Born and raised in Chicago, Cardella's Miesan architectural design education gave him the basics from which he developed his own style. Architecture is foremost in his design vocabulary, followed by function, which forms the creative aspect of his warm and comfortable interiors. Throughout all stages of the projects, Sam coordinates and nurtures each element to its actual completion. Accepting the limits imposed by clients is the creative principle in developing an environment of sensuality, drama, and distinctive understated elegance.