ABOUT SDG
Renowned for LUXURIOUS ATMOSPHERES and the seamless COHESION between interior DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
BASED IN NEW YORK
WE ARE AN INDUSTRY-LEADING, GLOBALLY INFLUENCED DESIGN FIRM
Our firm is globally recognized for creating luxurious atmospheres that seamlessly blend interior design and construction. Our industry-leading influence sets us apart, and we take pride in our ability to deliver unparalleled excellence.
With a keen eye for detail and a passion for innovation, we bring our clients' visions to life.
Each project is a testament to our commitment to perfection and our dedication to exceeding expectations.
Our work speaks for itself, and we are proud to be at the forefront of cutting-edge design.
what we do
NEW
WORK
Our industry-leading influence sets us apart, and we take pride in our ability to deliver unparalleled excellence.When you choose Samaan Design Group, you are choosing a team of professionals who are deeply committed to transforming spaces and exceeding your wildest expectations. Experience the difference that true expertise can make.
what we do
With a keen eye for detail and a passion for innovation, we bring our clients' visions to life.
Each project is a testament to our commitment to perfection and our dedication to exceeding expectations.
Our work speaks for itself, and we are proud to be at the forefront of cutting-edge design.
THE Intersection of art, design, real estate and business drives this creative team to take on new challenges
WHO WE ARE
THE STORY
Kathy Samaan is the Founder and Principle Designer of Samaan Design Group, a leading Interior Design Firm based in New Jersey and serving clients across the United States. Kathy is best known for her design philosophy centered around monochromatic, elegant, and enduring styles.
As a first-generation American of Syrian descent, her diverse cultural background has influenced her design aesthetic, infusing it with a global perspective that is both sophisticated and unique. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Kathy’s heritage has instilled a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for opportunities. She is committed to giving back to her community and helping others achieve their dreams, both professionally and personally.
THE ORIGIN
BEHIND THE
CURTAIN
A PEAK INTO HOW PRINCIPAL DESIGNER KATHY SAMAAN CREATES EACH SPACE WITH INTENTION, heritage and personality.
Our designs are a reflection of who we are, infused with our experiences.
What is your modus operandi, your work method, your differentiating factor?
We integrate many aspects into our design approach, transcending mere application of aesthetics, textural elements, or color palettes. Our designs are a reflection of who we are, infused with our experiences. Most importantly, we seek to understand who you are as a person, blending our vision with elements of your personality. This integration is achieved through getting to know you, ensuring our designs reflect your preferences and character.
At the end of the day, we’re handing you back the keys to the space, whether a commercial, retail, or corporate setting so client collaboration is fundamental. Our approach centers on the end-user—our clients, who often become friends. This perspective is prioritized over imposing our sole vision, favoring a collaborative ethos. At SDG, collaboration extends to my team, our clients, and partners involved in crafting bespoke elements like custom furniture and wallpapers. This collaborative spirit enhances client satisfaction and distinguishes our projects, allowing for a signature that feels both organic and authentically us, often blending historical and contemporary elements.
How do you help your clients discover their personal design esthetic and transform their vision into reality?
We start by directing clients towards inspiration, such as Pinterest, especially if they are uncertain about their preferences. The essence of discovering their aesthetic lies in understanding their daily life through targeted questions. For instance, considerations for a family-friendly environment lead to avoiding sharp corners. Inspiration is drawn from a myriad of sources including textiles, fashion, and travel, enabling us to craft a space that truly reflects the client's vision. This journey may involve several conceptual discussions, but once the vision crystallizes, bringing it to life becomes more straightforward.
While designing for a business goes beyond understanding an individual; it involves grasping the brand's essence, its target clientele, and how these elements can be woven into the design. This process aims to create a space that encapsulates the company's identity, appealing to both the brand and its consumers. It’s always a pleasure to work with CEOs because they're so not only inspired by us, but inspired to grow their businesses and they are willing to invest in that vision, which is so beautiful to watch come to fruition.
When redoing a house, how do you make sure to keep the integrity or history?
Preserving historical integrity is paramount, especially in renovations. We advocate for retaining original architectural features that add character and tell the story of a space. Sometimes, these historical elements become the inspiration around which the entire design revolves, allowing us to craft spaces that honor the past while embracing contemporary design principles.
In a notable project involving a church renovation, we preserved the original ceilings and introduced custom steel tie rods to support the structure while echoing the Tudor architectural style. This blend of preservation and innovation is a hallmark of our approach, ensuring that each space tells a cohesive story that respects its historical roots while moving towards a modern aesthetic.
The details of who you are can translate so well into a physical thing that you use. It makes going through the motions of everyday so much more meaningful and special, creating a beautiful synergistic story.
In your view, what distinguishes great design from good design?
The distinction lies in the attention to detail. Great design does not necessarily involve more details but rather a meticulous focus on them. Sometimes, a single thoughtfully chosen element can transform an entire space. This principle is evident across various design styles, where the minutiae become the focal point, elevating the design from good to great. For us, that lies primarily in custom furniture design, there’s rarely a project where we don’t incorporate a custom piece.
This approach allows us to create pieces that are not only functional but also represent a blend of ancient and modern elements, offering a unique, tangible experience of art. The details of who you are can translate so well into a physical thing that you use. It makes going through the motions of everyday so much more meaningful and special, creating a beautiful synergistic story.
What comes first in the design process? Do you see a wallpaper or pattern and build around it, or do you think of one in your head and make it come to life?
Our design process is inherently flexible, inspired by a multitude of sources, be it a recent travel experience, a fabric sample, or even a fashion trend. Creativity, by nature, resists confinement within a rigid system. We thrive on this fluidity, allowing inspiration to guide the design in a way that brings richness and diversity to our work.
For example, I've designed an entire dining room around around suit and its fabric that I fell in love with, filled with amazing shades of blue. We created custom wallpaper, and used the same textiles in the chairs. From there, curating the details and art around those pieces was seamless.
SDG IS COMPRISED OF A DIVERSE AND TALENTED GROUP OF INDIVIDUALS WORKING LOCALLY AND REMOTELY, TO DELIVER STUNNING OUTCOMES FOR CLIENTS NATIONWIDE.
meet the team
meet the team
SDG IS COMPRISED OF A DIVERSE AND TALENTED GROUP OF INDIVIDUALS WORKING LOCALLY AND REMOTELY, TO DELIVER STUNNING OUTCOMES FOR CLIENTS NATIONWIDE.
OUR
OFFICES
While designing worldwide, Samaan Design Group has offices in New York, New Jersey, Palm Beach and Miami. For those residing in those locations and are aspiring to transform their spaces into a testament of unparalleled luxury and cohesion, we warmly invite you to explore the potential of partnering with us–face to face.
