Hello and welcome to my tiny corner of the universe. My name is Kate Mills, and I’m the face behind McK Design Co.
My Design Roots
I graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Madison with a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design and a minor in Textile Science. I began my career working for a nationally awarded Interior Design studio in Chicago, specializing in a mix of commercial and development projects. I worked with the top builders across the country, assisting with the design and development of model homes in new multi-family housing communities. In 2016, I began working with my own independent clients, a mix of high-end residential and commercial office projects.
My career path has led me to specialize in material specification and selection. Also serving on the rep side of the Interiors industry, I’ve work for one of the most highly respected textile manufacturers, based out of the UK, consulting with other trade professionals on the best fabrics and wallcoverings for their projects.
Yacht Design
Having grown up around boats, I’ve always had a fascination and an affinity for watercraft, never missing a local boat show. Since beginning my career as an Interior Designer, I have dreamt of becoming a Yacht Designer, combining my two greatest passions. After attending the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show in 2017, and stepping foot on the docs at Bahia Mar Marina, I knew I wanted to pursue Yacht Design.
I eventually moved across the world and enrolled at Politecnico di Milano for my Master’s Degree. My goal in completing the Yacht Design program was to better understand all components of a yacht and how they all work together, between the exterior, the interior, and the engineering systems. I had the opportunity to learn alongside students from ten different countries with various backgrounds and experiences. I also got to personally travel to thirteen new countries during my time living abroad.
After completing my Master’s Degree in Milan, I relocated to Turin, Italy to join the Technical Office at a world renowned Shipyard. I was tasked as the liaison between US clients and the Italian technical design department to assist with customizations and work on a brand new concept series specifically intended for the US market.
2020 & Beyond
March 1, 2020 I rushed to return home after the first few towns in Italy went into lockdown, and unsure of what the future had in store. I went from one hot-spot to the next, driving out to New York on March 19, 2020 for a job opportunity, the day after the city completely shut down. Covid has affected all of us in different capacities, and I’m thankful for the good health of my closest friends and family as we hopefully begin to move past this terrible time in history.
I now feel like I’m finally starting to experience life in New York, almost a year after first arriving, now living with my boyfriend and our dog Fagan. My dog is a 9-year old Golden Retriever mix (pictured above) who still has that puppy spirit and is always by my side.
I’m so happy you discovered McK Design Co., and I hope you find some inspiration or learn something new while clicking around. Feel free to hop on over to the Contact page to reach out today.
Cheers!
