Biographies

Kay Ford Smith | Donald E. (Don) Smith

Kay Ford Smith has a priceless and practical classical education in design and decorating. Having traveled and lived around the world, she has directly experienced exotic cultures and life styles. An experienced buyer, Kay lived in Europe for over 16 years, venturing to Italy, France, England, and Germany to buy furniture and accessories.

Her unique design and decorating sense emanates from the timeless sophistication and qualities found in the European continent, and the exotic flair and mystery revealed in the Mid and Far East, which she developed while living and traveling abroad. Combining those sensibilities with her southern roots from Mississippi and Tennessee, Kay offers you a unique and differentiating expertise and style unlike most other interior decorators. Kay’s education and experience cannot be duplicated.

Tutored and trained by the merchants of Venice and Forence, Italy in textiles, textures, color, and tones found in Italian fabrics, Kay brings world famous Italian design expertise to you and her work.

Kay’s education in interior design includes 28 years of study. A faithful student, Kay has devoured and implemented ideas from Architectural Digest, Southern Accents, Traditional Home, and Southern Living. She has been educated by author / experts Chris Casson Madden, Lynette Jennings, and Christopher Lowell. And, Kay completed a design course in furniture arrangement and choosing accessories from Julia Sanders.

Kay has clients throughout the United States. Able to work with people from around the world, Kay brings patience and a keen sense of knowing what will work for her clients. With a sharp eye for form, balance, and style, Kay can help you see your home in a new way that works for you and that you will love.

Donald E. (Don) Smith directs the operations of Kay’s Interiors. Don brings extensive artistic talents to bear on each client engagement. He earned a Bachelors degree of Architecture from the University of Idaho and his Master of Science (Logistics Management) from the Florida Institute of Technology. Don is also a graduate of the Famous Artists' School located in Westport, Connecticut, where he studied creative design, commercial art, and fashion design. Don provides formal design expertise in the design and implementation of client assignments.

A retired Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army, with extensive operational experience and training, Don manages the overall project taking care of the details. As an Army Officer, Don was selected to teach at the University of California, Los Angeles, California as an Assistant Professor of Military Science. In addition, Don was appointed Course Director for the prestigious Armed Forces Staff College, National Defense University, Norfolk, Virginia.

Don also was employed by Raytheon Corporation, a world leader in electronics, technical services, and aerospace. In addition, Don worked for General Motors supporting engineers in the Test Driving Division.

Don contributes to the end result you are looking for in the following ways. After the assessment step is completed, where Kay interviews the client and tours their home, Don and Kay discuss the options and recommendations that make the most sense for the client. Don then helps with physical arrangements and final design. Instrumental to achieving the end result, Don teams with Kay to provide a complete solution.

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