MEET THE TEAM
Taylor Kulhanek
Principal
Lead Designer
Born and raised in Austin, Texas, Taylor was exposed to and active in the art scene from an early age. Prior to making her mark as a professional designer in Hawaii, she began as a DIY hobbyist with a deep love for design blogs, a passion that eventually propelled her toward a degree in Fine Arts. At Baylor University, Taylor not only designed interior spaces, she constructed them. She enhanced her skills in the theatre department, where she built sets, props, and wardrobes, mastering the use of power tools and sewing machines. Her interior design skillset began with a firm understanding of basic elements of design, from sewing and upholstery, to hand sketches, working drawings in AutoCAD, and construction.
Taylor's professional career began in theatre, particularly in stage management. After working for many years in the business, Taylor's passion for cultivating unique interior spaces, eventually led her to take on interiors projects in Austin, Texas. After deciding to relocate to Hawaii, Taylor soon partnered with Alex to start South & Home. It was a natural fit for Taylor, as putting her unique stamp on interior design in Hawaii is of utmost importance for her. Mixing styles is one of her favorite aspects of design, and Hawaii's landscape is the perfect backdrop.
Taylor is now based in Kalaheo, where she lives and works with fellow South & Home Principal and life partner, Alex, and their dogs, Liam and Mister. Their work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Modern Luxury, SFGate, Pacific Business News and Mansion Global. One of their design projects was selected as The Wall Street Journal House of the Year, and two of their design projects have been selected as The Wall Street Journal House of the Week.
In addition to her career in interiors, Taylor has worked professionally on award-winning festivals and productions, across the film, music, and theatre industries, including Fusebox Festival and FronteraFest. Taylor is also passionate about the prevention of suicide and domestic violence and has dedicated many years to working for these causes.
Alex Sirois
Principal
Creative Director / Project Manager
Born and raised on Kauai, Alex has resided and worked on three of the Hawaiian Islands. Brought up by parents in the real estate industry, Alex exhibited an entrepreneurial spirit and an eye toward island interiors at a young age. After graduating with an Economics degree from Wesleyan University, Alex returned home to Hawaii to launch her career.
After working in corporate sales for two years, Alex began her first entrepreneurial endeavor in 2011, buying into a successful film and video production company in Honolulu, where she produced campaigns and commercials for Hawaii-based and national companies. In 2014, Alex relocated to Kauai, advancing her career in project management of a new residential neighborhood in Kukuiula. During that time, she assisted homeowners with their finish and furniture selections, worked with the architect and general contractor on change order requests, schedules, and costs, and facilitated obtaining permits from the Planning & Building Departments at The County of Kauai. This background in real estate development and project management, led to Alex partnering with Taylor to create South & Home.
Alex is now based in Kalaheo, where she lives and works with fellow South & Home Principal and life partner, Taylor, and their dogs, Liam and Mister. Their work has been featured in SFGate, Pacific Business News, The Wall Street Journal, Modern Luxury, and Mansion Global. One of their design projects was selected as The Wall Street Journal House of the Year, and two of their projects have been selected as The Wall Street Journal House of the Week.
In addition to her work in interiors, Alex is deeply passionate about LGBTQ+ youth visibility, inclusivity and straight allyship. Both she and Taylor have given back to their local community by sponsoring the Kauai Pride Parade. Alex has also given back to her local community through board memberships focused on education.