When she's not busy at work on a design project, Cassandra finds joy, peace and inspiration by spending time with family and friends, the playful companionship of her dog Franklin, the restorative practice of yoga, the immersive experience of a good thriller book, and enjoying the rejuvenating tranquility of the beach. Honestly, sounds like a woman (and designer) after my own heart! Read on to learn more about Studio Cee!Studio Cee is a boutique design studio based in Philadelphia, PA, supporting regional suburban and coastal beach projects as well as residential clients in the Naples, FL area. Cassandra's goal with Studio Cee is to "create spaces that capture individuality, the power of senses, and modern living." They collaborate alongside our clients to "create environments that function, inspire, and create a sense of connection with the spaces that surround us."
Studio Cee founder Cassandra McFarlane
Tell our readers about your business—what are your specialties and core offerings?
We are a boutique design studio based in Philadelphia, PA, supporting regional suburban and coastal beach projects as well as residential clients in the Naples, FL area. Our nimble team specializes in creating transitional styles blending modern, eclectic, contemporary, bohemian, coastal, and farmhouse interiors.
"For the past three years, we've been collaborating with discerning clients to transform spaces into havens of individuality filled with sensory delight."
We believe that truly exceptional design goes beyond aesthetics; it's about creating environments that function seamlessly, inspire creativity, and foster a deep sense of connection between people and their surroundings.
Do you have a favorite interior design style to work with on projects?
We believe in the power of design to evolve and transcend trends. Our signature style blends modern contemporary with transitional elements, creating spaces that are both sophisticated and inviting. We thrive on the challenge of finding the perfect balance between form, function, and the interplay of textures and styles, ensuring every space is a unique expression of your individuality.
Photo by Rebecca McAlpin
Photo by Rebecca McAlpin
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What have been some of the biggest joys and challenges you’ve faced in your career in the design industry?
My journey in the design world has been anything but linear. While I've been immersed in this industry for over a decade, my role as a designer is relatively new, spanning just the past three years. My path began as an assistant, transitioning into marketing and public relations. Then, the pandemic presented an unexpected opportunity: A chance to revisit my passion for design and pursue formal education.This knowledge fueled my ambition to establish my own design firm, a space where I could create environments that truly resonate with people. However, the reality of entrepreneurship quickly set in. Building a business from the ground up is undeniably challenging. I grappled with structuring my business, defining efficient workflows, and navigating the complexities of sourcing unique, high-quality furniture within budget constraints."This experience provided me with an invaluable advantage—firsthand knowledge of the industry's inner workings. I understood client presentations, business development strategies, the intricacies of sourcing and trade programs, and how these elements seamlessly integrate with the business itself."
Photo by Rebecca McAlpin
Photo by Rebecca McAlpin
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Tell us about a notable project from the past few years.
This past year has been incredibly rewarding, with two particularly memorable projects. The first was a new construction project in Margate, NJ. I joined the project after the architectural plans were finalized and focused on designing the interior finishes, lighting, and furniture.The second project involved a complete renovation of an existing four-bedroom, three-story home in Wildwood. Initially hired to assist with paint colors and lighting, the project expanded significantly when the clients decided to start fresh with all new furniture. This fast-tracked renovation, completed in a remarkably short three months, presented exciting challenges. The clients' unwavering trust in my vision was instrumental to the project's success, and I am thrilled to now be working on their primary residence as well."The resulting style was a captivating blend of coastal charm, transitional modern elegance, and a touch of French Country—a delightful departure from my usual aesthetic."
What advice would you give someone who wants to work with an interior designer on their home, but they feel intimidated or hesitant? For someone who’s never worked with a designer, what’s the major upside?
Investing in an interior designer is undoubtedly worthwhile. Think of us as your personal tour guides in the vast and unfamiliar world of design. We provide a clear roadmap, guiding you through the process of incorporating purposeful, creative, and unique elements into your space. Firstly, we have access to a wealth of resources—exclusive showrooms, unique vendors, and insider knowledge – that are often unavailable to the general public. This allows us to steer you away from cookie-cutter designs and create spaces that are truly unique and reflect your individual style.Lastly, we approach each project with the same passion and dedication as if we were designing our own homes, we assist clients in 'future-proofing' their home's design. We identify essential components that clients may not initially consider, anticipating their future needs and desires within the space."Secondly, our extensive experience is invaluable. We've successfully navigated countless design challenges throughout our careers, equipping us with the knowledge and foresight to guide you through the entire process. We help you optimize your budget, make informed decisions, and ultimately achieve exceptional results."
Photo by Rebecca McAlpin
Photo by Rebecca McAlpin
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One of my earliest shore projects serves as a stark reminder of the importance of clear communication, robust contracts, and confident pricing. This 4-bedroom home renovation, one of my first large-scale undertakings, was a steep learning curve. I initially underpriced the project to build my portfolio, a decision that would soon come back to haunt me.Speaking to fellow design pros: What advice do you have about working a challenging client or overcoming unforeseen obstacles on a design project?
Frustration began to mount as I invested significantly more time than anticipated without commensurate compensation. To address the delays, I had to increase my fee and emphasize the importance of timely decisions. However, the clients then proceeded to purchase an entire room of furniture without my involvement, a direct violation of our agreed-upon sourcing process. This not only jeopardized my commission but also severely impacted my ability to deliver the design vision."The clients, who intended to rent the property, proved particularly challenging. Despite an initial budget discussion, decision-making became excruciatingly slow. A single sofa selection consumed eight design meetings! This indecisiveness significantly delayed the project timeline, impacting my profitability as I worked on a fixed fee."
Photo by Rebecca McAlpin
Photo by Rebecca McAlpin
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Where do you draw the most inspiration from as a designer?
My design inspiration draws from a variety of sources. I regularly turn to publications like Luxe, Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, House Beautiful, and Interior Design magazine for the latest trends and insights. Among my favorite designers are Kelly Wearstler, Martyn Lawrence Bullard, Ashley Stark, and Studio McGee, whose work consistently inspires me.However, the most profound source of inspiration for me remains travel. Immersing myself in new cultures and experiencing diverse architectural styles is an invaluable source of enrichment. I strive to incorporate at least two exploratory trips into my annual schedule, always seeking destinations that offer fresh perspectives and unexpected discoveries."I've also curated my Instagram feed to prioritize accounts that foster creativity and business growth. This curated approach has significantly improved my online experience, providing a valuable platform for discovering and appreciating the work of my peers."
Are there any exciting updates with your business that you’d like our readers to know about?
I am confident that this year will be our most successful yet. I am consistently amazed by the scope of projects I undertake while remaining open to challenges that push my creative boundaries and allow me to explore my passion for furniture design. To further enhance our capacity and efficiency, I plan to expand our team by the end of the year. This includes the addition of an administrative assistant to streamline operations and potentially a junior designer to assist with project execution and to contribute fresh perspectives.
Photo by Rebecca McAlpin
Photo by Rebecca McAlpin
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The Kathy Kuo Home Trade Program
Feeling inspired by Studio Cee? If you’re an interior designer or architect you can apply to our Trade Program to enjoy a wide array of professional benefits, as well as access to a thriving community of interior design pros. You can learn all about it HERE, but in brief, KKH Trade members receive: Competitive Trade Pricing, Low Storage Fees, Dedicated Trade Specialist to Coordinate Orders from Start to Finish, and More.
