Inspired by tradition
Elias Designs connects artistic communities to global markets and modern homes.
We curate timeless and luxurious heirloom rugs that celebrate ancient art forms.
ABOUT ELIAS
Elias Designs was envisioned and founded by Ines Tamaddon, a textile enthusiast and businessperson with 12+ years of experience in social enterprise, technology, and small business spaces. It has been a long-anticipated dream to blend her business savvy, passion for design, and deep appreciation of artisan communities.
Born and raised in New York, she spent her academic years in Connecticut, Tennessee, and Spain, later embarking on professional journeys across the United States and Central America. She is captivated by the palpable impact history has on modern societies and sees handwoven art forms as the purest reflection of lived realities.
She resides in Salt Lake City with her husband and chocolate lab and is always planning their next adventure.
more on how our story began below
We believe in celebrating MINDFUL PURCHASING HABITS AND the exquisite craft and endurance of artistic communities.
How it began
In a world increasingly consumed by waste and disparity, I founded Elias Designs to celebrate ancient art forms, preserve centuries-old traditions, and prioritize intentional consumption.
I was raised amongst cultural juxtapositions; a father who relocated from Iran to the New York during the ‘79 Revolution and a mother with multi-generational ties across North America. This created a diverse backdrop of social connection, family, and art.
As I came of age, I began to understand the resilience of my paternal grandparents and particularly, appreciate the wisdom of my grandmother, often enraptured by her sage advice and connection to nature.
During her annual pilgrimages to Iran, she would bring back treasured carpets to adorn our family homes. Surrounded by rich fabrics, colors, and textures, I was naive to how our purchasing power was preserving pillars of our heritage.
My appreciation for handwoven textiles grew organically and eventually inspired a professional opportunity in the western highlands of Guatemala, where I worked with Maya artisans and their craft. I was astonished by the variance of techniques, parallels to my own culture, and conservation of traditions despite rapidly changing landscapes.
My grandmother, Azam Elias Azar Tamaddon, is the inspiration behind Elias. Her spirit is felt in every knot of our exquisite rugs. I hope these pieces inspire you to curate family heirlooms and stories for years and years to come.
xo Ines