Founder and Principal, Stein Studio
Background
Ellie Stein is the founder and principal designer of Stein Studio, a full-service interior design firm rooted in Birmingham, Alabama. With a background that spans the East Coast, West Coast, and the South, Ellie brings a unique blend of sensibility, structure, and soul to her work. She studied interior design at Auburn University and launched her career in hospitality design before transitioning into residential projects with national reach.
After gaining experience at a major New York firm, Ellie began taking on residential clients independently. One early project in Alabama reignited her love for personal, layered interiors and set the foundation for launching her own practice. Today, Stein Studio reflects her thoughtful, client-centered approach to creating spaces that are both beautiful and deeply lived in.
Approach
Ellie’s design philosophy is rooted in storytelling and balance. She blends old and new, sentimental and tailored, architectural and emotional. Her Southern roots often shape her aesthetic, with a love for vintage elements, subtle nostalgia, and legacy pieces that hold meaning for her clients. She believes that design should enhance the way people experience life, shaping the atmosphere for connection, comfort, and creativity.
Whether she is drafting custom millwork or styling a bookshelf, Ellie brings care and clarity to every detail. She often references music, especially artists like Frank Sinatra, as a metaphor for how she sees her work: richly layered, warm, and timeless.
Beyond Design
Ellie leads every aspect of her firm, from design vision to client communication. She thrives in full-service projects where she can influence both layout and furnishings, and she especially enjoys the architectural detailing process. Clients describe her as steady, thoughtful, and deeply trustworthy.
Ellie remains closely connected to her Birmingham community and returns regularly for work and inspiration. She is drawn to projects where trust and collaboration are central and where there is room to create something lasting and personal.
From Southern Roots to Layered Spaces: The Thoughtful Design of Ellie Stein
