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In Profile:
K.A Murphy Interiors

In Profile:

K.A Murphy Interiors

Shortlisted for 2 categories

The International Design & Architecture Awards 2025

IDA 2025

Name: Kevie Murphy

Company: K.A Murphy Interiors

Position within company: Creative Director & Pincipal

Website: K.A Murphy Interiors

Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc)

I studied at the New York School of Design having decided to jump back in after having four children. Before that, I was an assistant district attorney in Brooklyn out of law school and most recently a partner in medical malpractice litigation at a Manhattan firm. Design was definitely my second life. After NYSD I started my business with a couple of my college girlfriends: one on bookkeeping, and one on expediting. 8 years later, I have 2 offices and a growing team, and even though we are on-paper a young company, there is so much behind being a designer than the design itself. The organization, project management, and relationship-building skills I feel I already had down in my life as a lawyer; the designing itself and the world of interiors is newer to me, but I feel I have been doing the most important aspects of the job for a long time. Every project you learn something new, and I am continuing to learn my biggest creative strengths, and also where I could use support. I am proud to have built my team to where we fill each other’s gaps, executing each project and manoeuvering each challenge and becoming better and better with each design we take on.

How would you describe your personal design style?

I describe my style as soft modern. Sophisticated, tailored spaces that feel warm and inviting. In my own house this was translated into mixing the home’s traditional original architectural details with modern furniture and lighting to create a unique and layered space.

Where does your design inspiration come from?

I am really inspired by luxury brands like Hermes, Van Cleef & Arpels, Tiffany & Co. and Chanel–the history, the cultural impact, their stories of building their brands all really interest me. I wouldn’t say I have one particular style that influences me- my taste is very broad, but I never tire of color and luxury-level quality.

In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?

I think in this industry we are definitely challenging the idea that there is one particular look of luxury design. There’s so many incredible vendors with infinite design opportunities, and I think we are done with the idea that luxury means beige, marble and clean lines. Luxury is becoming more personality filled- and I love seeing this!

Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in the future.

Maintaining high expectations, uncompromising quality, having a step-by-step process, attention to details, and thoughtfulness. Most of the design process is project management and sorting out the logistical process of procuring the elements of the design, budget management, and relationship to the client. Because of that, staying transparent, organized, and open is essential. Approaching design gets a lot easier when it’s clear what will make each client really happy. Knowing the direction of each project comes from intimately knowing the client’s taste– and it makes the creative part of designing so much clearer and therefore more fun!

If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to designing, what would it be?

Always look ahead. Assume there will be mishaps and get ok with it– really care about each step of the process, from the biggest tasks to the smallest.

How important are The International Design & Architecture Awards?

I believe it’s extremely important to acknowledge and celebrate good work within our industry. As designers, we often work independently, but coming together can be powerful. It allows us to inspire each other with our hard work and witness each other’s growth.

What projects are you currently working on?

My firm is working on six different projects: three family homes in New York state, an apartment in Manhattan, as well as a commercial job for a law office in Manhattan.

What was your favourite project to work on and why?

My favorite project was a beautiful home in Manhasset, Long Island because the clients made it such a wonderful experience. They really trusted us because they saw that we knew their taste. It ended up being one of my favorite designs; the project ended up with a grand high ceiling living room with white chandeliers, and an eclectic composition. The client’s father was a famous Australian surfboard maker, so we paid tribute to him by hanging up the surfboards as a central element in the design.

What was your most challenging project to work on and why?

Surprisingly our most challenging project was our favorite project– the process was difficult but highly rewarding. We did full reconstruction of the kitchen, dining, and living area that all moved together into an eventual open floor plan. Previous to the gut renovation, the space was not intuitive and broke off into strange sections. So we did a million different renderings and eventually settled on the design that left the space open and bright.

What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?

Right now myself and my team are in a huge growth mentality; we are super interested in marketing ourselves to become a really defined brand, and attract our ideal clients and be the best we can be. So we have our eyes on the prize as far as getting published and creating a public image on par with the quality of our designs, and are always open and curious about new connections to be made in this industry. We want to be as collaborative as possible.

Your most treasured possession?

If my house was on fire and everyone was safe, I would run to grab my bag collection. I treasure my collection of vintage and current bags which includes 35 year old Gucci bags, big bulky duffle sacs from Coach, colored leather bags from Louis Vuitton… I adore them all!

Your favourite holiday destination?

Rosewood, Little Dix Bay, and Virgin Gorda.

Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar?

Hotel: The Crosby Street Hotel and The Connaught in Mayfair
Restaurant: Restaurant Daniel
Bar: The Campbell in Grand Central and The Connaught Bar in London

Your favourite book, film & song?

Book: A Prayer for Owen Meaney – John Irving
Film: Some Kind of Wonderful
Song: Tangled Up In Blue sung by the Indigo Girls

Your favourite food and drink?

Food: Any stinky cheese plate
Drink: Starbucks Mocha Frappuccino (with almond milk) preferably venti.

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?

Even though I am initially inclined to say lawyer as that’s where I started out and where I really thrived– I love music. I’d really enjoy being a music supervisor for film and television. I am the kind of person that remembers every lyric of every song I’ve heard, and love thinking of what songs go with video content.

If you weren’t in this sector, what would you alternative profession be?

Even though I am initially inclined to say lawyer as that’s where I started out and where I really thrived– I love music. I’d really enjoy being a music supervisor for film and television. I am the kind of person that remembers every lyric of every song I’ve heard, and love thinking of what songs go with video content.

Anything else interesting?

I am someone who is a “life long learner,” I live to learn new things- for this industry it’s perfect because there’s so much to know not only about design itself, which is a whole world of content to learn, but also about social media marketing, business development, and collaborating and supporting other industry professionals for a win-win. My daily inspiration is where we are in New York City itself- there’s so much to experience and I take my team to regular galleries and art shows to keep our cups filled.

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