Amelia McVay Design, based centrally in Dallas, Texas, is celebrated for its high-end interiors and livable luxury furnishings. With over 30 years of combined project experience at some of the world's largest companies, our team is adept at managing substantial budgets and meeting the exacting standards of the most discerning clients. Our firm guarantees exceptional service, craftsmanship, and meticulous attention to detail in every project.

  • Your experience with Amelia McVay Design commences with an initial complimentary discussion, allowing us to gain insight into your project and determine our compatibility. Should our firm align with your vision, we proceed with an in-depth consultation to meticulously understand your requirements and aspirations. Following this, we present a comprehensive proposal and our contract for review.

    It is important to clarify a common misconception in our industry: contrary to what some might expect, the design process does not begin with an initial 'concept pitch' to secure the project. Instead, our design work commences only after formalizing our partnership through a signed contract and receiving the design fee. This standard practice is essential not only for upholding design integrity but also for protecting the intellectual property of the design team. It ensures that the creativity and expertise we bring to the table are reserved for projects where there is a clear commitment. This approach respects the value of our industry as a professional and intellectual endeavor, requiring a reciprocal commitment between the client and the firm.

  • Please reach out! To determine if we're the right fit for you, we recommend starting with a complimentary discovery call. We'll discuss your high-level vision, requirements, and preferences. We'll also provide insights into our design process, approach, and how we can tailor our services to meet your specific needs.

    If your project falls outside our typical scope, we're always happy to provide recommendations on the best course of action. Our goal is to ensure that you embark on your design journey with confidence, whether it's with our team or another that better suits your project's unique requirements.

  • In short, yes. Specializing in luxury design, we commit only to projects that reflect our ethos of sophistication and quality. Our extensive experience in managing large-scale projects and substantial budgets allows us to comfortably undertake both comprehensive and single-room projects that meet our high standards of luxury and exclusivity.

    In line with this commitment, our clients can anticipate that the minimum investment for a single room of soft furnishings, inclusive of our design fee, begins at $40,000. For whole-home new construction, clients should plan for interior design services, project management and furnishing costs starting at 35% of the home's completed value.

    Renovations are an additional variable because they add to the complexity and time we invest on your home. A good tip to reduce creeping fees is to employ us at the beginning of a project so all surface materials, fittings, fixtures and functional layouts are part of the total design.

    Clients should expect a minimum of 15% cost variance for any project, large or small.

    We encourage you to explore The Home Trust for more detailed budgetary guidance.

  • Our full-service approach to new construction and renovation involves comprehensive management alongside your architect and builder to ensure every aspect of your design is executed with precision. Depending on your project, we will follow similar phases as follows.

    Programming: We start our discovery phase by asking questions and defining goals. Understanding your unique style and preferences establishes a clear direction for the project.

    Schematic Design: Our team applies the information gathered during the programming phase to initial design concepts, layouts, and finishes. Through continued dialogue between the client and designer we refine the project goals and narrow the path to appropriate solutions.

    Design Development: During the Design Development phase, we've pinpointed a clear direction for the project, yet the intricate details are still unfolding. This stage is all about fine-tuning our approach and delving deeper into specifics that are crucial to the design. Measurements and dimensions are being actively refined as we meticulously select and suggest the most suitable items to our clients, ensuring each choice aligns perfectly with the overall vision.

    Contract Documentation: In the Contract Documentation phase, we've reached a point where a multitude of decisions have been solidified after exploring various options. Now, it's about finalizing any remaining details and addressing all foreseeable queries. This stage is marked by meticulous documentation of your project. We focus on clearly communicating every aspect through comprehensive descriptions, 2D and 3D plans, and photo-realistic renderings, providing all the essential information needed for the construction phase.

    Construction Administration: We adopt a collaborative approach in overseeing the construction phase, working closely with builders and general contractors. Our role is to ensure that the project's design integrity is maintained, aligning with the established plan through regular on-site visits and coordination.

    Quality Assurance: Through consistent site reviews and monitoring, we maintain our high standards, ensuring the project remains true to the design vision.

    Final Installation: In this phase, we oversee the installation of furnishings, fixtures, and accessories, ensuring every element comes together to form a cohesive space.

    Project Completion: The project concludes with a detailed walkthrough, confirming that the final result meets your expectations and embodies our dedication to our craft.

  • Our Single Room Furnishing service offers bespoke designs for individual rooms, focusing on soft furnishings. This service is perfect for clients seeking a luxurious transformation with attention to detail, style, and comfort. It is important to note that this service is exclusively dedicated to soft furnishings and does not encompass remodeling or renovation design work.

  • Every potential client engagement begins with a complimentary discovery call, a crucial step in ensuring a harmonious partnership aligned with our standards of excellence. Our firm adheres to the highest industry best practices and collaborates exclusively with tradespeople who not only meet but resonate with our stringent criteria.

    While our role does not extend to acting as general contractors, our clients can expect a high level of involvement from our team. We maintain an active presence on-site and ensure continuous, detailed communication with your builder throughout the project. To achieve the best outcomes, we advocate for early involvement in your project, ideally collaborating with your architect and builder from the initial stages, before plans are formalized or construction commences.