Established in Expertise

 

Since 2008, Universal Designs has serviced Chicago's North Shore.
Elegant chandelier with radiating light beams in a high-ceiling room with large windows.
Deanna Cash, Deanna R Cash

Meet the Founder

 

Deanna Cash leads Universal Designs, combining a technical background with decades of residential experience to guide complex projects from planning through completion.

Quote from Deanna:

“I approach every project as a system,  where beauty, function, and financial clarity work together. When decisions are made deliberately, the result is not only beautiful, but naturally aligned with how my clients live.”

Our Philosophy

Every project begins with the same goal: to create a home that feels refined, supportive, and grounded in daily life.

Regardless of style, the outcome should feel steady and resolved.

We design environments that are architecturally sound and materially considered — completed with care from structure to final furnishing.

How We Work

Our projects move through a defined sequence of phases, each building on the last. This process establishes scope, budget direction, and design development from start to finish.

At the center of our process is the Keystone Method, a structured approach that aligns design vision, material selections, and investment before construction begins.

This process brings clarity to hundreds of interconnected decisions, ensuring each choice supports the next. By resolving details early, we protect the integrity of the design, reduce costly changes, and create a more seamless building experience.

Additional common questions are answered in our Frequently Asked Questions Page here. FAQ

Keystone

Method

 Blueprint Session

Strategic clarity before design begins.

A strategic consultation to define scope, priorities, and investment alignment before formal engagement begins.

Phase 1 - Exploratory

Client discovery, site evaluation, and conceptual design.

For larger or more complex projects, this phase focuses on understanding how the client lives, their priorities, and how the home needs to function.

We assess existing conditions, gather field information, and establish a realistic project budget, defining scope and investment before formal design begins.

Guided by our Keystone Method, key decisions are aligned early, bringing clarity before construction begins.

Phase 2 - Design Development

Formal documentation, selections, and design development.

Building on the foundation established in the Exploratory phase, we develop layouts, finalize materials, and refine key decisions through focused working sessions.

This is where the design takes shape, each element is chosen in alignment with the established scope and investment. With a clear framework in place, the process becomes more focused, efficient, and enjoyable.

All elements are coordinated and documented, and construction drawings are prepared, bringing the project into a clear, build-ready form.

Phase 3 - Procurement

Selections finalized and procurement managed with care.

Once selections are approved, we manage proposals, purchasing, and tracking to ensure each element is sourced and coordinated to maintain design consistency.

Phase 4 - Installation

Professional coordination, final styling, and project realization.

When included in scope, we oversee delivery, installation, and final styling so each element is placed with care and attention to detail. A project is considered complete only when every detail is resolved and the space is fully realized.

Testimonials

Three gray stars aligned horizontally.

We had an excellent experience working with Deanna! She is very knowledgeable and has a great sense of style/taste! My only regret is not finding/hiring Deanna before we even started our project. My husband and I didn't always agree on many things when building/designing/decorating our home. She really helped us get to a place of agreement!

She was very instrumental in every decision we made outside of the build-out. From color, hardware, flooring, light fixtures, wallpaper, to closet, cabinet, and bathroom design. And when I am ready for more projects, Deanna will be the first one I call!

Christina R.

Harwood Heights, IL

Three gray stars aligned horizontally.

Deanna Cash encompasses all the qualities of a 5 star interior designer. My professional job incorporates constant contact with interior designers on a daily basis, so my commentary and this review relates to my comparison of Deanna along with some of Chicago's finest interior designers. Her architectural accreditation, unique sources, and ability to decipher all job challenges ( technically and aesthetically), have accomplished amazing spaces in three personal projects...my private home , a small high end rental retreat, and a complete condo rehab.

Listening carefully to my needs, meeting my budget requirements , and honoring deadlines are even more of Deanna Cash's interior design strengths!

Sue S.

Winnetka, IL

Three gray stars aligned horizontally.

Universal Designs has helped us design our home the way we have only dreamt about. Through them we were able to embellish our existing decor with beautiful lighting, amazing accessories and adding fine pieces of furniture to complement our lifestyle. Working with Deanna made all our projects small or large, something exciting to look forward to.

Universal Designs is very capable of meeting our ever changing family wishes and budgets til this day.Thank you Deanna!!

Michelle

Wilmette, IL

Three gray stars aligned horizontally.

I purchased a home that had the living room and kitchen facing the woods - privacy and security were concerns on the main level and I brought in Universal Designs to evaluate my home to make recommendations on window treatments.

Deanna asked many pertinent questions to get to know me, my style and what I was trying to achieve. The living room had two-story windows and I was looking to incorporate the kitchen on the same back wall as well. For privacy, she recommended bamboo shades for the kitchen and bottom half of the living room windows. She then suggested long panels to incorporate the two storied windows for a dramatic effect.

Deanna was very professional, provided many different options to choose from and in the end she worked within my budget to achieve the project goals.

Deanna is brilliant in working with room characteristics and infusing fresh elements. Very creative and sincere!

Michelle B.

Charlotte, NC