Kathleen Franza
Owner & Designer
Kathleen Hines Franza, owner of KMH Design Inc., has been designing residential interiors for more than 19 years. Her career began while living in Miami, working as a photographer’s assistant. Through the industries contacts, she was sought out to work as a set design assistant for a film being shot in Miami. Her career immediately took off. Kathleen began working on films, commercials, and photo shoots; directing wardrobe, set design, location scouting and propping. After having a child, she decided to move to Jacksonville, Florida to be closer to her family. She began working for her family's company, Hines III, Inc., a manufacturer of commercial furniture. After fourteen years at Hines III, Inc., an architect approached Kathleen to see if she would be interested in collaborating on a large residential project. She accepted, soon realizing her passion for residential interior design. It was in 1996 when KMH Design was officially created.
Kathleen's approach to design is contemporary and minimal in nature, focusing on innovative solutions to create clean, elegant, and restful spaces. Without any formal training, her designs are untouched by the formality of mainstream viewpoints thereby presenting us with truly unique interiors.
“I try never to follow trends but always remain true to simple, clean and timeless designs. We do a lot of research to find new materials and their usage then incorporate them into our design concepts so that each project retains its own identity and function for the client.”
- Kathleen Hines Franza
Daniela Santos
Architect & Designer
Daniela, schooled in architecture by Sao Judas Tadeu University in Sao Paulo, Brazil, came to the US in 2011 with over 14 years of working in the fields of interior architecture and interior design in both residential and commercial arenas as well as running her own architecture and design studio. Following our firm's minimal, contemporary aesthetic, Daniela was instantly suited to carry the KMH design philosophy to the next level of detail.
"As an architect with experience in interior spaces, I enjoy digging deep in to every detail of a project while offering not only technical solutions but design solutions. I have the unique experience of drafting, creating and designing for clients and witnessing the process from sketch to installation."
-Daniela Santos
Kristen McFarland
Project & Design Assistant
Kristen joined our team with a strong foundation in residential interior design and a lifelong connection to the world of custom home building. A graduate of the University of North Florida (2019), she lives in Jacksonville Beach with her husband and two dogs. With over four years of hands-on experience in interior design and a background shaped by her father, a high-end residential contractor, Kristen brings a unique blend of creativity and technical knowledge to every project. Her keen eye for detail and exceptional organizational skills help keep each phase of the process running smoothly and efficiently.
“One day I was learning to ride a bike, and the next I was holding a hammer helping my dad. Architecture and design have been a part of me for as long as I can remember. I love incorporating organic, natural elements to create spaces that feel calming and functional. Every project is unique, and being a part of turning someone’s vision into the home of their dreams is what inspires me most.”
-Kristen McFarland