An introduction to our collaborative design process and what to expect when working with The Curator.
Your Project Journey Begins Here
Welcome Guide
Whether you're envisioning a completely transformed home, reimagining your boutique hotel, or creating a workspace that inspires your team, this guide will help you understand how we work, what we believe, and what it's like to collaborate with The Curator.
Our approach is simple: design should elevate the everyday—whether that's a morning in your kitchen, a guest's stay at your boutique hotel, or a team working in a thoughtfully designed office. With a background in fine arts and years of experience in high-end residential and hospitality design, we bring creativity, detail, and vision to every project.
We're so glad you're here.
We approach every project with intention — combining artistry, architecture, and emotion to create interiors that resonate.
Meaning in the Design
Luxury in the Details
Our Philosophy
We believe in collaboration, translating lifestyle and story into design form through deep listening.
Connection
Our spaces are designed to endure — never trend-driven, always effortlessly current and refined.
Timelessness
We collaborate with the finest artisans and trades to bring ideas to life with the utmost integrity.
Craftsmanship
Every choice has meaning — nothing is arbitrary, every detail intentionally placed and considered.
Intentionality
Our Ethos
Working with The Curator means you're not just hiring a designer—you're gaining a creative partner who's as invested in your vision as you are. We listen deeply, collaborate openly, and bring both expertise and intuition to every decision. Our goal is to create spaces that feel authentically yours, while elevating them beyond what you imagined possible.
What This Means for You
After completion, we conduct a comprehensive review to ensure operational functionality, aesthetic integrity, and overall guest experience meet the highest standards. We walk through each space with you, addressing any final details and ensuring everything functions as intended. This final phase ensures your hotel is visually exceptional.
Post-Completion Review
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phase
Our team oversees every aspect of installation and on-site coordination to guarantee that each area meets our exacting design intent. From the lobby to suites and public spaces, every detail is managed with precision and care. We're present during critical installation moments, styling each space as furnishings arrive, and making real-time adjustments.
Implementation & Installation
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phase
Once the concept is approved, we develop the detailed design specifications and procurement plans to bring the design to reality. We source furnishings, fixtures, and custom elements from our trusted network of vendors and artisans, managing all communications to ensure quality, timelines, and budget adherence to ensure that your investment is handled with care.
Documentation & Procurement
03
phase
We translate your vision into a complete design concept that brings your space to life on paper before any kind of implementation begins. This comprehensive phase includes spatial planning for public areas, guest rooms, and back-of-house operations; material, finish, and color palette development; furniture, lighting, and fixture selection.
Concept & Design Development
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phase
We begin with a deep dive into your project goals, brand identity, and target guest experience. This discovery phase includes reviewing architectural plans, understanding operational needs, and assessing site conditions. We take time to truly listen—learning about your vision, your challenges, and how you want people to experience your space. This foundation ensures every decision we make aligns with your objectives.
Discovery & Vision
01
phase
Every project is unique, but our process ensures clarity, collaboration, and exceptional results from start to finish. Here's what working together looks like:
How We Work Together
Your Project Journey
Every project we take on becomes a unique expression of our clients' stories, needs, and dreams.
Here are a few spaces we've had the privilege of creating:
Recent Work
An artful balance of minimalism and warmth. Natural stone, soft plaster, and bespoke furniture create a serene, textural retreat that feels lived-in and loved.
Our Approach
Our clients wanted a home that felt serene and uncluttered, but also warm and collected—not cold or minimalist.
The Challenge
The Westmont Residence
Urban edge meets classic restraint. Layered neutrals, sculptural lighting, and tailored detailing define this modern space that's both refined and livable.
Our Approach
A modern urban space that needed to feel sophisticated without losing warmth or personality.
The Challenge
The Parkview Loft
A study in effortless luxury — timeless architecture paired with lived-in comfort and a sense of quiet romance.
Our Approach
Creating a luxurious escape that honored the property's architectural heritage while feeling effortlessly current.
The Challenge
The Vineyard House
That's perfectly fine—and actually quite common. Part of our process is helping you discover and articulate your vision through conversation, inspiration imagery, and our expertise. Many clients know how they want a space to feel without knowing exactly what it should look like, and that's where we excel.
What if I don't have a clear vision yet?
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Absolutely. We love incorporating heirlooms, existing investments, or pieces you already love into the design. We design around those anchors.
Do you work with existing furniture or pieces?
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As much or as little as you'd like. Some clients prefer to be involved in every selection, while others trust us to curate choices and present refined options for approval. We adapt our process to your communication style and availability.
How involved will I be?
04
Our Design Consultation is perfect for guidance on specific decisions. Space Refresh transforms individual rooms with curated sourcing and styling. Full-Service Interior Design manages everything from concept to installation. E-Design provides a complete design plan you can implement at your own pace. We'll help you determine the best fit during our discovery call.
What's the difference between your service offerings?
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Yes. While we're based in Charleston, we work with clients throughout the region and beyond. For projects outside our local area, we offer travel consultations and virtual design services to ensure seamless collaboration regardless of location.
Do you work outside of Charleston?
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Full-service projects typically span 4-8 months from initial discovery to final installation, depending on the scope and complexity. E-Design projects can be completed in 4-6 weeks. We'll provide a detailed timeline specific to your project during our proposal phase.
How long does a typical project take?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Questions?
Emma Parks brings 10 years of experience in high-end residential and hospitality design to every project. With a background in fine arts and a passion for spaces that tell stories, she has built a practice rooted in intentionality, craftsmanship, and collaboration.
Based in Charleston, Emma draws inspiration from the city's rich architectural heritage, coastal light, and artisan traditions—while creating interiors that feel timeless, collected, and deeply personal. When not designing, you'll find her exploring galleries, hunting for vintage finds, and enjoying the Lowcountry landscape.
Founder, Principal Designer of The Curator
About Emma
