Julie Frank
Founder, JCF Studio, New York
What advice do you have for women designers just starting out?
As I have gotten older, I do find myself at times less brazenly confident than my younger self, but I remind myself that anything is possible if you take fear out of the equation (and add in a good measure of hard work). Don’t be afraid to go after what you want, and believe in yourself; you are the only hurdle in the path to your dreams. Also, nurture relationships along the way—if you are fortunate to have a boss or coworker who offers guidance, never take it for granted. Realize the gift that is and treasure the perspective and guidance given.
A calming guestroom at Le Méridien Ra Beach Hotel & Spa in Spain.
Shirli Sensenbrenner
Senior vice president of design and development, Two Roads Hospitality, Denver
What will be the biggest challenge for the next generation of women?
All of the attention focused on women through the #MeToo movement is a great thing for the upcoming generation. After the initial shock of the stories we heard, I feel there has been a genuine interest in change from both men and women. Hopefully this attention affords a real change—equal wages, executive positions, availability of loans for women-owned businesses, etc. While recognition, kudos, and talk is great, what will make women true equals is economic equality. I hope the generation behind us will demand this. Listening to my two teenage daughters, I think they will.
A rendering of the upcoming new-build Champalimaud-designed Destination hotel in Charleston.
Kellie Sirna
Principal, Studio 11 Design, Dallas
How do you achieve a work-life balance?
The short answer is there is no such thing as always having a perfect balance. It is a constant effort of give and take, and mom guilt is real. Of course, my kids come first, but at the end of the day, being successful in my work has become something I hope they use as an example for their own paths. My boys get the opportunity to grow up in the industry alongside me at dinners and trips with colleagues. Summer work trips and vacations at projects I’ve completed have become something they understand, and I’ve found it’s something they are proud of.
Perle on Maple in Dallas’ Stoneleigh Hotel evokes a midcentury flare.
