Two people smiling in a modern kitchen with wooden cabinetry, marble countertop, and a yellow vase with greenery. A pendant light with two round bulbs hangs above.

Who we are.

Dacotah Studio is a Los Angeles-based design/build firm that is the culmination of a decade-long dream for husband and wife duo Shawn and Christina Taylor.

Fueled by a passion for life and creativity, we bring our unique approach to the market, making refined design approachable and accessible for all. With a name meaning "friend" and "ally," Dacotah Studio was created to provide a personal touch to each project, ensuring that every client feels heard, understood, and valued.

We believe that great design should make life easier, not more complicated. Our team manages projects from concept to completion, partnering with industry professionals to facilitate collaboration and ensure the best possible value, schedule, and quality. With a dedication to exceptional service and a commitment to building lasting relationships, we are here to create beautiful spaces that enrich the lives of our clients and their communities.

01

We exceed expectations.

With quality as the cornerstone, we aim to exceed our clients' expectations by delivering meticulous attention to detail in every aspect of our work while creating timeless spaces.

02

We ensure clarity.

We prioritize transparency as the foundation of trust and open communication with our clients, educating and empowering them from the beginning to ensure peace of mind and satisfaction throughout the entire project.

03

We cultivate relationships.

The heart of Dacotah Studio lies in building enduring relationships through trust, open communication, and mutual respect. This allows us to achieve shared goals and forge lasting partnerships with our clients, contractors, vendors, and communities.

What clarity means to us.

Clarity is at the core of our approach. We understand the importance of setting clear expectations and ensuring that you have a comprehensive understanding of the services we provide and the timeline for your project.

From the initial consultation to the final unveiling, we take the time to clearly outline each step of the process, discussing in detail what you can expect along the way. Our goal is to eliminate any ambiguity and provide you with a transparent roadmap, empowering you to make informed decisions with confidence.

Image showing design stages and deliverables from a design studio. The stages include Concept & Programming, Schematic Design, Design Development, Interior Architecture, Interior Architecture Selections, Construction Documentation, Design Package, and Interior Design. Each stage lists goals, timelines, client involvement, and deliverables, such as 3D scans, floor plans, mood boards, and material selections.

The team.

  • Co-Founder / Principal

    Before co-founding Dacotah Studio, Christina spent 15 years in the Fashion industry, working as a VP of Creative services, and as a leader in retail store design and visual merchandising. Inspired by travel, local landscapes, and art, Christina creates spaces that are functional, beautiful, effortless, and eclectic. Whether making a new space, or simply giving a space a makeover, she brings all her design expertise to help clients create a home that’s uniquely them.

  • Co-Founder / Business Development

    Shawn left a career in Financial Services in 2007, when he fell in love with carpentry (and Tina). After an apprenticeship in Finish Carpentry, he spent 10 years in art and custom furniture fabrication; and he used all that business experience when he started First Names Co., a project management company of luxury residential furniture and interiors. Shawn has hands-on experience and technical knowledge of the custom build process—and if you have an idea for something cool, Shawn can probably build it.

  • Project Designer

    Elena Erykalina is a designer working across residential and commercial projects, known for creating interiors that are both personal and enduring. With nearly a decade of experience across Russia, the United States, Georgia, Turkey, Armenia, and Switzerland, she brings an international sensibility to her work—bridging old-world depth with a modern, laid-back spirit.

    Her approach is intuitive and deeply client-centered. Elena doesn’t just respond to a brief—she seeks to understand the person behind it. Her process is collaborative, grounded in empathy, and shaped by a desire to anticipate what a client truly wants, even before they can articulate it. Each project is designed from the inside out, tailored not only to the space, but to the rhythms, tastes, and character of the people who live there.

    She gravitates toward warm, collected interiors with thoughtful contrasts—mid-century silhouettes, soft natural textures, unexpected vintage finds. Whether working on a city apartment or a hillside home, Elena focuses on spaces that feel meaningful, comforting, and quietly bold.