Design and construction are essential industries that shape the spaces where we live and work. These industries require professionals who can combine creativity with practical skills.
Paula McDonald has proven to be one of those professionals, excelling for more than 15 years in the design and construction field. As the founder and managing director of Paula McDonald Design Build & Interiors, she has become a leader in the industry, known for her inventive approach and creative vision.
A Career Founded on Education, Creativity, and Business Acumen
Paula McDonald began her career with a strong educational background. In the 1970s, she earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in accounting and taxation, both from the University of Arizona. Her business education gave her the skills needed to manage her future ventures.
“I’ve always been drawn to design because it lets me blend creativity with practicality,” McDonald says. Her education allowed her to approach design projects with both artistic vision and a strong business sense.
Founding Paula McDonald Design Build & Interiors
In 2008, McDonald founded Paula McDonald Design Build & Interiors using her experience in residential renovations. She specializes in transforming spaces in Manhattan, where she has worked on more than 100 co-op and condominium renovations.
One of her most significant projects included building a private 8,000-square-foot residence in Connecticut. “I love connecting people with projects that allow me to transform spaces into something both beautiful and functional,” she explains. Her firm has built a reputation for delivering high-quality projects while blending creativity with practicality.
Achieving Success Through Innovation and Perseverance
Throughout her career, McDonald has completed numerous challenging and rewarding projects. One of her most notable projects was a townhouse renovation on Long Island, which required rebuilding the foundation due to poor construction. This project allowed her to achieve a long-term goal of incorporating an elevator into her design.
“It was challenging, but it felt great to see that dream come to life,” she recalls. McDonald has also celebrated key milestones, including her firm’s 10th and 15th anniversaries. These milestones mark her continued success in the industry.
As a member of the National Kitchen & Bath Association and the American Society of Interior Designers, McDonald remains actively engaged with industry-related organizations, further solidifying her reputation as an expert. Beyond her professional affiliations, she is civically minded and has volunteered with the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Habitat for Humanity.
Looking Forward: Continuing to Grow and Innovate
McDonald is excited about the future of her firm. She plans to expand her team to about 10 employees, believing this will help inspire a strong, collaborative environment. She is also looking to grow her business into townhouse projects and other opportunities in residential design.
“Even though the real estate market has its challenges, I see them as opportunities,” she says. McDonald is confident that transforming existing properties will provide more value for her clients.
Looking ahead, McDonald is determined to grow her business and embrace new challenges. Her passion for design and commitment to excellence will continue to drive her to create spaces that improve people’s lives.
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Article by Jordan French