Community Highlights: Meet Grace Machado McClurg of Design-Art, LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Grace Machado McClurg

Hi Grace, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
In 2004, I stepped into the world of professional design, drawn to the energy and creativity of hospitality spaces. I spent the next decade immersed in some of the most exciting projects across the globe, working with renowned firms like WATG, The Gettys Group, and The Puccini Group. It was a dream career—designing luxurious hotels, resorts, and restaurants that shaped unforgettable experiences. The caliber of talent I collaborated with and the places I helped bring to life were nothing short of inspiring.

But as much as I loved the fast-paced world of hospitality design, life was changing. With two young children at home, I found myself at a crossroads. So in 2015, I took a leap into the Luxury Multi-Family market. What I discovered was an emerging opportunity: developers were beginning to recognize the value of hotel-style living, and my expertise in hospitality design uniquely positioned me to create spaces that blended the comforts of home with the sophistication of a five-star experience.

I poured my passion into this growing market, designing some of the first “live-in hotel” apartment buildings across the country. It was thrilling to pioneer a new approach—bringing club lounges, coworking spaces, kitchenless restaurants, and spa-like amenities into residential environments. By 2018, with the arrival of my third child, I knew it was time for another evolution. I had spent years leading design studios, shaping visions, and mentoring teams. Now, I wanted to build something of my own.

That year, I founded Design-Art, LLC—a firm dedicated to reimagining luxury multi-family living with the soul of hospitality at its core. What started as a personal leap of faith has since grown into a dynamic team of 10 design professionals, with projects spanning five states and expanding. Every project we take on is rooted in the belief that home should feel as inviting, inspiring, and experience-driven as the world’s best hotels.

Looking back, the journey to launching my own firm was never just about career growth—it was about designing a life that balanced passion, purpose, and family. And today, as Design-Art continues to thrive, I’m more excited than ever about the future of hospitality-infused living.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Starting my own business was the best decision I ever made. That said, it was also one of the scariest. Entrepreneurship comes with uncertainty, but the rewards—both professionally and personally—have been immeasurable. It has given me, and the talented team I work with, the opportunity to do what we love while maintaining the flexibility to work from anywhere.

From the beginning, our firm was built as a remote studio, which, at the time, was simply a way to create a more balanced and flexible work environment. What we didn’t realize was that this approach would position us to navigate the challenges of the pandemic with relative ease. While many firms were scrambling to shift to remote work, we already had well-established processes in place. That allowed us to keep projects running seamlessly and continue delivering at a high level for our clients.

That being said, the pandemic also brought a sudden increase in workload across our studio. Instead of letting the rapid pace overwhelm us, we embraced it as an opportunity for growth. Between 2020 and 2022, we expanded from a team of four to eight, and we introduced Purchasing as a new service offering. Each challenge we’ve faced has reinforced the importance of adaptability, and we’ve built a culture around staying open-minded and embracing change together.

No journey is without its challenges, but I firmly believe that the way we respond to them defines our success. For us, every obstacle has been a chance to refine our processes, strengthen our team, and grow in ways we never expected.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
In 2024, we re-launched our brand with a new logo, website, and social media presence. It felt right given we had grown so much from where we started. During that process, we established the following:

Mission Statement:

We are dedicated to transforming spaces through hospitality-inspired interior design, tailored for the luxury multi-family market. Our mission is to deliver immersive environments that combine aesthetics with functionality, fostering trust and exceeding expectations. With a foundation in market research, 3D ideations, and bespoke FF&E solutions, we aim to create spaces that are not only visually stunning but also resonate with authenticity and innovation.

Vision Statement:

We are leading the interior design industry by setting new standards of elegance and creativity. Our vision is to be the preferred partner for those who value exceptional design experiences, combining our award-winning approach with a commitment to client visions. We strive to inspire trust and connection, shaping spaces that transform lives and enrich communities.

Tagline:

Designing the Art of Living

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
For me, success has always been rooted in one thing: relationships. I firmly believe that if you focus on building strong, genuine connections with the people you work with—or hope to work with—the work will follow. At the end of the day, people want to work with people. People they like, people they trust, and people they know they can rely on.

That philosophy has shaped how I approach every project and partnership. When you establish a solid foundation built on mutual respect and understanding, you’re not just a vendor or a consultant—you’re a true partner. And that means when challenges inevitably arise, you’re tackling them together, as a team. It creates a dynamic where collaboration thrives, and the work benefits as a result.

Relationships are at the core of everything I do, and I truly believe they’ve been the key to my success.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://designart-llc.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designartllc/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/designartaz
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/design-art-llc/
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/designartllc