Known for her skill in transforming and optimizing spaces in New York City and beyond, Paula McDonald, Managing Director of Paula McDonald Design Build & Interiors, takes the worry out of any renovation project. Her firm efficiently handles every aspect of the job, from an interior design refresh to a partial renovation or complete build-out. Clients rely on McDonald’s expertise to create beautiful spaces that are mindful of every detail and specification. With over 20 years of experience in Manhattan’s highly regulated design-build industry, Paula McDonald Design Build & Interiors is able to anticipate and expertly navigate any issues that may occur during a renovation. Whether clients seek a traditional or contemporary aesthetic, they can be assured of white glove service and open communication throughout the process. The firm recently achieved The Best of Houzz 2024 Award for the 11th consecutive year, an honor that speaks to Paula McDonald Design Build & Interiors’ unwavering commitment to excellence in the residential design and renovation services.
A total transformation of this indulgent bath uses a contemporary design aesthetic in an oceanfront townhome.
Gwen Donovan: What is your role as the Managing Director of Paula McDonald Design Build & Interiors?
Paula McDonald: Being the leader of our firm to provide the vision, creativity and forward-thinking expertise to deliver residential transformations in line with our clients’ residential endeavors. And being the trusted advisor and champion of each client to ensure that their projects deliver what we envision from the design concepts, building approvals and permits, and finally, construction through completion for residences in Manhattan. Finally, I am proud of our history of seamlessly integrating architecture, design and construction through our design-build service with distinction.
GD: What do your clients tell you they appreciate most about your services?
PM: How beautiful it is, how much they love it, and how extraordinary it is that I take a proprietary interest in my work. Also, how we make this process a dream, change their lives, and how they are forever grateful!
The warmth of hardwood floors against white walls and staircase railings strikes a stylish balance in an oceanfront townhome in Atlantic Beach, New York, a gut renovation project led by Paula McDonald Design Built & Interiors.
GD: How do you anticipate any potential renovation problems ahead of time, especially in a city like New York?
PM: The major factors are experience, planning that avoids problems, and a process that allows us to see exactly where we are both in progress and logistics.
GD: Limited square footage can present design issues for New Yorkers, how do you maximize the usefulness of smaller units or a residence with small rooms?
PM: In my opinion, optimizing space requires innovative design and a multi-purpose approach to the space to make the most of it.
An Upper West Side kitchen features a center island with popup outlets and charging stations, plus custom cabinetry by Paula McDonald.
GD: Likewise, you are also involved with design work in expansive townhouses, elegant brownstones and historic landmark buildings. Do those larger spaces require a different design approach?
PM: Yes and no…it’s about scale and proportion, and often we are still challenged by optimizing the space or changing layouts to make the most of a larger space. My design aesthetic and sensibility have always been “less is more” in any approach for these different spaces, and it is always the most challenging thing to achieve!
Photography by Greg Morris.
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