Our Team
The MDI team sees each new project as an opportunity to bring life and design together.
Whether it is a family’s home or a commercial space, life happens in our spaces, even if just for a moment. Our ultimate goal is to reflect the lifestyle of the people who interact within your space. Our team often comes together to brainstorm a project. With our depth of creativity, our endless resources and the strength of our relationships, the end result is always original.
Margaret Donaldson
CEO + Principal Designer
Margaret Donaldson, ASID, NCIDQ
CEO + Principal Designer
Starting Margaret Donaldson Interiors was a total leap of faith! I was due with my first child in three weeks and had just left a design partnership I had been in for several years. Ready for a new adventure, I began my own business in my hometown of Charleston. I’m so glad I did, and I’ve never looked back!
After graduating from the University of Georgia with a degree in Interior Design, I achieved my NCIDQ qualification. Also, as a longstanding member of the American Society of Interior Design, I have served in numerous leadership positions and been awarded merits for many projects over the years. My passion for creating spaces that ‘live well’ runs deep. Creating a beautiful aesthetic is the easy part. Beauty that is fully in sync with the functionality of a client’s lifestyle is what elevates our designs. We’ve designed every style you could imagine, from historic downtown properties to eclectic beach houses. I take so much pride in everything our team has been able to accomplish! Thirty-three years later, I’m still on this exciting, ever-evolving interior design journey that I love.
When not at MDI, I love traveling with my family. Experiencing different cultures inspires me, especially in the design process. We are always hunting for artwork or unique finds to bring home from our trips. We are also big Clemson fans (Go Tigers!) and enjoy spending time with family at our harbor front home.
Heather Kates
Design Director
Heather Kates
Design Director
I have always had a passion for creating beautiful, functional spaces for clients! Born in Freeport, Illinois, a town so small our high school mascot was a Pretzel, I left the comforts of home for college life in the big City of Chicago. There, I attended Harrington College of Design and received my Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Design. Shortly after graduating, I achieved my NCIDQ qualification.
After living in Chicago, I took a position with Jed Johnson Associates in New York City. I designed several high-end residential projects in both Manhattan and The Hamptons. After getting married, my husband and I left the big city life for the affordability of Columbus, Ohio, and most recently, Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Among all the great places I’ve lived, I’ve built a portfolio of over fifteen years of successful, high-profile design projects, including residential, hospitality, luxury yachts, country clubs and multi-family projects.
I most enjoy working on residential projects because they bring a high degree of personalization and fun! Every residential project is unique, offering opportunities to take individual tastes and preferences and incorporate them into beautiful, functional spaces. Getting to know clients and their families is what makes each residential project so special!
My husband and I recently moved to Charleston to be closer to family and to enjoy everything this great city is famous for. We especially love exploring Charleston’s rich history, beaches, world-class restaurants, and cocktail lounges. We have a sweet little Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Beaujolais or “Buji” for short, who truly believes she is royalty! We also love to cheer on our favorite football teams, The Ohio State Buckeyes and Green Bay Packers!
Lily Cannon
Lead Designer
Lily Cannon
Lead Designer
Fortunately for me, Interior Design became a huge part of my life at a young age. I had a great relationship with my Aunt, who was a designer, and I witnessed so much of her journey from attending design school to working with clients. After two years as a Psychology major at the University of South Carolina, she inspired me to move back home and change my focus. I soon became an Interior Design Major at the Art Institute of Charleston and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts.
I love working in my hometown, and especially as a Senior Designer at MDI! One of my favorite parts of the job is simply forming relationships and getting to know my clients and their families. Being from Charleston, I often find that I have a lot in common with the people we work with and the connections and conversations always come easy. My team members and I are all extremely dedicated to our design work but also know how to laugh and have a great time, so there’s always a great atmosphere in the studio.
If you’re looking for me outside of the studio, I enjoy sharing dinner and a good drink with my parents as often as possible, so Leon’s Oyster Shop is a good place to start. Our family beach house on Folly is a frequent go-to as well!
Mikala Kuchera
Lead Designer
Mikala Kuchera, Allied ASID
Lead Designer
I was born and raised in Jupiter, Florida, and went to college at the University of Florida for Journalism and Communications, then Parsons School of Design for Interior Design. After college, I spent ten years working in the fashion and design world in New York City, including an exciting career at Vogue. After leaving Vogue, I decided to pursue a degree at Parsons and make the switch from fashion to interiors. To me, fashion and interior design are connected because both are about your sense of style. I worked in high-end residential design briefly in New York while I was in school and then transitioned to hospitality design and worked on numerous cool projects, hotels, bars, and restaurants around the world.
I moved to Charleston because I was ready for a change of pace, and I wanted to be a bit closer to home. I have always had an interest in interior design; as a child, I’d draw my dream home floor plans with my cousins. I love working at MDI because there are so many talented women that inspire me. I’m so excited to work in residential again; I love the personality of it. I love the creative process of designing and working with clients to help bring their dreams to fruition.
I have an eclectic taste that blends my fashion background and world travels. I’m meticulous, creative, and am a team player who likes to have fun along the way. When I’m not at work, I love traveling, painting, reading, gardening, baking, and taking photos on my Contax T2 film camera.
Liz Dickman
Lead Designer
Liz Dickman
Lead Designer
I graduated from Savannah College of Art and Design with a major in Interior Design and a minor in Decorative Arts. Thankfully, I have been lucky enough to be in the design industry since I graduated. I started in residential, then moved to healthcare design for several years, then came back to residential design eight years ago.
I love working with creative people. I’ve never had an opportunity to work with an office full of designers so working at MDI is a very exciting experience; The dynamic in our office is so fun and vibrant. My personal creative aesthetic is very clean and simple with fun pops of color. I also like to include texture – and when possible, add personal touches such as photos and things I’ve collected on travels
I have a very active family with 3 boys, you can imagine we are always on the move and outside. You can often find us at the beach or the wonderful local parks. When my husband and I get a chance to sneak away, we love to visit the local breweries in town and try new restaurants.
Ellen Holt
Lead Designer
Ellen Holt
Lead Designer
I have a CIDA accredited Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Interior Design from Converse College, where I also studied art history in Florence, Italy. I have a diverse background in hospitality and commercial design, which includes designing top name hotels and leading large scale commercial projects.
After learning about all aspects of the design industry, I went back to my roots and the beginning of my career in high-end residential design. My favorite part of working at MDI is seeing the projects come to life!
I admire styles from all periods of design. I like things to be beautiful yet functional and styles that have a sense of meaning or unique characteristic to them. I also love to incorporate the natural elements of the surrounding area, especially Coastal Design.
When I’m not at work, I’m drawn to the beach and spend a lot of time there no matter the season. I enjoy walking the marsh with my sweet English Cream Retriever, and trying new brunch restaurants on the weekends.
Hannah Powers
Lead Designer
Hannah Powers
Lead Designer
I was born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee and graduated from University of Tennessee at Chattanooga with a degree in Communications. I started my college career in elementary education but after several education classes, I realized teaching was not for me. What I really enjoyed was the thought of decorating a classroom, creating a cozy environment and making it organized and functional. Fortunately, I fell into a position with a local interior designer, and quickly realized I had found my passion. I embraced every task and experience as an opportunity to learn, contribute and grow into the role I have today.
Moving to Charleston has always been a dream of mine. As a young girl I would visit my family in Folly Beach, and I remember coming home telling my friends “I am going to live in Charleston one day.” My boyfriend Jackson and I finally made the leap of faith when I was offered a position with MDI. I love being a part of a design team that shares a common passion to make our clients’ dreams become reality. I also love the dog-friendly environment; we have lots of pups in the studio that help keep us in high spirits.
When I am not at work, I love spending time with Jackson and our Goldendoodle, Charlie. We love boating, hanging out at the beach, listening to live music, and exploring local restaurants.
Alex Hendricks Feisal
Designer
Alex Hendricks Feisal, Allied ASID
Designer
I grew up in Metter, Georgia, with an undeniable passion for art and design. During childhood, a lot of my free time was spent painting and attempting other “artsy” things! I attended Wofford College, where I studied Business and Economics. However, as graduation grew closer, I still felt very unsure about what I wanted to do with my life. I dreamed of incorporating my love for art and design with my business background. Luckily, I received an internship with Margaret during my senior year. Instantly, I knew I was in the perfect place! After graduating from Wofford, I officially started working as a part of the MDI team. At the same time, I attended the Art Institute of Charleston to further my Interior Design education.
Six years later, I’m a Senior Designer at MDI and wake up every day passionate about my work! I love empowering our clients to communicate their design vision and discover their unique style. During my time here, I’ve developed relationships with some of the most amazing people, which is really what it’s all about!
The whole MDI team is incredible! Our family-style lunches at noon each day have become a constant that I miss when I’m out and about or at a job-site. But outside of work, I enjoy time with my husband and dog, Willow. We love going for walks on warm days, heading downtown to enjoy delicious eats at Workshop Charleston, and cheering on my Alma Mater- Go Terriers!
Courtney Grafmeyer
Chief Financial Officer
Courtney Grafmeyer
Chief Financial Officer
I’ve always been a numbers person, as I graduated from Wofford with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Clemson with a Masters of Professional Accountancy. While At MDI, I work as the Controller, which is another way of saying I oversee the finances.
Even though I'm not a designer, it's a pretty awesome field. I've enjoyed design from a young age, and even had an interior design notebook growing up with a bunch of clippings from magazines I'd find myself lost in! I love contributing to this team through my positive attitude, energy, and collaboration skills.
Charleston is my dream city to live in, so when I’m not working, you can find me enjoying everything it has to offer. If I’m not at the beach, on the boat, enjoying a local restaurant or walking my dog, Charlie, then I’m likely spending time on projects at my new home.
Kelly Shaw
Accounting Assistant
Kelly Shaw
Accounting Assistant
I was born in Valdosta, Georgia, but have called many states “home” thanks to my father’s military career. When I was in seventh grade, we moved to Beaufort and I have lived in South Carolina ever since. I attended The College of Charleston and went on to obtain a Master’s of Healthcare Administration from The Medical University of South Carolina. I recently retired from MUSC. While I’m new to the interior design industry, it has been such an exciting transition from healthcare and I am loving it.
At MDI, I assist with various tasks around the studio including invoicing and billing. As a dedicated team-player, it is my hope that my attention to detail and work experience will positively contribute to MDI’s continued success.
A favorite part of this job is experiencing the vision and creativity of team members come to life in the finished product. While everyone takes their jobs very seriously, it is also a lot of fun! We know our clients feel the same when working with us.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, traveling, or boating. I feel so lucky to live in Charleston!
Kelly McGinty
Director of Operations
Kelly McGinty
Direction of Operations
As an organized and creative problem solver, I really enjoy streamlining processes. I am the Director of Operations at MDI, meaning I serve as the liaison between our clients and our installers and delivery team. On a daily basis, I monitor where clients are in their projects and oversee the status of furniture, wall coverings, and other pieces of design to ensure that they will be here in time for installation.
I grew up in Charleston and graduated from the College of Charleston with a degree in International Business and Spanish. I love Charleston and knew I wanted to stay here forever, so I decided to stay and buy a home in West Ashley! While I’m not a designer, I love working at MDI. My favorite part is getting to know our clients and see how excited they are as their vision comes together on installation days. I also love the fast-paced environment and how each day is different from the day before.
I love that Charleston encourages supporting local business. Some of my favorites include The Daily, Leons, Queen Street Grocery, Halls Chophouse, Homesick Housewares, Hyams, and Meeting Green. When I’m not at MDI, you can find me enjoying all the things that The Lowcountry has to offer, including the beaches, boating, restaurants, gardening, playing soccer, and laying by our pool!
Savannah Johnson
Office Assistant & Librarian
Savannah Johnson
Office Assistant & Librarian
Even though I've only been in the interior design field for a short time, I’ve always loved design.
From the age of ten, I can remember HGTV marathons and trips to the local hardware store for every single paint, rug, and tile sample I could get my hands on. I created my own design library at home so I could continue to expand my creativity.
My passion was something I realized I wanted to pursue professionally. I currently attend the Academy of Art University in San Francisco remotely, where I will earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Interior Architecture and Design. Working at MDI while attending school has been so helpful to get the on the job experience and behind the scenes.
While I take work seriously, I consider myself to have a good sense of humor. I’m thankful to wok in an atmosphere where we can do amazing things and have fun at the same time. I believe our clients feel the same experience when working with our team. When not at MDI, I enjoy workout classes and long walks with my dog, Maverick.
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