Three Years After Acquiring Interior Design and Branding Firm Simeone Deary Design Group, National Design Firm KTGY is Expanding into New Markets

IRVINE, Calif. — KTGY, a Great Places to Work certified design firm focused on architecture, branding, interiors and planning, announces today the expansion of their residential interior design practice led by Carrie Tolman and the strategic hire of Holly Nixon, who will strengthen their hospitality and residential interiors presence in the Florida marketplace as part of the firm’s strategic growth initiative.

Three years ago, the firm set a bold vision into motion: the future of residential interiors is hospitality-driven. This vision has come to life across numerous developments nationwide, reshaping how people experience space. Today, KTGY announces their plan for continued growth with the addition of a residential interiors practice in the firm’s new Washington, D.C., office.

The team will be led by Associate Principal Carrie Tolman. Passionate about creating heightened experiences within residential environments for 25 years, Carrie integrates the history and culture of each setting with elements of nature, fashion, pop culture and art. Her designs evolve organically, incorporate each client’s vision and emerge with exceptional authenticity. Carrie takes pride in the relationships she builds with clients and feels strongly that the key to creating a timeless design lies in maintaining continuous dialogue throughout the process.

By expanding into new service areas, KTGY is able to provide clients with a single point of expertise, easing their decision-making process amidst stressful markets. The single-point approach is highlighted in continued collaboration with clients like Belgravia. “We’re delighted to work with KTGY on another Belgravia development and by the response to Portico, which has exceeded expectations. To have a project nearly half sold prior to breaking ground speaks to the desirability of the design and quality of the product,” says Belgravia Group CEO Jonathan McCulloch.

Adding Holly Nixon to firm leadership comes on the heels of the firm’s practice area expansion into Washington, D.C. Holly joined KTGY on March 19th as an Associate Principal, working remotely as a member of KTGY’s Interior Design studio in Chicago. She brings 19 years of interior design expertise to her role, having worked on a wide range of hospitality and multifamily developments in Las Vegas and South Florida. Holly previously held the position of Design Director at V Starr, where she delivered numerous award-winning designs. With a keen understanding of the business landscape and a strategic mindset, Holly will identify new opportunities, develop new partnerships, and expand the firm's reach in both the hospitality and multifamily residential interiors marketplace within Florida.

"Florida is booming,” said KTGY Board Member and Principal Lisa Simeone. “Holly’s design philosophy – the greatest designers are the greatest storytellers – and her passion for integrating distinctive elements – locality, culture, and influencers – into her designs was a natural fit. Her wealth of experience and ability to navigate the complexities of both the hospitality and residential interiors markets will position KTGY for growth.”

These initiatives continue KTGY’s forward momentum, having moved up 13 spots on ENR’s list of Top 500 Design Firms in 2023, and speak to the firm’s commitment to enhancing the built environment through innovation and collaboration. “One of KTGY’s core values includes the continuous search for better, which stretches beyond design and into how we approach growth. We change and evolve in response to the dynamic ways people aspire to live and are excited about the possibilities that the expansion of the firm’s interiors practice will bring to our clients,” says Tricia Esser, CEO.

About KTGY
Founded in 1991, KTGY is an award-winning design firm partnering with clients to deliver world-class architecture, branding, interiors and planning. Our firm and our work are guided by a continuous focus on innovation, creativity, collaboration, and a deep commitment we have towards making a positive impact on people and their communities. We use storytelling and design to envision and enliven spaces that transform people’s experiences. Visit www.ktgy.com.