MEET
THE DESIGNER
A VERY WARM
WELCOME
I’m Vina, a social entrepreneur, nature enthusiast, tiny home dweller, and the proud founder of Sol Haus Design. Growing up in the Philippines and being one of ten children, I learned the art of simplicity and the importance of taking care of our planet at a very young age. I moved to California in my adolescent years and there I gained an interest in travel and my curiosity for other cultures flourished. As a young adult, I traveled all over the world and saw the impact of the human footprint in many forms. This ultimately inspired my career path; I went on to receive an Architecture Degree from USC, in the hopes of making a difference in the way people live.
I founded Sol Haus Design in 2010 and in 2012, I built and designed my tiny home on wheels. This design has been replicated in several countries and has been featured in various media publications, books, and television. I’m so grateful that my humble abode has resonated so deeply with so many people across the globe. I am passionate about helping people design a space that nourishes their soul and I would be so honored to help you create yours. Thank you for your interest in my work, let’s chat!
Vina xox
MY STORY
VINA LUSTADO
My Upbringing: Global Awareness
Born and raised in the Philippines, I loved being out in nature. I came from a large family of ten children, so I learned early the value of simplicity and living within your means. At the age of seven, my family moved to Los Angeles. I yearned to make a positive difference, so I acquired an architecture degree from USC. After graduation, I traveled to Europe with a backpack to explore the world. It changed my life. With an insatiable curiosity, travel expanded my worldview and broadened my perspectives.
My Career: Corporate to Conscious
For two decades, I climbed the corporate ladder, working for notable architecture firms. But I became disillusioned with my profession — the environmental degradation and the tendency to cater to wealthy clients. Eager to make a positive impact in my profession, I decided to pursue an international fellowship in Germany to study sustainable and affordable housing. The experience left a huge impact on me. I wanted to take what I learned and apply it to my work in the US.
Sol Haus Design: Forging a New Way
In 2010, I founded my own business, Sol Haus Design. My intention was to cater to those with modest means and to provide quality housing regardless of income. My design practice reflects my core values of sustainability and affordability. It’s important that I live in alignment with my values. Since 2013, I’ve lived full time in my 140 square foot tiny house, off the grid and happy as can be!
100 Most Influential Filipina Women
Vina Lustado is a proud recipient of FWN’s Global 100 Most Influential Filipina Women “Innovator and Thought Leader” Award
Featured Speaker at Yale University
A presentation at the Yale Center for Business and the Environment regarding social entrepreneurship
Design with a Purpose
“Beyond the word sustainability as a concept based on ecology, SOL HAUS DESIGN is also interested in affordability – ensuring that their sustainable innovations are accessible to a wider audience, beyond the premiums that a lot of companies charge for their sustainable products- which is a simple but revolutionary belief.”
Nikola Alexandre | Yale University
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LESS IS MORE
We want to encourage others to think big by living smaller.