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In Profile:
Dunagan Diverio Design Group

In Profile:

Dunagan Diverio Design Group

Shortlisted for Luxury Residence - Americas and Interior Design Scheme - Americas

The International Design & Architecture Awards 2025

IDA 2025

Name: Charlotte Dunagan

Company Name: Dunagan Diverio Design Group

Position Within Company: Founder/Principal Designer

Website: https://www.dunagandiverio.com/

Tell us a little about your background in design:

Charlotte Dunagan began her formal Arts Education at the MGM School of Design in Nice, France and completed her education at the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. Charlotte was born into a world of design, her mother an interior designer and her father an antique aficionado. Growing up in France, Charlotte was exposed to an abundance of collectible art, antiques, and furnishings that would later help shape her timeless and elegant approach to design. My design education spans multiple disciplines: the art of windows, graphic design, and interior design. I honed my skills further in Nice and at the Art Institute in Ft. Lauderdale. My experience as a project manager at Lorraine Letendre gave me a strong foundation in managing and executing design projects.

How would you describe your personal design style?
Timeless, elegant, and sophisticated. I focus on creating spaces that withstand the test of time, where comfort and beauty coexist seamlessly. “Understated elegance” in a modern style.

Where does your design inspiration come from?
Clients are my greatest inspiration. Understanding who they are, how they live, and what matters to them fuels my creative process.

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

I aim to create spaces that breathe life into classic pieces and adding soul. Sustainability is key, as is giving new life to items with a story to tell.

Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in the future. 
Sustainability – Giving items a second life is not just eco-friendly, but it adds character to a space.
Lighting – Lighting is transformative; it sets the mood and can elevate or diminish a space.
Mindful Design – Design should flow with the space around it, respecting its natural context.
Whimsy & Personal Touch – Don’t be afraid to inject some fun or a personal element into the design; it should be unique and reflective of its owner.
Imperfection – True beauty lies in the details, and often in what is imperfect. A space doesn’t need to be flawless to be beautiful.

If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to designing, what would it be?
“Think collected, unique, lived-in.” – A design should tell a story, feel like it’s been curated over time, and reflect personality. Listen to your client.

How important are The International Design & Architecture Awards?
Being recognized internationally is a profound honor. It symbolizes that your work has resonated with a larger audience, and it’s a validation of years of dedication and creativity

What projects are you currently working on?
Penthouse on the FIUS Tower
Full renovation of an Italian villa
New Key West home on Isamorada
Two-story penthouse in Miami Beach
Modern homes in Miami Beach, FL
Open-water bay modern home in Tampa
Favorite Project:
Napa – A project where we curated an art collection that seamlessly integrated with the space, making it truly unique.
A high-end apartment building in Manhattan – Navigating through strict building regulations and codes was a challenge, but it pushed us to be even more creative.

What was your favourite project to work on and why?
All my projects are my favorites… building meaningful relationships with my clients and approaching each project with a distinctive and personal process; with special attention to detail. With the ability and flexibility to design projects ranging from ultra modern to very traditional, I am able to tackle every project type with confidence and knowledge.

Which products/services could you not live without when designing?
Millworkers – Their craftsmanship, knowledge, and experience are indispensable to creating exceptional designs.

Final Thoughts, Tell us a little about yourself:

Your most treasured possession?
Family, friends, my pup, and my team – the people I share my life and work with.

Your favourite holiday destination?

Christmas in London – The city transforms into something magical during the holiday season; the atmosphere is unlike any other.

Your favourite hotel, restaurant and bar?
Hotel: The Royal Mansour in Marrakesh – Impeccable design and a true oasis of luxury and tranquility.
Restaurant: Le Giraffe in Paris – It holds precious memories, and the food and ambiance are always exceptional.
Bar: ZZ Club in NYC

Your favourite book, film and song?
Book: The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls
Film: Dead Poets Society – A timeless reminder of the importance of following your passion and thinking outside the box.
Song: Strawberry Fields Forever by The Beatles – The blend of surrealism and nostalgia resonates deeply with me.

Your favourite food and drink?

Food: Warm, fresh French baguette paired with goat cheese – Simple yet exquisite.

Drink: Grand Reserva Rioja Spanish wine – A well-balanced and rich flavor that mirrors the complexity of life.

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?
Exploring an art museum – The intersection of creativity, history, and emotion always inspires me.

If you weren’t in this sector, what would you alternative profession be?
Food critic – Writing about food allows me to explore different cultures and experiences, much like design.

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The International Design & Architecture Awards 2025
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