The Studio
About Vela
A Charleston design studio built on the belief that beautiful spaces should feel found, not forced.
Founder & Principal Designer
Margot Sinclair
NCIDQ • SCAD BFA Interior Design, 2009
Margot's path to founding Vela Interiors began at the Savannah College of Art and Design, where she studied under professors who taught her to see rooms not as spaces to fill, but as stories to tell. After graduating, she moved to New York to join one of the city's most respected residential design firms.
Over eight years in Manhattan, Margot honed her ability to work with exacting clients on high-profile residences — developing an eye for sourcing rare materials, commissioning custom furnishings, and creating interiors that feel collected rather than curated from a single showroom.
In 2019, drawn by Charleston's singular blend of history, craftsmanship, and coastal light, Margot opened Vela Interiors. The name “Vela” — Latin for “sails” — reflects her belief that great design should feel like a journey, carrying you somewhere unexpected.
“Spaces should feel collected over time, never decorated all at once.”
— Margot Sinclair
Our Team
The Studio
A small, dedicated team of designers who share a commitment to craft, story, and the art of the well-made room.
Eloise Tran
Senior Designer
A RISD graduate with a background in textile design, Eloise brings an extraordinary sensitivity to materiality. She leads Vela's residential projects and oversees custom fabrication partnerships.
James Calloway
Design Associate
James joined Vela after five years at a Charleston architecture firm. His technical precision and deep knowledge of historic preservation make him invaluable on renovation projects.
Camille Beaumont
Studio Manager
Camille keeps the studio running with effortless grace. With a background in project management and a passion for logistics, she ensures every install happens on time and on vision.
What Guides Us
Our Values
Four principles that shape every project we take on.
Timeless Design
We design for the long view. Trends fade; materials, proportions, and craftsmanship endure.
Client-Centered
Your life, your story. We listen before we design, ensuring every room reflects who you are.
Sustainable Sourcing
We prioritize local makers, reclaimed materials, and vendors who share our commitment to responsible craft.
Artisan Partnerships
We collaborate with ceramicists, woodworkers, and textile artists to create one-of-a-kind pieces for every project.
Recognition
In the Press
We're honored to have our work recognized by some of the most respected names in design and architecture.
Southern Living
“Best New Design Studios of the South” — featured in the 2023 Home Awards issue for the Sullivan's Island Residence renovation.
2023
Charleston Magazine
Cover feature profiling Margot Sinclair and the Vela approach to “slow design” — sourcing, story, and the beauty of imperfection.
2024
Architectural Digest
AD100 Ones to Watch — Vela Interiors named among the most promising emerging studios for luxury residential design in the American South.
2025
Award
ASID Southeast Design Excellence — 2024
Award
Luxe Interiors Gold List — 2023, 2024
Award
Charleston AIA Honor Award (Collaboration) — 2022
Work With Us
Let's Create
Something Beautiful
Whether you're reimagining a single room or building from the ground up, we'd love to hear your vision.
Behind the Scenes
Studio Life
A glimpse into our world -- fabric pulls, site visits, install days, and the quiet moments in between.
