About Us

" At home and in design, I believe every detail—and every being—contributes to harmony."

Before founding Universal Designs, Deanna sharpened her technical expertise as a CAD (Computer Aided Design) specialist for electrical contractors and later led the engineering team for a local electrical manufacturer—experience that honed her precision, systems know-how, and fluency with advanced modeling tools. Early in her career, she also contributed to select CAD projects for the globally recognized architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. Their interest in expanding the collaboration affirmed her strong technical foundation—though she ultimately chose a more personalized path that allowed her to develop the intuitive, client-centered approach she’s known for today.

She went on to earn her degree from the Harrington Institute of Interior Design and complete an internship at Chicago’s iconic Merchandise Mart, then spent over 25 years crafting interiors and advising on material selections.

At Universal Designs, Inc., Deanna leads both our Build and Interiors divisions with a holistic philosophy: well-chosen materials and thoughtfully curated décor do more than look beautiful—they support productivity, well-being, and authentic expression. She partners closely with architects, contractors, craftsmen, and artisans to plan every detail—using 3D modeling to give you a virtual walkthrough before construction or installation begins.

Great projects are built on trust. Whether guiding a custom home, refreshing a boutique office, or advising on build-phase material selections, Deanna is honored to collaborate with you—combining her technical rigor and intuitive vision to transform your space into an environment that looks stunning and feels effortlessly aligned with your goals.