Every Layer Considered
A multidisciplinary approach to spaces that feel as intentional as they are inspiring.
Architecturally trained and design-obsessed, we bring a rare mix of structure, soul, and style. Our backgrounds in architecture, interiors, and décor allow us to see the whole picture—creating spaces that feel effortless, layered, and deeply considered.
Our Studio
Carta Creatives is proudly rooted in a historic 350-year-old building on the harbor in Southport, Connecticut. More than an office, our studio is a working design space where sketches unfold across long tables, materials line the walls, and ideas take shape in real time. With the harbor and village just steps away, the space reflects our belief that great design deserves a physical home - one where clients can walk through layouts, touch materials, and watch their vision evolve from concept to completion.
Warm, intentional, and collaborative, our space embodies the spirit of Carta. It’s where our all-women team comes together to problem-solve, connect with trusted partners, and refine the details that make each project distinct. Every surface tells a story of process and craft, grounding our work in presence and creativity. In a world that moves fast, it offers a place to pause, explore ideas, and find inspiration in the tangible.
The creatives behind Carta
At Carta Creatives, our strength lies in the collective. We are a women led studio with architectural roots and expertise across interiors and styling, experienced in projects from global workplaces to deeply personal homes. Founded by Elana Tenenbaum Cline, the studio is supported by collaborators who share her commitment to clarity, craft, and thoughtful design.
Elana Tenenbaum Cline
FOUNDER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Elana founded Carta Creatives after more than 15 years leading complex design projects across the globe. A classically trained architect, she has overseen large scale commercial and residential work in Europe, Asia, India, and Africa, collaborating with international brands including Intel, HAVAS Media, Netflix, and Starbucks, along with major airports and cultural projects in the Middle East.
Before establishing her own studio, Elana was part of Starbucks Global Concept Design Studio, where she helped scale new design concepts worldwide. Earlier in her career, she contributed to the Botswana Innovation Hub while at SHoP Architects and served on multidisciplinary teams for projects in Abu Dhabi, Bangalore, and Guangzhou.
A graduate of Syracuse University’s five year Architecture program (Cum Laude), Elana brings architectural rigor, creative direction, and a discerning eye for detail to every Carta project, a vision carried forward by a collective dedicated to thoughtful and timeless design.
Creative Contributors
Carta’s work is elevated by a close-knit team of creative partners who bring expertise, precision, and care to every project.
Rachel Talavera
SENIOR DESIGNER
Rachel joins Carta Creatives with over 15 years of architectural design experience in residential and commercial interiors. From floor plan development to technical drawings, she brings a sharp eye for detail and spatial problem-solving. With both undergraduate and graduate degrees in Design + Environmental Analysis from Cornell University, Rachel also holds a New York State Professional Certification in Interior Design and LEED (Leadership in Energy + Environmental Design) accreditation.
Gina Ciotti
STYLIST & PROJECT MANAGER
With expertise shaped by years of editorial interior styling and design-driven project work, Gina brings an elevated eye for form, texture, and composition to Carta Creatives. She holds a certificate in Interior Decorating and draws from a multidisciplinary background in styling, marketing, and visual merchandising to support a thoughtful, detail-oriented design process. Gina works closely with Carta to coordinate installations, rayer in visual details, and support seamless project delivery—bringing warmth, precision, and a collaborative spirit to every space.
Our Design
Philosophy
No two Carta projects are ever the same.
Every home we design is deeply personal - an expression of the people who live there and the places that inspire them. Our process begins with listening, then translating stories, preferences, and memories into physical space. The result is a home that feels unmistakably yours.
Our aesthetic is layered and versatile, rooted in architecture and refined through experience. With backgrounds in commercial interiors and years spent designing for global brands, we bring flexibility, precision, and creative range to every project. Whether we are honoring a home’s architectural history or embracing a new build’s modern potential, we design with both intuition and rigor.
Each project reflects what matters most to its inhabitants - their rituals, collections, and sense of joy. We work with trusted craftspeople who share our values of quality, sustainability, and care. From the first sketch to the final styling, we approach each detail with intention, collaboration, and respect for the home’s character and context.
Silo Ridge
I had the pleasure of working with Elana and her team to furnish our new weekend home in the Hudson Valley, and I couldn’t be more impressed. From the start, Elana was not only incredibly professional but also very mindful of our budget, always keeping us updated on where we stood and making sure we stayed on track. She was always available and responsive, which made the entire process feel seamless.
One of the things that really stood out to me was her ability to design a space that works perfectly for a family with toddlers. She has a keen understanding of practical needs without compromising on style, which was invaluable to us. Her sense of style is impeccable—everything she selected was not only beautiful but also functional and family
Working with her was a joy, and the end result is a home that feels both sophisticated and comfortable. I highly recommend Elana to anyone looking for an interior designer who is professional, reliable, and a true expert in her field.
silo ridge homeowners
Silo Ridge
View moreHockanum Revival
I worked with Elana on a large (and tricky) renovation project involving my kitchen, living room, and powder room, and I appreciated her strong design aesthetic, creativity, and skill in helping me achieve a design that struck a balance between something timeless yet artful. Elana has a keen eye for style and was highly collaborative throughout the process. We worked closely from start to finish, and I valued her openness to feedback and her creative solutions as we refined the look.
One of the most impressive aspects was her ability to tackle a complicated floor plan and bring it to life with architectural precision. Her architecture background really came through in her thoughtful elevations and structural solutions. We ran into multiple hurdles given the layout of the house, and each challenge was met with an outlook of positivity and possibility.
Equally as important as design and skill, Elana was punctual, responsive, and always did what she said she would. The level of customer service she and the team provided was exceptional. She was also warm and easy to work with, making the process really enjoyable.
Elana and the entire team at Carta Creatives were a creative and professional partner, and I am very happy with the final result—one that is highly curated and entirely unique.
Kate Daggett
Hockanum Revival
View moreHurley Mountain House
I cannot recommend or speak highly enough about Carta Creatives. Elana and Gina’s professionalism, communication skills, creativity, congeniality, openness, access to countless vendors and resources make it a delight to work with them.
Elana and Gina were recommended to us after we needed to replace our previous designer due to unfortunate circumstances. After our first meeting with Elana and Gina we knew we had chosen the right team and were in good hands.
They immediately understood our vision and the difficulty we went through and were totally devoted to the project. We were treated as though we were their only clients! They helped us with everything from bowls to art work on the walls. They were able to accept deliveries and accompany vendors when we were not available. They applauded us when we brought a rug back from our vacation. They recommended wallpaper for rooms that made the spaces come alive.
Their attention to detail and completing each room were something my husband and I could not have done. There were many large and small enhancements that went far beyond what we had imagined the home would be. It is not easy for designers to walk into a half finished project. It is a credit to their talent and professionalism that they did such a beautiful job.
We have now hired them to do another project!
Shelley Levine & Larry Shwartz
Hurley Mountain House
View moreWestport Modern
Working with Elana and her team was so wonderful! I knew upon first meeting Elana that she would be perfect in helping us design our new home. She is approachable and open-minded while also providing guidance and confidence. She has a great deal of patience and was always willing to take on a challenge (e.g., managing tight timeframes, replacing favorite backordered items, working with my changing mind!).
I loved that Elana allowed me to participate in as much or as little of the process as I wanted, which was particularly helpful as we were not always close to the house. Whenever I did visit vendors with her, I noticed she had great relationships with others. She is open and communicative, and a joy to work with! It felt like working with an old friend.
My family is incredibly happy with the house—everything from the granite countertops and wallpaper to the cabinet pulls and rugs and chairs. (The comfy pillows were even featured in our son’s school essay!) Elana was very thoughtful about how we wanted to use each space for our family. It is all so beautiful, peaceful, and perfect for us. We never want to leave!
Erica Chin
Westport Modern
View moreGreenfield Hill House
Had a wonderful experience working with Carta on the renovation of several rooms in our home. Elana was thoughtful, organized, thorough and listened. When we started the renovation process I was completely overwhelmed until we met with Elana. She helped us refine our vision and define our aesthetic preferences. I would recommend Carta Creatives to anyone of my friends or family!
Jill Baum and Saull Miller
Greenfield Hill House
View moreWest River Project
Launching a new surgical practice, we wanted a distinctly calm and welcoming space that would evoke the thoughtful care that each patient would receive. Elana and her team understood immediately, presented gorgeous design solutions, and managed our project with enthusiasm and flexibility to meet our budget and timeline for the practice launch. We highly recommend Carta Creatives and look forward to working with them again.
Julie Paquette and Dr. Derek Steinbacher
West River Project
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