aly grimes
founder + director
Aly is an Artist, Curator and Designer. With training from the School for Curatorial Studies, Venice, and MA from Konstfack University, Stockholm, she has delivered over 12 years of contemporary exhibition projects across Europe attracting funding and awards from Arts Council England, The Danish Arts Foundation, Statens Kunstfund and European Connections in Digital Art (EUCIDA).
Whilst developing her art practice she accrued eight years in the design and build sector, working on private residential schemes and large commercial projects across the UK before setting up San Stae.
Aly is a co-founder of Birmingham-based artist studio and exhibition space, Stryx. She has been a visiting lecturer for Birmingham City University, New Art West Midlands and the Coventry Biennial, and an artist mentor on the esteemed Near Now digital art fellowship.
merlin myumyun
designer
Merlin was born and raised in Bulgaria, where she graduated from a foreign languages school. At the age of 18, she moved to England to pursue her dream of becoming an interior designer. She completed her BA (Hons) in Interior Design at De Montfort University, graduating top of her class with a first-degree diploma, where she also received the staff Endeavour Award.
Merlin shares a passion for restoring and preserving heritage properties. Her major design project at university was the renovation of a iconic historic building and former Romanian Embassy in the heart of Sofia. The design proposal looked to transform the building into a unique boutique hotel specialising in Bulgarian cuisine and culture.
She also has participated in a renovation project in Maisse, Île-de-France, where she helped restore a 500-year-old fire damaged mill with her efforts helping to preserve and accentuate many of its original features.
fiona harding
studio assistant
Fiona is the studio base for San Stae.
Trained as a graphic designer, she began her career in Bath before returning to her roots in the West Midlands. Fiona brings a wealth of experience to the team, drawing from a rich and varied professional background.
Her journey spans community-focused counselling and pastoral support, creative endeavours such as TV set design and art installations, and operational roles including project management and building operations.
Her passion for aesthetics and meticulous attention to detail, coupled with her strong organisational skills, ensure every project is delivered with precision and care.
Fiona’s unique blend of creativity and practicality drives success, enabling both people and projects to thrive under her guidance.