Kathleen Franza
Owner & Designer
Kathleen Hines Franza, owner of KMH Design Inc., has been designing residential interiors for more than 19 years. Her career began while living in Miami, working as a photographer’s assistant. Through the industries contacts, she was sought out to work as a set design assistant for a film being shot in Miami. Her career immediately took off. Kathleen began working on films, commercials, and photo shoots; directing wardrobe, set design, location scouting and propping. After having a child, she decided to move to Jacksonville, Florida to be closer to her family. She began working for her family's company, Hines III, Inc., a manufacturer of commercial furniture. After fourteen years at Hines III, Inc., an architect approached Kathleen to see if she would be interested in collaborating on a large residential project. She accepted, soon realizing her passion for residential interior design. It was in 1996 when KMH Design was officially created.
Kathleen's approach to design is contemporary and minimal in nature, focusing on innovative solutions to create clean, elegant, and restful spaces. Without any formal training, her designs are untouched by the formality of mainstream viewpoints thereby presenting us with truly unique interiors.
“I try never to follow trends but always remain true to simple, clean and timeless designs. We do a lot of research to find new materials and their usage then incorporate them into our design concepts so that each project retains its own identity and function for the client.”
- Kathleen Hines Franza
Daniela Santos
Architect & Designer
Daniela, schooled in architecture by Sao Judas Tadeu University in Sao Paulo, Brazil, came to the US in 2011 with over 14 years of working in the fields of interior architecture and interior design in both residential and commercial arenas as well as running her own architecture and design studio. Following our firm's minimal, contemporary aesthetic, Daniela was instantly suited to carry the KMH design philosophy to the next level of detail.
"As an architect with experience in interior spaces, I enjoy digging deep in to every detail of a project while offering not only technical solutions but design solutions. I have the unique experience of drafting, creating and designing for clients and witnessing the process from sketch to installation."
-Daniela Santos
Sarah Shackelford
Project & Design Assistant - Art Consultant
Sarah obtained her BA from Florida State University majoring in Art History and Museum Studies. To further her education, she completed the Art Business Master's program at Sotheby's Institute of Art. Upon graduating Sarah worked in the art world through various galleries and museums. Feeling the need to have a more creative outlet to explore her talents Sarah started her own "redesign and staging" company working closely with homeowners and realtors to organize and reimagine their interiors. Sarah is married and has two children and after taking some time off she felt the need to further explore her art and interiors background. She missed the design world and through friends found KMH design and is now a key member of the KMH team.
“I love the excitement that comes from creating interiors but there is a lot of background work that goes into each project. Having an analytical mind, I like to take it slow, organize, review and make sure we checked all the boxes. Our clients deserve this and through their trust we provide them with personalized and lasting interiors."
- Sarah Shackelford