Today we’d like to introduce you to Cecile Gottlich.
Cecile, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My career journey followed an unusual path that truly enriches my current design practice. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Radio-Television-Film from The University of Texas at Austin, I immersed myself in Hollywood’s storytelling world at Blumhouse Productions—the creative force behind groundbreaking films like “Get Out” and “Whiplash”—before working with industry-leading talent at The Gersh Agency. This background in visual narrative and character development now informs my unique approach to space and design, allowing me to see beyond surface aesthetics to the deeper stories spaces can tell.
After working in the film industry, I needed a change. Seeking to create more tangible art, I pursued my passion for interior design at London’s prestigious Inchbald School of Design, one of only forty students—and two Americans—selected for admission to Europe’s first design school. During my studies, I drew inspiration from extensive travel throughout Western, Central, and Eastern Europe, Scandinavia, and North Africa, developing a sophisticated understanding of diverse design traditions and architectural styles.
Returning to Austin, I honed my craft at Wheelhouse Design before launching Studio Cecile four years ago. My firm’s recent expansion to a South 1st studio space marks a new chapter in my design journey. Additionally, I recently co-founded et iterum, a curated high-end antiques and vintage boutique, with my friend Sophie, a former Christie’s specialist. Together, we source distinctive pieces from France and throughout Europe, bringing authentic character and history to our clients’ spaces.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It truly has been a journey to get to where I am today. I’ve always been an incredibly creative person – seeking ways to express myself and my vision. I started out in the film industry in Los Angeles, which was an intimidating place to be right out of college. Everyone is trying to get their art noticed and make a name for themselves. Although I got to work with some significant industry professionals, I wasn’t getting to create or make an impact the way I wanted to. I wanted to create more tangible art and realized that the film industry wasn’t the best fit for me.
I asked myself what I would truly do with my life if nothing else mattered, and my answer was architecture and design. I’ve always had a love for creating spaces and experiences for people, so it felt like a natural fit. Realizing I needed the credentials and knowledge to pursue this career, I applied to Inchbald School of Design in London. I knew it was a long shot but decided the risk was worth taking. Inchbald, which was the first design school in Europe, only admits around forty students a year. I ended up being one of those forty and one of only two Americans to be accepted. I then moved to London to start my new career.
I received my Master of Arts in Architectural Interior Design from Inchbald School of Design, and at the end of the program I was awarded the Inchbald Award, which is the Directing Principal’s Award of Honor for Architectural Interior Design. This award is presented to the top student of the year.
After returning to Austin, I worked for Allison Crawford Design and then Wheelhouse Design for several years. I started Studio Cecile four years ago, and in November, I opened my studio space on South 1st and Monroe. Opening my studio space is something I have dreamed about since I first started pursuing this career, so it was a monumental moment for me.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Studio Cecile is a full-service interior architecture and design agency that artfully blends form and function, approaching each project as a full sensory story. Through a masterful blend of textures, color, form, and finishes, we create spaces that transcend mere design to become livable art. We create soulful and distinct spaces that invite our clients to live the boldest reflection of themselves, intertwining color and texture, old and new into an elevated modern love story.
The details: Our expertise spans residential, hospitality, and retail design, with each project anchored in an intimate understanding of our clients’ aspirations. Through thoughtful conversation and collaboration, we uncover the heart of each vision, even when it hasn’t yet been fully articulated. We guide clients beyond their comfort zones, transforming spaces into powerful expressions of identity and possibility.
For hospitality and commercial clients, we seamlessly integrate with existing brand narratives, working in close partnership with marketing and branding teams to ensure spatial and visual cohesion. Our architectural approach allows us to shepherd projects from initial concept through final execution, managing every detail from build-out to finishing touches.
Offerings:
Architectural interior design
Full or partial remodels, new builds or spec homes
Selection of architectural details, finishes, and fixtures
Interior architectural drawings
Collaboration with architects and builders
Styling with furniture, fabric, and accessories
Set design and styling
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
If I could go back and give my younger self advice, I would absolutely tell her to never let fear of failure hold her back and to create, create, create. Just create for the sake of creating and do so with authenticity. If you let your true self expression come through, everything will align. The projects and the people that are meant to be in your life will find you.
Pricing:
- Pricing is dependent on the scope of the project – for a design consultation, please contact us at cecile@studio-cecile.com
Contact Info:
- Website: studio-cecile.com
- Instagram: @studio_cecile
- Youtube: @studiocecile
- TikTok: @studiocecile
Image Credits
Photographers: Claire Schaper Jason David Page
