062: Sydnor Elkins: Exploring Curiosity, Design, and the Eames Legacy

Jun 30

Sydnor Elkins is a licensed architect and the Senior Director of Design and Construction at the Eames Institute.

With over 20 years of experience in architecture, her rigorous approach to problem-solving and curiosity drive her pursuit of creating spaces and structures with lasting impact.

We talk about:

- We start with Sydnor’s early inspiration—how growing up in a creative family and attending NC State’s Design Camp sparked her passion for architecture.

- She then describes her decision to leave architectural practice, the stigma of stepping away, and what drew her to the mission of the Eames Institute.

- Next, Sydnor shares what it’s like designing for a living archive, and how the institute brings Ray and Charles Eames’ principles—like curiosity and the guest-host relationship—into everyday work.

- Lastly, Sydnor reflects on how working alongside the Eames legacy has influenced her home life, creative process, and long-term outlook on design.

This episode is for anyone navigating career pivots or seeking inspiration at the intersection of design, legacy, and innovation.

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Links:

⁠https://www.eamesinstitute.org/ranch/⁠

⁠https://www.instagram.com/eamesinstitute/⁠

⁠https://www.dezeen.com/2024/08/01/eames-institute-headquarters-archive-california/⁠

⁠https://www.instagram.com/sydnorelkins/⁠

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