Today we’d like to introduce you to Eileen Shirley.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
At 30, I met the man who would become my second husband. He had over a decade of experience in the engineering industry as a piping designer, while I held a bachelor’s degree in Art. One day, I saw him hand-drawing plans and asked if he could teach me — it seemed like a perfect way to apply my artistic training.
At that time, computers and the internet were becoming increasingly popular, and AutoCAD was emerging as the new standard for creating engineering drawings digitally. My husband worked on contract projects, and I often assisted him. Eventually, he asked a colleague to consider hiring me, and that opportunity launched my career.
For the next 20 years, I worked with a civil engineer, designing subdivisions and contributing to environmental projects. When my engineer semi-retired, I began working from home and took the opportunity to build my own business website.
Soon after launching my business — offering both engineering and graphic art drawings — I gained a strong client base and began to evolve professionally. I transitioned from civil engineering into architecture, then into interior and landscape design. Eventually, my work expanded into 3D modeling, rendering, and animation.
Now, at 70, I continue to work full-time and thoroughly enjoy the challenges and creativity my profession brings. Although I’ve done plenty of reading over the years, much of what I’ve learned has come through YouTube tutorials. Along the way, I’ve also shared my knowledge by teaching AutoCAD and SketchUp classes.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Over the past 40 years in the engineering industry, my journey has been truly rewarding. I’ve experienced consistent financial success from the very beginning to the present day. About five years ago, I made a conscious decision to scale back my client base to reduce stress and improve my work–life balance. Although I considered hiring assistants, I ultimately chose to continue working independently — a choice that allows me to maintain the high standards and quality my clients expect.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in creating 3D renderings that bring designs to life. I’ve found that most people have difficulty visualizing how technical drawings will translate into real spaces, so 3D visualization helps clients better understand and appreciate their projects. It also allows me to explore the design’s overall aesthetics and functionality more effectively. In addition, I incorporate AI tools to further enhance and refine my designs.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
I was born and raised in the Philippines, where Sunday evenings were family time gathered around our black-and-white television to watch The Wonderful World of Disney. As a child, I dreamed of becoming an animation artist for Walt Disney. Sixty years later, I’m finally creating animations — and while I never made it to Disney Studios, I did get close by making my home near Disney World in Orlando.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://TampabayCADD.com
