Testimonials
“I am very pleased to have this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation of the work of Elle-Shoko Ota and her team. They worked for us over a lengthy period on a remodeling project for our Japanese Style home in Santa Barbara. This was a large project involving joining the existing main house with an existing guest house and adding a second story to the main house to take advantage of the ocean views. Elle and her team worked energetically and efficiently and were always fully responsive to several changes in scope which we initiated. These changes were many and probably all too frequent, but were always accepted with patience and enthusiasm, and followed up with immediate action. OKOHZ Design Group has earned my very highest recommendation.”
— Mike and Helen Chadwick, Santa Barbara, CA
“After completing a long awaited home renovation last year, involving a kitchen, dining room, living room, family room, staircase, primary bathroom, and partial exterior of the home I can wholeheartedly recommend Shoko to others. I came to know Shoko through my parents, who have utilized her services on multiple projects over the last couple of decades. They always spoke highly of Shoko’s unwavering work ethic and commitment to delivering results that felt both personal and polished. Unsurprisingly, my husband and I did not regret our decision to work with her on our own home renovation. The outcome exceeded our expectations, from honing the overall aesthetic, to attending to the most minute details, Shoko confidently advised us through it all. Many of my favorite furniture pieces and details are one’s she suggested. By the end of the project we developed a deep trust in her interior design skills and insight into our personal tastes and preferences. She remained dedicated to our project until its completion and made herself easily accessible throughout. In conclusion, I would highly recommend Shoko to anyone looking to update and elevate their home’s design.”
— 7/08/25 Traci and Khalid Mughal. Torrance, CA
“A friend recommended Ms. Shoko Ota to me when I was looking for an interior designer for my home in Newport Coast. I had worked with three different well-known local designers before I called her, but none of them were satisfactory.
From the first meeting to the final unveiling, she guided me with her expert advice and helped me decide on the best design for my home. Hiring her has reduced a lot of stress for me and my family. We can't thank her enough.
Her professionalism, attention to detail and ability to understand the client's vision was like a breath of fresh air after my experiences with designers who simply pushed their designs on me.
If you are looking for an interior designer with impeccable taste and a top-notch team, look no further than Shoko Ota.”
— J. Covey Residence, Newport Coast, CA
“I have known Shoko Ota since 2007. My husband and I hired her to be the interior designer for our living room and entry way in 2007. From 2009 to 2022 she was significantly involved with our home remodel projects of 2 bathrooms, a kitchen, an office, and family room.
We were very please with her work so she was hired back on each of our remodels. We also recommended her to others, including my cousin and daughter, who subsequently hired her. She is very conscientious, responsive to clients, and is able to adapt to changing situations. Over time we came to trust her opinion and judgment, often choosing her idea over our initial idea. On a number of occasions she gave us design solutions to problems that arose during construction.”
— Karen Eguchi, Manhattan Beach, CA
“Elle-Shoko Ota was a former employee with Ethan Allen Inc. She was a member of “Circle of Excellence”. Her professional ability is stellar. She performed her tasks both in design and client service flawlessly. Her character was one of great stature, and she worked closely with large staff of fellow designers who respected her tremendously. Her design ability, sense of organization and follow up with clients is much needed in today’s business world.”
— Cynthia Bero, General Manager, ETHAN ALLEN INC.
“Affordable I Do’s on Rodeo Drive.” Designer successfully converted the former art gallery and flower shop into the pew-lined, flower-bedecked sanctuary in the Rodeo Collection's open-air courtyard.
— Bob Pool, Los Angeles Times
“Designers Work Magic on a Hollywood Villa for Charity”
— Connie Koenenn, Los Angeles Times
“Designers aim to restore glamour of landmark home”
— Larchmont Chronicle
“Shoko developed an excellent following through good design work which pleased her clients and earned her many referrals. Her ethical character was outstanding. She completed exclusive training, and won many design awards including “Top Of The World” (1st place out of 1,200). She was well respected by her peers.”
— Steve C. Bursten, Chairman, Decorating Den Systems Inc.
The Clever use of textures and colors Shoko Ota used really exceeded our expectations. Total effect is sharp and gorgeous! The designer conveys idea clearly and is easy to work with in both general scope, and small details. We would strongly recommend Shoko Ota for interior design projects.
— Yuzo Oida, Managing Director, Phi-ten USA, Inc.
“Elle-Shoko Ota has designed a total of 8 model units for our important projects in Japan. Her talent is like no other. We can't say enough incredible things about her team and their jaw-dropping work. We will not hesitate to call on her again in the near future.”
— Terry Levesque, Chairman. Tecorp Housing Inc.
“I just wanted to take this opportunity to tell how pleased we are for the result of the work for my daughter’s room. Elizabeth’s room is exactly as she wanted it. Thank you so much for all that you put into this project. It looks perfect!”
— Kathleen Jefferies, Los Angeles, CA
“The students, staff and parents of Jefferson Elementary School wish to thank you for your generous support of our recent school carnival. Your contribution and donation added much success and we appreciate your help with our request. Our school was able to raise enough money to add to the funds needed to purchase a new computer and encyclopedic software.”
— Pat Duncan, Jefferson Elementary School, Redondo Beach, CA
“Thank you for donating a number of interior sample items for use in our Interior Design Class. We have over thirty students and your contributions will be a great help. We do appreciate your generosity.”
— Tina Parkison, Redondo Union High School, Redondo Beach, CA