Meet Adriana Jacir | Founder & Lead Architectural Interior Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Adriana Jacir and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Adriana, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Starting my own business was driven by both personal and professional needs. As a parent of two without family nearby to help, I wanted the flexibility to be present in my children’s lives. At the same time, I found the traditional architectural firm setting unfulfilling. The structure of architecture in the U.S. was very different from the country I emigrated from, requiring a completely new learning curve and perspective. This shift in vision led me to create a business that allowed me to pursue my passion for architecture and interior design—on my own terms

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My journey as a business owner has been anything but easy. As an immigrant, the path to U.S. citizenship was long and arduous, requiring immense grit and sacrifice. I came to the U.S. as a student and earned my Master’s Degree in Advanced Architectural Design from Columbia University in New York City. Living in Manhattan and attending such a prestigious institution was a dream come true. However, my husband’s career and immigration status required us to move to Detroit—a city that posed its own set of challenges. The harsh weather and cultural differences made it difficult to find my place as a highly educated professional who wasn’t born in the U.S. It was my first real encounter with discrimination, and at times, I felt uncertain about where I fit in. Despite this, I made meaningful connections, learned a great deal about the architectural field, and gained valuable experience in an office setting.

Due to the visa restrictions at the time, we faced a difficult choice—either return to Venezuela, which was in complete turmoil, or fulfill a requirement that would waive our visa restrictions by living in an underserved area of the U.S. for three years. That’s how we ended up in Yakima, Washington. Unlike Detroit, Yakima gave us a sense of home and belonging. People were more open and welcoming to foreigners, and the smaller city made life feel more manageable.

After working briefly for an architectural firm, I realized I needed more flexibility—both as a mother of two young children and as a designer passionate about creating functional, well-designed homes. I was tired of seeing poorly designed houses that lacked an architect’s touch and knew I could make a difference. In Yakima, I met a like-minded female colleague, and together, we founded our first Design + Build firm. We obtained our General Contractor license, built a team, and successfully designed and remodeled homes. Managing crews, overseeing construction, and bringing homes to life was both exciting and fulfilling.

After six years in Washington, my husband was offered a job in Miami, and we made the move. Once again, I had to start from scratch, but I embraced the challenge. In Florida, I founded 2112 Design Studio, an interior design firm specializing in thoughtful, functional, and beautiful residential design. I’ve since been working on projects in Miami and beyond, blending my architectural expertise with interior design to create spaces that truly enhance the way people live.

What sets my business apart is my ability to merge architecture and interior design seamlessly. I don’t just select materials and furniture (although I love it!); I approach each project with an architectural mindset—considering flow, function, and structure—while also bringing in the myriad of details that make a house feel like home. My journey has taught me resilience, adaptability, and the value of building strong relationships. I want the world to know that no matter how difficult the path, passion and perseverance can lead to incredible opportunities. My story is proof that you can carve out your own space, even when the road is uncertain.”

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
A Week of Relaxation & Fun in Florida

Since my best friend and I are at a stage in our lives where we cherish peace and quiet, our trip would be all about relaxation, beautiful scenery, and meaningful conversations, with a touch of Miami’s vibrant energy.

Day 1-4: Sanibel Island Retreat
We’d kick off the trip by escaping to Sanibel Island, staying at Sundial Beach Resort & Spa for a few days of pure relaxation. Our days would be filled with:

Beachfront lounging – Watching the waves, collecting seashells, and taking long, peaceful walks along the shore.
Swimming & sunbathing – Taking refreshing dips in the ocean and unwinding by the pool.
Cooler spritzers & sunset chats – Packing our own spritzers and enjoying golden-hour conversations with an ocean view.
Casual dinners at Wickie’s Lighthouse Restaurant or Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille for fresh seafood and a laid-back island vibe.

Day 5-6: Miami Vibes & City Fun
Back in Miami, we’d balance relaxation with some fun city experiences:

Brunch at Bayshore Club – waterfront spot in Coconut Grove with great food, fresh breezes, and stunning bay views.

Dinner at Fiola’s

Miami’s Nightlife – A sophisticated night out at The C Hotel’s rooftop bar for craft cocktails and city views, and a stop at Ball and Chain for some salsa dancing -we are Latinas after all.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My journey wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support of my husband, Dr. Alberto Jacir. From the very beginning, he believed in my vision and encouraged me to take the leap into entrepreneurship. His support has allowed me to navigate the challenges of building a business while balancing family life.

I also want to recognize my mentor, Cheryl Clendenon, whose guidance and expertise have been invaluable in shaping my approach to business and design. Her mentorship has given me the confidence to grow my studio with clarity and purpose.

Most importantly, my children have been my greatest motivation. They push me to be a better mother and inspire me to lead by example—showing them that hard work, resilience, and passion can create the life you envision. Their presence in my life has fueled my drive to build something meaningful, not just for myself but for them as well.

Website: https://www.2112designstudio.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/2112designs/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriana-j-4a44b4b0/

Image Credits
Dan Cutrona Photography and M Suarez Photography