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.
____
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/
Connect with Architectette:
- Website: www.architectette.com (Learn more)
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- Newsletter: www.architectette.com/newsletter (Behind the Scenes Content)
- LinkedIn: The Architectette Podcast Page and/or Caitlin Brady
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Music by AlexGrohl from Pixabay.
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