Shana Downes

Born in San Francisco, Shana is an interior designer and an award-winning classical cellist. Her rich ancestry spans Eastern Europe, Central America, and the Caribbean, and her diverse roots are reflected in her many passions and talents. She studied interior design at the European Institute of Design (IED) in Milan, Italy, where she has spent much of her life working, performing, and raising her two children.

Called "dazzlingly exceptional" by Vogue magazine, Shana’s interiors have been featured in Elle Decor Italy, Hachette’s Home, and F Magazine. She is a dedicated, high-achieving professional with expertise across a range of creative fields, including design, music, curation, photography, and cooking.

Trilingual—fluent in English, French, and Italian, with basic German—Shana has distilled a depth of knowledge and sensitivity from the many countries and cultures in which she has lived. Her experiences have shaped her understanding of people, tastes, expressions, and traditions, and have had a profound influence on her art.

"The use of art, especially photography, is key to her interior design. Her connections to numerous galleries, artists, and designers abroad play a crucial role in shaping her inspiration and unique personal style."

She collaborates with architects on chosen residential projects in Rome, Milan, and her native San Francisco.