Sirna and her partner, Stacy Elliston, both veteran designers, created the firm using decades of experience in in hotel, restaurant, nightclub, casino, resort and spa design around the world.
“In 2011, when a colleague introduced me to my business partner Stacy Elliston, we were both working mothers with years of experience at the world’s top design firms, big and small,” Sirna told the Dallas Express.
She said the two women shared a vision for a design firm that created experiences through design and also art, styling, programming and branding. That enables them to be hands-on with every project.
Studio 11 Design clientele includes Marriott, Hilton, Fairmont, Starwood, Kimpton, IHG, Hyatt and Omni.
Ten years ago sourcing locally and collaborating closely with local artisans communities was difficult. But since then, Sirna said, the city’s art and cultural offerings have evolved significantly.
“From street art in Deep Ellum to the shops in the Bishop Arts District, Dallas’ artistic appeal is on the up and up,” she said.
Dallas also has a lesser-known Art Deco history that the partners appreciate.
Watching the Studio 11 Design team grow within different segments of design and art is the most rewarding part of interior design, Sirna said.
“They are able to share the narrative of a destination through more than just paint colors, fabrics and furniture,” she said. “Our team is telling a story and learning to create experiences around every corner.”
The company recently launched Lou Verne, a styling, curation and art vertical, using staff experience in staging, styling, illustration, painting, graphic and mixed media art.
The interior design firm has projects in many destinations, although Sirna said they enjoy engaging with the Dallas community on local projects. A few examples of that work include the Canvas Hotel Dallas, The Beeman Hotel, Le Meridien Dallas – The Stoneleigh, and Jaxon Texas Kitchen & Beergarden.
The partners are active members of NEWH, the Dallas Women in Business Enterprise, and Young Leaders in Hospitality.
Another example of their community engagement was selecting art that children with Chase’s Places started and local Dallas artists finished.
“We’ve raised a significant amount of money for this local school by giving them the artists’ rights,” Sirna said.
She didn’t escape the flooding that caused damage to many homes and businesses.
“I’m personally working through my entire home being flooded moments after a 12-month renovation,” she said. “The love and support from our Dallas friends and community has been amazing.”
She doesn’t believe she would have made it this far without the strong community.
“I’m raising two boys here and I truly believe it takes a village. No better village than here,” Sirna said.
Learn more about Studio 11 Design at www.studio11design.com.
