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- 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.
Based in Kalaheo, Taylor 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. Both she and Alex have also given back to their local community by sponsoring the Kauai Pride Parade. Taylor enjoys playing pickleball, film & tv, going to the beach, and unplugging in nature.
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 was introduced to island interiors at a young age. A student athlete while at Wesleyan University, Alex earned an Economics degree in four years while playing both singles and doubles on the tennis team. Following university, Alex immediately parlayed her education into an entrepreneurial-focused career at home.
Alex's first entrepreneurial endeavor was a co-ownership of a successful film and video production company in Honolulu, where she learned how to run a business while producing ad campaigns and commercials for national and Hawaii-based organizations. Following this experience, Alex then project managed the development of a new residential neighborhood in Kukuiula, from with project sales, to the building of infrastructure and all the way through to completion. Alex managed the business between the project architect, general contractor, subcontractors, and the interior designer, as well as the Planning & Building Departments at The County of Kauai with regard to facilitating construction permits. Alex also assisted homeowners with their finish and furniture selections, and supervised the final punches. Following the buildout of the neighborhood, Alex leveraged this project experience and founded South & Home with partner Taylor.
Based in Kalaheo, Alex lives and works with fellow South & Home Principal and life partner, Taylor, and their dogs, Liam and Mister. Their work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Modern Luxury, Mansion Global, Pacific Business News, and SFGate. 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 a Realtor® with COMPASS on Team Sirois Kauai, and she is in training as a prospective member of Kauai Search and Rescue (KSAR), a volunteer organization dedicated to Search and Rescue training and education. KSAR responds to mission call outs when requested by other agencies such as the Kauai Police Department, Fire Department and DLNR. Alex is also 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 as a board member of multiple organizations focused on youth education.