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
Senior Designer & Project Lead
Daniela’s design approach blends creative vision with a strong foundation in technical detail. She earned her degree in architecture from Sao Judas Tadeu University in Sao Paulo, where she spent more than a decade working in corporate and commercial interiors. After moving to the U.S. in 2011 Daniela joined KMH Design and has been an integral part of the team ever since. Over the past ten years, she has expanded her expertise and grown into a lead designer, collaborating on more than 20 residential projects from initial concept through completion. Daniela values the collaborative nature of design and enjoys working closely with architects, contractors, and trades to bring each project together seamlessly. With over twenty years of experience across residential, corporate, and commercial design, she is committed to creating thoughtful, functional, and beautifully crafted spaces that reflect KMH Design’s high standard of excellence.
-Daniela Santos
Kristen McFarland
Project & Design Assistant
Kristen’s design approach brings together a refined creative sensibility and a strong grounding in residential design. She earned her degree from the University of North Florida in 2019 and began her career working in high-end residential interiors, where she developed a deep understanding of both design intent and technical execution. Born and raised in Florida, Kristen has long been connected to custom home building, drawing early inspiration from her father, a high-end residential contractor. Since joining KMH Design, she has contributed to a wide range of residential projects, offering thoughtful design solutions that balance comfort, clarity, and timeless appeal. With numerous years of hands-on experience, Kristen is known for her attention to detail and her collaborative approach. She values the process and ensures each phase of the project moves seamlessly from concept through completion.
-Kristen McFarland