Testimonials

Talented, Trustworthy and Resourceful Design Firm

When looking for a designer to help us remodel a 1996-era home to be our long-term retirement property, we’d interviewed several other design companies but weren’t finding someone with whom we felt a good fit. Then, we happened upon Katherine Mueller Designs. We contacted Katie and from the initial phone call, we felt like we were working with a trusted friend.

We appreciated her process and approach. We knew we wanted to be hands-on in the process, which some other designers were not as comfortable with. Katie and her team were wonderful to work with, wanting to first understand the outcome we wanted, then being very collaborative in taking our feedback and finding ways to incorporate them into a beautiful overall design to achieve that outcome. While being very open to our ideas, they were not afraid to educate us on why an idea might not be the best option based on our goals and desired outcome, guiding us in a better direction. Seeing some of her turnkey projects for hands-off clients, I’d highly recommend Katie whether you want to be involved with the project or whether you’d rather be completely hands off.

During the design phase, Katie and her team were available face-to-face, over the phone and via email/text, creating and evolving the design, offering resourceful and creative ideas, presenting fun and interesting materials and finishes, driving the process forward while providing updates at each step of the way. Once the design documentation was complete & materials selection documented, Katie and her team joined us meeting with potential contractors to translate the project scope and design vision for them (hugely beneficially in helping the contractors accurately bid the project).

As we reviewed contractor’s bids, the KMD team was incredibly helpful providing guidance for us making decisions on where to spend money to really make an impact, and where we could save money to maximize the bang for our remodeling buck.

Once we’d selected the contractors, the actual construction phase lasted 6 months and without the attention to detail and thoroughness of Katie’s planning, it likely would have lasted much longer. Having Katie and team on site at critical points working directly with the craftsmen was invaluable in ensuring that the design translated from paper to reality efficiently and effectively. As walls were opened and surprises uncovered, Katie found creative and workable solutions to solve for the inevitable unforeseen challenges that arose during construction. The detail of her design and documentation, however, really cut down a lot of potential issues before they arose, or worse created rework.

We love the outcome and enjoyed the process. We would be thrilled to work with Katie and her team on future projects and thank them so much for making what can be a big, disruptive remodeling process extremely manageable and dare we say, even fun!

We recently had the opportunity to work with Katherine Mueller Design for the first time and it was a fantastic experience from start to finish.

I would highly recommend Katherine, as well as her entire team, for any interior design needs. The project we worked on together was a major home renovation and their communication, attention to detail, and decisiveness all ensued the project went exceptionally smooth and turned over a fantastic end result. Would highly recommend!

Words cannot express how happy we are with Katie and the Katherine Mueller Design team!

Our house went from a moody, dark, faux-painted Tuscan style to a light, airy Transitional space that is perfect for entertaining. The artisans that Katie referred us to were perfectionists in their crafts and we absolutely love the finished design! Her support team was outstanding! Always keeping us informed on supply chain, installation and deliveries -they were a joy to work with. Thanks KMD- we love our “new” home!

It was a joy to work with Katie and her entire team.

My wife and I had been looking at properties in Arizona for over a year when our realtor showed us what became our home. It was new construction and exactly what we were looking for. As we pondered how to furnish it, our builder recommended Katherine Mueller Design as she was the designer he used on the home. We could not have been happier! Not only did Katie listen to our wishes and concerns, but she guided us through formidable decisions. She was responsive and available when we had questions, and helped us with the design choices. She also suggested little touches that were perfect for us! She helped us with everything from furniture and artwork to bedding and linens to dishes and accessories. Her team was wonderful to work with, especially since we were from out of town. They were interested in making sure we were pleased with the outcome, worked around our schedule as best they could and exceeded our expectations! Katherine Mueller Design made an overwhelming project come together easily and beautifully!

Katherine Mueller Design provided us with a highly skilled team of design.

You’ve probably heard the saying, ‘You don’t know what you don’t know.’ This couldn’t be more true, especially when it comes to our experience with Katherine Mueller Design. At first, we questioned why we needed a designer for a seemingly straightforward remodeling project. What could Katie and her team really bring to the table? What was the real value? I’ll admit I was a bit skeptical at first. Looking back, though, I realize I was in for quite an education.

What we received was invaluable. Katherine Mueller Design provided us with a highly skilled team of design, product, and logistics professionals who shepherded our $500K remodel from start to finish. This included comprehensive design services with detailed, to-scale drawings for all vendors, suppliers, contractors, and subcontractors. They offered unlimited design, decor, furniture, and supplementary selections, complete with detailed product specifications for each room. They also managed everything from ordering to delivery (and storage) to inspection.
Peak One, our prime contractor, regularly sought their advice and guidance.

Any deviations from the plan or specifications were swiftly addressed and resolved. But what truly stood out was the care and dedication of the team. Their passion for their work was evident in every interaction and communication throughout the project. This care is what truly solidified our relationship with them, and it drove their focus, communication, and ultimately, the successful delivery of our project.
We didn’t know… but we sure are glad we know now!

Katie has an exceptional eye for design and a natural instinct of creativity.

It was our first time working with her and we picked the best, she listened to what are needs were and set out on a journey to make it work!
Our home was a complex endeavor that she tackled and was always ahead of the game. She has many connections and resources for just about everything you would need in your home such as customizing furniture, accessories, etc. We strongly recommend her for new builds, remodeling, renovations and more! Once again the most attribute we liked about her is her willingness to please and that she took the time to get to know your likes and dislikes, once she gets that, she’s off and running to help achieve your goals!
She also has a wonderful staff to help accommodate your needs also!

Katie did an excellent job of balancing vision, cost, practicality, and buildability.

We were referred to Katherine Mueller Design by several friends who had previously worked with her on their remodeling and new home construction projects. We first worked with Katie on a small project. We were really impressed at how those small changes created a fresh look for that part of our home.

As we planned on spending significantly more time in Arizona, we considered how we might transform what we bought in 2006 as a vacation house, into our permanent home. We asked Katie to consult with us, walking through the house, envisioning what ideas she might have to both update and transform our home. She challenged us to consider significant changes, which we never would have envisioned or considered on our own … while incorporating her previous project, with us, into the new vision. We walked away from that session excited and inspired to begin a complete remodeling project. Katie worked extremely closely with the builder, as both the creative design lead, but also as our representative (“feet on the ground”) while the work was done over the summer of 2022.

In these roles, Katie did an excellent job of balancing vision, cost, practicality, and buildability. So much so, that the builder referred Katie to other clients of his because of how great she was to work with from his perspective. The transformation is now complete, and we couldn’t be happier. We’d recommend Katherine Mueller Design for projects big and small. We believe her greatest value is that she’s capable of bold visions balanced by practical execution.

We highly recommend Katherine and her team, and look forward to having their continued assistance in the future.

In 2020, my husband and I acquired a pre-owned home constructed in 2005. Although well-maintained, the house required some modernization and a revitalization. Following extensive online research, we reached out to Katherine Mueller Design to gauge their interest in our project. She graciously met with us and provided invaluable assistance. As snowbirds who spend our summers in South Dakota, we aimed to have the project ready to commence by summer and concluded by our return in mid-October. Despite our late March meeting, Katherine was accommodating and offered excellent suggestions. She guided us on where to initiate the updates, adhered to our budget constraints, and efficiently finalized selections, allowing contractors to proceed during the summer months before our departure in early May. Upon our return in mid-October, the house felt rejuvenated, with every aspect completed according to plan.

We had the great pleasure of working with Katie and her team on our extensive remodel.

She soon grasped our aesthetic and was able to come up with innovative design ideas in a more modern and updated style. Katie incorporated into the design our collection of art and furniture, as well as helping us with new selections. We are so delighted with the results! She took seriously any worries we had during the project and was always careful to stay within budget. Katie is a true professional and works with excellent vendors and contractors, as well as working seamlessly with our building contractor. We wouldn’t consider working with anyone else!

We are so pleased we chose Katie!

We had already admired Katie’s work in her magazine ads, so when our contractor recommended her, we knew we had found the right designer for our primary bath renovation.  Her eye for detail is impressive, and she has impeccable taste. She also really listened to us, and came up with a design that was both highly creative and tailored to our needs. Katie put together a beautiful color palette and gorgeous materials that really complimented the space. The result exceeded our expectations, which were quite high to begin with. We are thrilled. Thank you, Katie and team!

We have worked with Katie and her team on two properties in Desert Mountain.

The most recent project was a full “down to the studs” gut rehab of a large home. We have been absolutely thrilled with Katie and her team and recommend Katherine Mueller Design enthusiastically and without hesitation.
Katie has a unique ability to flesh out our general ideas and style and then convert them into a completely elevated and functional interpretation.

This is a function of her terrific communication skills and organized process, as well as that special “ something” that she brings to the table. She really listens – we have viewed some of her other projects and they are all gorgeous interpretations of the client’s taste. She interprets and elevates the client’s vision and does not have a cookie cutter approach. She had a nice balance of giving us choices within an overall framework; we could make choices confident that they will all “ work” from a functional and aesthetic perspective.
Katie and her team are extremely well organized and there have been zero issues with execution, staying within the budget, etc. She has an excellent working relationship with our contractors and architect- although she will also tackle smaller projects without a large team in the mix.

Katie has an amazing network of vendors for furnishings, including antiques and unique one- of – a kind pieces. Her furniture supplier can build anything – his work is of the highest quality yet within a reasonable price point.
We have worked with other designers on other homes/ locations over the years and we can attest that Katie blows them all away- we are very glad we found Katie and her team!

I couldn’t have done it without Katie!

We wouldn’t have ended up with the beautiful, finished product we have without Katie’s help.  She was willing to listen to my ideas and make them come to fruition or else steer me in a better direction.  There were a few items I obsessed about and had to consider every possible option, but, for the most part, Katie gave me a few options and I was able to immediately pick one of them I liked best.  I absolutely love that she has furniture makers that were able to customize pieces to our specifications, and we got them so much more quickly than ordering from a big manufacturer.  Our remodel was in serial fashion because we planned on doing only a few rooms, but, once we saw the improvement, we eventually wanted to update every room. I highly recommend Katie and the KMD team!