Chele Mckee designs spaces that speak. Not in loud proclamations, but in subtle whispers that guide guests through a space without them realizing it.
Her process begins with a quiet question: How does the guest experience this space? To find the answer, she immerses herself in the location, observing both the area and its intended users. From this deep exploration, a complete vision forms in her mind. “I can literally see and create new spaces in 3D, after spending a short time in the environment,” she shares, a gift that lets her envision and walk through a project before it takes shape.
At the Sanctuary Beach Resort, this translated into a yoga and wellness studio, highlighted by warm cork flooring. A stunning custom 16-foot macrame installation, depicting the progression from sunrise to sunset, further defined the space. Together, these elements gently evoke a sense of calm and connection for all who enter.
Her method is rooted in observation. Chele watches how people move, what catches their eye, and where they linger. She calls herself a “cultural anthropologist,” a fitting title that captures her knack for decoding human behavior and weaving it into her designs. This isn’t about forcing a concept onto a space but about understanding how people naturally interact with their surroundings and enhancing that relationship.
At The Tot pop-up in Dallas, she turned a house into an immersive shopping experience, placing cribs in the bedroom turned nursery, high chairs in the kitchen, and a play area in the living room. Each room spoke its function naturally, inviting guests to imagine the products in their own lives. Her process stitches together intuition and strategy, ensuring every corner has a voice.
A Style That Layers Worlds
Chele’s design style feels like a travel journal brought to life. She blends clean, modern lines with textures and colors pulled from the places she visited. “My style is clean and modern with a layer of juxtaposed vintage, organic, and global elements,” she explains.
Picture a sleek retail space softened by a Sari from India or a hotel lobby grounded by redwood ceilings and a fireplace. This thoughtful layering was key when she refreshed 12 retail spaces over the Covid winter and modernized a historic lobby at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, keeping the old-world charm while adding a fresh, airy feel.
What ties her work together is a focus on storytelling. She provides visual cues throughout the guest journey, hides storage in built-ins, and tucks lighting into walls, letting the space and journey itself take center stage. This creative process creates a canvas where products and experiences shine, offering guests a memorable and engaging visit.
Another example of her versatile style can be seen at It Sugar. There, she turned 3,500 square feet into a fun wonderland. She dressed mannequins in candy and set them against simple backgrounds so they really popped. This is another project that highlights how her style is about finding the sweet spot between bold ideas and quiet details, creating spaces that feel just right.
Speaking Through Touchpoints
Chele Mckee’s designs are conversations, and she crafts them with precision. She maps out touchpoints, those moments where a guest connects with a space, and places them along carefully planned sightlines.
Her spaces go beyond looking good; they feel good. They guide you, nudging you toward discovery with a rhythm she controls.
Chele speaks through textures, layouts, and unexpected delights like a fort made of driftwood or a runway decorated with candy. For her, design isn’t about filling rooms with furniture. It’s about giving spaces a voice that stays with you long after you’ve left. Her spaces don’t shout for attention. Instead, they warmly invite you to pause, listen, and feel something special.
