About Us
Based in Charleston, South Carolina with clientele throughout the United States and Canada, MDI Luxury Design offers a full suite of bespoke design services. From residential new construction, large-scale home renovation, space planning, furniture selection, art curation, and anything in between, we would love to hear how we can help.
We are a close-knit group of well-rounded, hands-on team members who each bring unique talents and interests to our firm.
Our depth of creativity, endless resources, and deep-seated relationships ensure the firm's time-honored success and client satisfaction.
Margaret Donaldson
Founder + Creative Director
ASID, NCIDQ
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.
Have you tuned into the Design Biz Survival Guide's Episode featuring Margaret's deep dive into "Leadership, Culture, and Collaboration"?
Design Team
Lucy
Design Director
Lucy Hund
Design Director
I moved to Charleston when I was just a year old and grew up on beautiful Sulllivan’s Island. I spent four years working in finance in New York City after completing my Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from the University of Georgia. I knew I wanted to pursue my creative side and eventually went back to school to earn my Interior Design Certificate from The New School, Parsons.
I’ve been in the interior design industry since 2015, and I love how this career combines both my analytical skills and my creativity. The balance between the logical side of project management and space planning, and the artistic side of design and fabric selections makes Interior Design the perfect fit for me. My design style leans toward traditional and layered spaces with carefully selected fabrics. I love connecting with clients and creating spaces that are both functional and meaningful.
As someone who thrives on organization and productivity, I really appreciate our strong operations staff at MDI. It allows the design team to truly focus on the creative process and project management, making way for new ideas and fresh creativity.
When I’m not in the studio or working on projects, you can usually find me spending time with my husband and two young boys, soaking up the coast on the boat or at the beach. I’m also a big fan of exploring all of the restaurants around town - Charleston has so much to offer! Some of my favorites are The Ordinary for a classic date night, Herd Provisions for a cozy neighborhood meal, and Poe’s Tavern for a relaxed beach spot.
Heather
Lead Designer
Heather Kates
Lead Designer
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
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 Lead 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!
Hannah
Lead Designer
Hannah Boyle
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 husband 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 enjoy 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 enjoy boating, hanging out at the beach, listening to live music, and exploring local restaurants.
Sabrina
Lead Designer
Sabrina Dylag
Lead Designer
My love for design started at a young age and has always come naturally to me. My grandfather designed and built homes and my aunt was an interior designer, so you could say it’s in my blood! Thanks to my high school’s interior design classes, I knew early on that this was the path for me. I continued to pursue my dream by studying Interior Design at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM) in Los Angeles, California.
As a designer at MDI, I love the creative freedom of this role and the relationships I build with clients and vendors. My approach to design is rooted in organization, attention to detail, and a deep love for creating unique, meaningful spaces. Every day in this industry brings new opportunities for creativity, and I’m continually inspired by my surroundings at MDI. I love the family dynamic among the team, and the dog-friendly atmosphere is an incredible bonus!
I grew up in New Jersey, but I always felt like I belonged near a beach in the South. It was always a dream of mine to live in Charleston. That dream is now my reality, and I couldn’t feel more at home here. I love collecting shells and soaking up the sun at the beach. When I’m not at the beach or designing at MDI, you can find me behind a pottery wheel, in a Pilates class, or relaxing at a local coffee shop.
Grace
Lead Designer
Grace Finnan
Lead Designer
As a Lead Designer at MDI, I bring over ten years’ of experience and a lifelong passion for design. Born and raised in Athens, Georgia, I graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor’s in Furnishings and Interiors. In 2015, I made the move to Charleston after falling in love with the city during college visits with friends. I love calling this beautiful city my home!
My approach to design is refined and detailed, with a focus on functionality. I view every space as a blank canvas with endless possibilities, and I’m always inspired by the opportunity to create spaces that will serve as the “backdrop” for people’s lives and precious memories. I believe peoples’ homes should bring joy, peace, and inspiration, and that is my number one mission! Designing spaces that are functional and bring joy to people’s lives is my favorite part of my job.
At MDI, I’m constantly learning from the collaborative environment and the chance to connect with clients, vendors, and trades. There is always something someone can teach you. I love the opportunity to work on different things and always look forward to being challenged creatively and finding thoughtful solutions. I especially love the beginning of a project when I get to build trust with a client and help them determine and understand their vision.
I love spending time with loved ones and exploring the Lowcountry. While I love spending time in downtown Charleston, my home base is Mount Pleasant and Sullivan’s Island. Goldbug on Sullivan’s Island is a favorite spot of mine- I love popping in and exploring all of the jewelry the local owner makes!
Savannah
Design Assistant
Savannah Johnson
Design Assistant
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 recently graduated the Academy of Art University in San Francisco remotely, where I earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Interior Architecture and Design. Working at MDI while attending school was very helpful to get the on the job and behind the scenes experience.
While I take work seriously, I consider myself to have a good sense of humor. I’m thankful to be 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.
Sarah Beth
Design Assistant
Sarah Beth
Design Assistant
My dad’s Air Force career moved us all over the country when I was growing up. I spent most of my childhood in Destin, Florida, but Charleston has always felt like home. My parents met and got married here, and my older sister was born here. After my dad retired, my family returned to Charleston and I visited frequently throughout college. After graduating from Auburn University with a Bachelor’s in Biomedical Sciences, I knew I wanted to make Charleston my home too.
As a Design Assistant at MDI, I love combining my detail-oriented, numbers-driven mindset with my creative side. My science background comes in handy when it comes to numbers, but I also enjoy exploring the endless creative possibilities of design. I’m learning how much strategic thinking is required in the design world, and I’m continually inspired by the variety and creativity that this field offers. My favorite aspect of the process is pulling fabrics, paint colors, trims, and wallcovering to define the palette. I tend to gravitate toward cozy and feminine designs, favoriting woolly textures, silks, velvets, and distressed wood finishes. Working at MDI is so rewarding- I’m constantly learning from my talented peers and love the collaborative, dog-friendly atmosphere!
Outside of work, you can find me exploring all that Charleston has to offer. You can’t go wrong with the food and shopping here! Some of my favorites include oysters at Leon’s, the entire menu at Melfi’s, and yummy ice cream at Off Track. I’m pretty sure I could find something I love at every single store on King Street. If I’m not working or shopping and dining, I’m most definitely on the boat or on the beach!
Cammi
Design Assistant
Cammi Fishel
Design Assistant
I was born and raised in Illinois and earned my Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design from Illinois State University. After graduating, I knew I wanted to make a big move and decided to relocate to Charleston two years ago - a decision that has been both inspiring and rewarding. I was fortunate to inherit my grandma’s love for art and painting, which inspired my creative side and ultimately guided me toward a career in design. Living in Charleston has only deepened that passion, as the city’s rich history and beautiful architecture continue to inspire me every day.
As a Design Assistant at MDI, I enjoy collaborating with our talented team and supporting projects in any way I can. My role allows me to blend creativity with strong organizational skills, ensuring that each detail is thoughtfully executed. I love being part of a process that brings design visions to life and creates spaces that are both functional and inspiring.
Outside of work, I enjoy exploring new coffee shops - Vintage Coffee is a personal favorite - visiting Sullivan’s Island to watch sunsets with my rescue dachshund, Frankie, or trying out new recipes I’ve discovered. Charleston has so much to offer that the opportunities for new experiences never end!
Olivia
Design Assistant
Olivia Cwynar
Originally from New Castle, Pennsylvania, I have been visiting the Charleston area ever since I was a little girl, spending a lot of time on Seabrook Island. After years of falling in love with the Lowcountry, I knew I wanted to make this place home. So I moved down here as soon as I could after graduating with my Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design from Kent State University!
As a Design Assistant at MDI, I support the team with a detail-oriented, thoughtful, and people-focused approach. I have a deep appreciation for the balance of creativity and problem-solving that interior design offers. I love how the focus at MDI is creating spaces that balance beauty and functionality. It’s incredibly rewarding to use storytelling to help shape spaces that influence how people live, feel, and connect with their surroundings.
Charleston has quickly become one of my favorite places to explore. I love relaxing at the beach and discovering new restaurants. Anson is at the top of my list- their crispy flounder is absolutely to die for! I also enjoy tackling home improvement projects, antique shopping, and baking.
Operations Team
Courtney
Chief Financial Officer
Courtney Heffron
Chief Financial Officer
From a very young age I’ve always been a numbers person - so much so I pursed my interest at Wofford with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Clemson with a Masters of Professional Accountancy. While At MDI, I work as the Chief Financial Officer - so you could say numbers are still my passion!
Even though I'm not a designer, it's a pretty awesome field. I have always enjoyed design, and even had an interior design notebook growing up with clippings from magazines that I would often 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 projects in my new home.
Kelly M.
Director of Operations & Procurement
Kelly McGinty
Director of Operations & Procurement
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!
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Janet
HR & Business Development
Janet Wall
HR & Business Development
I was born in California, but grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina. After the birth of my first child, I decided I wanted to relocate to the coast. What better place than Charleston?
I worked for Ferguson Enterprises for 35 years. I was a showroom consultant for 20 of those years, assisting builders, designers, and clients with plumbing, lighting, and appliance selections for their new homes or renovations. During my last 15 years with Ferguson Enterprises, I was in showroom management, including an area position where I was responsible for 7 showrooms across North and South Carolina.
After retiring, I realized I just wasn’t quite ready to stop working. I had worked with Margaret for many years on various projects and knew I would enjoy the work environment at MDI. I now have a better understanding of the amount of hard work and passion that goes into each of our beautiful projects. I am in constant awe of the vast selection of fabrics, wallcoverings, and bedding we have in our library!
At MDI I oversee HR & Business Development, meaning I handle all things HR and manage the day-to-day tasks in running an office as well as expanding our reach in business. My previous experience within the building industry has been instrumental in honing my managerial expertise, strengthening my HR proficiency, and fostering a mentorship mindset.
Outside of work, I love to RV camp with my husband! We also enjoy Clemson football and spending time with our children and grandchildren.
Kelly
Corporate Accountant
Kelly Hillard
Corporate Accountant
As an Accountant at MDI, I bring my love of organization and eye for detail to everything I do. Though numbers are my domain, I have always been drawn to the creative side of interior design. I’m always looking for ways to help the team work more efficiently and keep projects running smoothly. My goal is to be a dependable team member who adds real value every day.
Born and raised in Hudson Valley, New York, I earned both my Bachelor’s in Accounting and my MBA with a concentration in Accounting from Mount Saint Mary College. I visited Charleston for a cousin’s wedding and instantly fell in love with the beauty of the city and all the opportunities it had to offer. I decided to make the move, and it has been home ever since!
Even though my role focuses on the financial side, I’m continually inspired by the creativity that surrounds me at MDI. What I love most about our designers’ work is how it becomes part of peoples’ stories- the couch in family photos, the porch where gifts are opened, the dining table where meals are shared. Every design becomes a lasting memory, and it’s such a beautiful thing to witness!
The people and creative energy at MDI make it such a special place to work. I’m amazed by how our designers can take a simple idea or something a client mentions in passing and turn it into a space that’s both stunning and meaningful- a place where real memories are created. I especially love that quiet moment in the design process where everything is cleared out and designers are working with a clean canvas- and then watching the magic unfold.
Outside of MDI, you can usually find me with my husband and our two energetic boys. They keep me on my toes and remind me how quickly time flies! We love beach days, aquarium visits, and family bike rides along The Greenway.
When we’re not exploring, we’re often enjoying Charleston’s amazing food scene. R Kitchen is a favorite for its ever-changing five-course tasting menu- it’s always a surprise and always incredible! Angel Oak in West Ashley is another go-to spot that never disappoints.
Mary Stuart
Librarian
Mary Stuart McMillan
Librarian
From a young age, I've always known I wanted to build a career in the design world. I grew up just outside of Mobile, Alabama and spent most of my childhood in Orange Beach, where I love time on the water with family and friends making lasting memories.
I recently graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Public Relations and a minor in Marketing. While I enjoyed studying PR and marketing, I've always been drawn to interior design and knew I wanted to be part of the industry. As MDI Librarian, I can't wait to dive into hands-on projects and help assist in any way possible. I'm beyond excited to continue to learn and grow throughout my time at MDI as a part of a great team. I had the opportunity to live in Charleston for a summer and immediately knew I wanted to make it home! It now feels like a home away from home, and I'm thrilled to now be building a career here.
When I'm not working, you can find me out exploring the city, taking long walks through downtown and learning more about this beautiful Lowcountry!
Lauren
Office Manager
Lauren Whetsell
Office Manager
Already a South Carolina native, I moved to Charleston after enrolling in Trident Technical College, where I received an Associate’s degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management. I began my professional journey at Daniel Island Club and continued to grow my career in their events department, before shifting my career focus to interior design.
My background working with events ranges from weddings to golf tournaments and much more, which allows me to bring a touch of creativity and adaptability to my role as the Office Manager. I draw on the trustworthiness and attention to detail that I cultivated during my time orchestrating events to contribute to each project at MDI.
Working closely with clients to help them create their own beautiful and unique oasis is one of my favorite aspects of the industry. I’m grateful to be part of the MDI team, where the camaraderie makes us more like family than colleagues. I find so much joy in the collaboration, especially when surrounded by beautiful textiles that inspire our work!
Outside of the studio, you can catch me cooking and spending quality time with family and friends.
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Tarah
Librarian
Tarah Crabb
Librarian
Born and raised in Georgia, my path to interior design began when I shifted from a Communications major to pursue my passion for art and design. I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design from Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia, and later achieved my NCIDQ certification.
My husband’s government career has taken our family from Washington, DC to Los Angeles, Miami, London, and ultimately to Charleston. I spent nearly ten years working as a commercial designer in DC and Los Angeles before stepping away from the field during several moves while raising our two daughters. After settling in Charleston five years ago, I worked in marketing and home staging before returning to the design industry in my current role as Librarian at MDI.
Detail-oriented and highly organized, I appreciate both the beauty and functionality that define successful design. I value the collaborative relationships formed within design teams and alongside clients and contractors, and I’m grateful to support MDI’s talented staff in this creative, ever-evolving industry. I especially admire MDI’s ability to remain both well-established and open to fresh ideas and growth.
Outside of work, I love traveling with my family, boating and hiking around Charleston, and playing on my neighborhood tennis team. I also love dining at local favorites like The Obstinate Daughter and Ma’am Saab with my husband, our two teenage daughters, and our mini goldendoodle, Frank.
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Emily
operations assistant
Emily Taylor
Operations Assistant
Born and raised in Anderson, South Carolina, I fell in love with Charleston while touring the College of Charleston campus. After earning my Marketing degree there, I decided to stay and call this beautiful city home.
As the Operations Assistant at MDI, I help keep projects running smoothly by managing orders, tracking items to ensure they arrive in time for installation day, and maintaining organization with client accessories. Relatively new to the interior design industry, I have enjoyed learning from the designers and the operations team. While I thrive on staying organized and handling the behind-the-scenes details, I also love working in such a creative field. It truly is the best of both worlds!
My favorite part of the interior design process is seeing the vision come to life. Watching the designers bring the client’s dream to reality and witnessing the joy on their faces when it all comes together is truly such a rewarding experience. These relationships with clients are so much fun to make and keep for years to come!
I appreciate everyone at MDI on their willingness to teach, work together, and bounce ideas off each other to create amazing results for our clients. The fast-paced, upbeat collaboration in our studio is so much fun to be a part of - Everyone has a work-hard, play-hard attitude, which creates a fun and energized atmosphere every single day!
Outside of the office, I love discovering hidden gems around Charleston especially restaurants and new cocktail bars! Some of my go-to spots include Shem Creek, Little Jack’s Tavern for burgers, Santis, and Azur. I also cherish spending time with my friends, family, and sweet little kitten, Millie.
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Weezie
Operations Assistant
Weezie Gallant
Operations Assistant
Born and raised in Beaufort, South Carolina, I’ve always been drawn to creativity and coastal living. I moved to Charleston in 2017 to attend the College of Charleston, where I earned a degree in Studio Art with a concentration in Photography and a minor in Arts Management. My background in the visual arts continues to shape the way I see and appreciate thoughtful design.
As Operations Assistant at MDI, I bring a genuine, compassionate spirit to the team, along with a strong sense of organization and dependability. Although I’m new to the interior design industry, I’ve quickly fallen in love with the process especially visiting job sites and watching designs come to life from concept to completion. Being surrounded by creativity each day and supporting such a talented team has made this an exciting start to my career in design.
Outside of the office, you’ll often find me soaking up the sun at Folly Beach, exploring Charleston’s vibrant restaurant scene with Xiao Bao Biscuit at the top of my list or enjoying live music around town. I’m grateful to be part of a wonderful team at MDI and to call Charleston home.
The Studio
The studio is located in downtown Charleston, SC and it is where we cultivate relationships, share our depth of resources, create spaces that live well, and find inspiration to tell your story through design.
We sift through fabrics, paint swatches, finishes, furniture, rugs, bedding and so much more while we piece together each beautiful space. Our studio was recently expanded to suit our needs and to better serve you. We are so happy to welcome you to it.
