Sire Design, founded by Eilyn Jimenez has always upheld its title as an innovative and modernist studio that creates spaces with thoughtful and expert design. The royal word “sire” means to have respect and integrity for oneself and that’s exactly what Jimenez and her team strive for in each project. When transforming commercial and residential spaces, Jimenez focuses on luxurious, elevated elements that make the environment equal parts functional and beautiful. Her travels inspire her innovations and have led her to design spaces such as Caudalie Brickell and driven her to be featured in major publications such as Architectural Digest, The Wall Street Journal and now aspire design and home. Introducing this week’s Designer Friday, Eilyn Jimenez of Sire Design.
Jimenez had the opportunity to design one of Caudalie Brickell brick and mortar stores. Sticking to the embedded history of the vineyard, you can see how she brought the outdoors in and made the space feel integrated into the surrounding natural environment.
Andrew Joseph: You’re the newest Crayola color. What color are you and why?
Eilyn Jimenez: Popcorn. I’m always looking for that perfect shade that is not too white and not too beige — I think of it as the color of popcorn.
Andrew: If you could be any animal in the world, what animal would you be and why?
Eilyn: I would be an elephant – they have such a strong presence and stand their ground when it comes time to defend their family. Overall, they are so gentle and yet so smart. To me, they exemplify the saying, “Kill them with kindness.”
Andrew: What is the last book you read?
Eilyn: The Art of Strategic Leadership: How Leaders at All Levels Prepare Themselves, Their Teams, and Organizations for the Future by Stephanie S. Mead and Steven J. Stowell. As my team continues to grow, I am always looking for ways to strengthen my abilities to guide them and this book offers some great advice!
Andrew: What is something you hope to see trending in design in the future?
Eilyn: I hope to see more seamless, undefined interior and exterior spaces that bring the outdoors in. Now as we are spending more time than ever outside, why can’t we have the best of both worlds? This was a huge factor in the design of my personal home. A seamless transition brings nature into our homes, the most sacred spaces.
This South of 5th apartment that Jimenez created is equal parts modern, sleek, and abstract, allowing you to comfortably enjoy the view while being surrounded by sophisticated pieces.
Andrew: If you could guest star on any TV show -on or off air- what show would you guest star in?
Eilyn: Any show with Martha Stewart or Candice Olson. I watched them both growing up, and they played a huge role in evolving my love of design.
Andrew: What’s the best thing that happened to you this month?
Eilyn: We landed the largest contract that Sire Design has ever undertaken in our entire history!
Andrew: What’s one thing people don’t know about you?
Eilyn: I love to ski. I spend so much of my time in the Miami sun, that I relish the chance to get out on the slopes.
Andrew: Do you get your eight hours a night? – what is your schedule like?
Eilyn: Sometimes, but not always. I’m usually up by 6:30-6:45 am. Every morning, I enjoy some coffee with my husband, and then I head to the office — taking a lot of phone calls on the way! Studio time includes emails, design, project follow-ups, team meetings, phone calls and Zooms, job site visits, client presentations, more meetings, and somehow I manage to squeeze in some room for lunch. Usually, I am in the studio until 8:00 pm, except for Mondays, Wednesdays & Thursdays, when I am scheduled to meet my trainer. After that, I head home to have dinner with my husband and I’m in bed by 10:30 or 11:00 pm.
Andrew: Who is your dream date (alive or dead) and what would you do?
Eilyn: Vincent Van Duysen — I’d talk design the whole time, so I’m not sure if it would classify as a date!
This posh and feminine space screams “Miami!” From the bold accented wallcovering to the plush magenta pillows, this Florida residence has everything a beach gal can dream of.
Andrew: Who was the nicest person you worked for? Dare you want to share the worst?
Eilyn: The nicest was one of my first clients, who really allowed me to spread my design wings and trusted me with her home. I will never forget her, she was a staple in my career.
The worst was a client whose contract we almost terminated. Thankfully, we were able to cut our services short and let them handle the rest on their own. It’s important to remember that not everyone is meant to be your client.
Andrew: What are you most proud of?
Eilyn: My studio. To reflect on where we are now, after starting this company 10 years ago, blows me away every day. I am so grateful for the journey and for my team.
Andrew: Favorite piece of clothing you own?
Eilyn: I have a vintage Chanel clutch that I absolutely adore.
Andrew: What might the design world look like in 10 years?
Eilyn: Think 1930-40s vibes — design is rewinding back in time and I can’t wait to see it.
Andrew: What’s inspiring you in life (in the industry) right now?
Eilyn: All the traditional trends being brought into modern design. This old-world-meets-new-world feel is so inspiring.
Andrew: What would you like to be remembered for?
Eilyn: I think Maya Angelou said it best: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” I’d like to be remembered for how I made people feel.
About The Designer | With a firm name incorporating the word “sire” for its royal significance, Eilyn Jimenez believes that as a creative, her role is to transform and breathe new life into each project, while translating a client’s needs and desires into a beautiful, built environment. Her design approach, deeply rooted in the modernist principles of design and architecture, leads her and her team to take an analytical approach to their interior work, while having an open-minded view of innovation. Jimenez and her 10-year-old studio pride themselves on creating spaces that are stylistically and functionally everlasting with the use of premium materials and unparalleled craftsmanship.
Jimenez thrives on exploring how architecture and design can impact the way people live and feel, how the design of a space can so significantly impact mood and ambiance, and the ways in which design can dictate how a space is used. She loves to connect personally with clients and see their visions be realized in the places Sire Design transforms for them. Jimenez is also actively involved in using her design skills in pro-bono projects, helping those in need to have spaces that will benefit their lives. She has partnered with KidSanctuary Campus, a not-for-profit organization committed to providing a safe home for abused, abandoned, and neglected children in Florida.
Andrew Joseph is a regular contributing editor for aspire design and home magazine. See more of his work here.
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