistic process she personalizes for clients, depending on their desires.

Whether the client needs etched glass partitions for an upscale eatery or a stained glass window for a home, Tabrizi works closely with each to ensure that she achieves the customer's vision for the space.

"I draw out what I think they will enjoy," said Tabrizi, who can create beautiful designs in various types of glass, including etched and carved glass, fused glass and tempered stained glass. "I never try to force something on them because it's trendy right now or it's the best thing.

"I pray that whatever I make for people will be a blessing to them."

Located in Carlsbad, Tabrizi's business, the Shilla Design Studios Inc., provides residential and commercial customers, especially those in the hospitality industry, with architectural decorative glass, including glass partitions, table tops and windows, as well as cabinet and shower doors. Tabrizi also handles installation.

Each project is created by Tabrizi through AutoCAD, Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator software. She said she draws inspiration from photographs, clip art and objects to put together a design. For example, she said she kept a bird of paradise near her while designing a seascape stained glass-style window that included an image of the exotic flower.

Customer Carrie Chacon of Oceanside said she commissioned several projects from Tabrizi, including colored glass panes for an interior door and cabinet doors.

"They add a lot of character to our house; they are kind of like their own little piece of artwork," Chacon said. "They just look fantastic." Chacon said she discovered Tabrizi while searching online for a woman-owned business that could create custom architectural glass. She added that she continues to look for other ways to accent her home so she can work with Tabrizi again.

"She seems to really love what she does," Tabrizi said. "She really lets you explore your ideas and gives you input."

Originally from Iran, Tabrizi attended boarding school and art school in England before immigrating to California. Originally a landscape architect, Tabrizi changed her focus to architectural glass after tiring of the homogeneity of the landscape industry in California.

"I wanted to work more closely with people and have a medium that was more hands-on," Tabrizi said. "I went to art school because I wanted to be creative."

Since starting up her workshop, which she shares with her husband, photographer Robert Bacon, Tabrizi said she has completed 85 projects. Shilla Design Studios Inc. grossed $150,000 for 2005.

"I'm very grateful, it has turned out a lot better than I thought it would," Tabrizi said. "Everything fell together for this business to happen —— it has just been an amazing journey."

Standout Facts

Name: Shilla Design Studios Inc.

Address: 5835 Avenida Encinas, Suite 113, Carlsbad

Phone: (760) 930-8055 and (877) 863-9379

Web site: http://www.shilladesignstudios.com

Year established: 2004

Products and services: Architectural decorative glass

Number of employees: Two

Size: 1,016-square-foot location

Gross sales: $150,000 for 2005

Contact freelance writer Jessica Musicar at Gwyillion@aol.com.