Kellie Sirna, principal designer of Midtown’s new Kimpton Shane Hotel and co-founder of Studio 11 Design PHOTO BY JENIFER BAKER
Kellie Sirna, principal designer of Midtown’s new Kimpton Shane Hotel and co-founder of Studio 11 Design. PHOTO BY JENIFER BAKER

Kellie Sirna, principal designer of Midtown’s new Kimpton Shane Hotel, sits down with Modern Luxury to discuss what goes on behind the scenes in hotel design.

Kellie Sirna, principal designer and cofounder of Studio 11 Design, knows hotels. Having designed myriad in various cities across the country, Sirna developed a methodology that has assisted her in creating incredible hotels with beautiful backdrops. In each of her hotel design projects, she “unveils a design story rooted in its location, heritage and history,” she shares. “Whenever I’m designing a new hotel, it’s crucial for me to spend a significant amount of time in the area. I strive to develop a rich understanding of the location’s overall aesthetic and how the locals live, as great design acknowledges and is reflective of place.” Sirna embraces local cultures to create something that is “indefinitely relevant. Hotels aren’t like your home. You can’t just redo the bathroom once you’re tired of it.” And the Kimpton Shane is no different. Atlanta is filled with varying walks of life, something that caught Sirna’s eye when exploring our city: “We were inspired by the artistic energy pulsing through Midtown, and wanted to bring that to life.” She also noted Midtown’s corporate culture in that “we wanted local Midtown residents and working professionals to be able to utilize the hotel for client lunches, postwork happy hours, so we created several artfully zoned seating and dining areas, perfect for congregation and collaboration.” What came as a result is a bustling, artfully designed sanctuary suiting the needs of both Atlanta locals and eager travelers alike in the heart of our metropolis. 1340 W. Peachtree St. NW, shanehotelatlanta. com; studio11design.com