Architectural know-how informs designer’s style
Known as an influencer in the design/build industry, Erica Islas is founder and principal designer of EMI Interior Design in Culver City, CA. A modernist at heart, Islas approaches every project from an architectural perspective, never sacrificing usability and comfort. Her interiors are characterized as innovative, inviting and ultimately functional. Challenges such as small spaces are welcomed and embraced by Islas and her staff.
The daughter of a general contractor, Islas often found herself at jobsites after school and on weekends, where she learned about construction. In high school, she was introduced to the art of drafting, pursuing architectural drafting at a local college.
Islas’ professional design career began in 1994 when she worked at a commercial interior design firm in Beverly Hills for four years, followed by two years at a residential interior design firm in Santa Monica. Islas opened her own business in 2000.
Islas’ design work has been featured in Dwell, Real Kitchens, Real Simple, HGTV, Small Rooms and Architectural Digest. Erica has also appeared on HGTV design shows, and her pro-bono work has appeared in the Los Angeles Times. In addition, she was recognized in Viking’s Kitchen Designer of the year event.
