For many homeowners, design feels like an aesthetic choice. For Katie B. Kirkwood Architectural and Interior Design, it’s an investment strategy — one that protects budgets, enhances long‑term value and elevates daily living.
The firm offers custom home design, architectural planning, interior design, finish and furnishing selections and construction project management. By integrating design and construction under one umbrella, KBK eliminates the costly disconnects that often arise when these disciplines operate separately. The result is a streamlined, intentional process that reduces risk and maximizes return.
Founder Katie Kirkwood brings a rare combination of credentials to the table: dual bachelor’s degrees in architecture and interior architecture from Auburn University, a master’s in building construction and six years managing large‑scale commercial construction projects. That background gives her fluency in budgeting, trade coordination and contractor pricing — expertise that directly benefits clients.
“Design is preventive maintenance,” she explained. “When decisions are made intentionally and documented clearly, you avoid the rework, delays and budget creep that happen when trades are left guessing.”
Since launching full time in June 2024, the firm has expanded with Designer Amanda Franklin, who adds to the firm's knowledge of high-end brands such as Thibaut, Visual Comfort, Kravet, Schumacher and Waterworks — and Studio Coordinator Haley Young, who manages wallpaper and fabric sales, communication, scheduling and procurement. Together, the team strives to ensure projects stay organized, efficient and aligned with client goals.
Design as a value multiplier
One of the biggest misconceptions Kirkwood encounters is that professional design is a luxury. In reality, she said, it’s a value multiplier — much like hiring a realtor or financial advisor.
Designers bring industry knowledge, access to quality products and the ability to anticipate how one decision affects dozens of others. Without that guidance, homeowners often face expensive mistakes: incorrect lighting placement, poorly planned cabinetry, mismatched materials or layouts that require costly changes mid‑construction.
“Spending fills a space; investing creates long-term value,” she explained. “Quality furnishings last longer, thoughtful layouts improve daily life and intentional design enhances both property value and homeowner satisfaction.”
The highest returns
Kirkwood said she sees the greatest long-term payoff in three areas:
1. Selecting the right contractor
The best outcomes happen when designers and contractors respect one another and work collaboratively. A strong contractor values the client’s investment, communicates well. That partnership protects both budget and overall project quality.
2. Thoughtful lighting and furnishings planning
Lighting and furniture layouts should be developed alongside construction documents, not after. Planning fixture placement, switches, outlets and furniture dimensions early prevents costly field changes and daily use frustrations. A beautiful space must also function well.
3. Investing in quality furnishings
Durable, well-made furniture offers long-term value through longevity and fewer replacements. When new pieces aren’t in the budget, antiques or well-crafted secondhand finds are often better investments than mass-produced alternatives. Quality furnishings can last generations.
Projects that prove the point
Kirkwood’s favorite projects are those where thoughtful design creates lasting impact. The vibrant wallpaper at Jubilee Kitchen + Bar that guests can’t resist photographing. Nurseries designed for beauty and the realities of long nights. Bathrooms tailored to each client’s routines. Historic renovations that reveal hidden stories.
“On Sewanee’s campus, we once uncovered early 1900s postage stamps hidden beneath layers of wallpaper so there was no depth left at the baseboards,” she said. “In a recent 1940s residential renovation, my client who grew up in the home discovered puzzle pieces she had dropped into an old HVAC vent as a child.”
Said Kirkwood, “Homes are long-term investments — financially and emotionally,” she said. “It’s an honor to help shape the spaces where life unfolds.”
Consultations can be scheduled through Haley Young at design@kbkirkwood.com. Follow the firm’s work on Instagram at @kbkarchandintdesign.