Established in Expertise
Established in 2008, Universal Designs operates through two complementary divisions — Build (material specifications and renovation leadership) and Interiors (furnishings, décor, and lighting).
Each project is organized from the outset and guided through coordinated execution from specification to final installation.
We collaborate with carefully selected architects, builders, engineers, and craftspeople — assembling the appropriate team to match the scope and complexity of the work.
Meet the Founder
With over 30 years of experience in custom residential and boutique commercial design, Deanna Cash leads Universal Designs with technical expertise and refined aesthetic judgment.
Her early career included work with Kiewit Network Technologies, a division of Kiewit Corporation, within large-scale telecommunications and infrastructure environments. She also completed contract work within nationally recognized architectural settings — experiences that established the systems-based thinking and disciplined execution that continue to inform the firm’s approach. She later worked extensively within private residences across Chicago’s North Shore, refining her ability to navigate complex residential projects with discretion and composure.
Universal Designs operates as a collaborative studio model. Depending on scope, Deanna coordinates closely with licensed architects, builders, engineers, trades, and specialized consultants to ensure every project moves forward with accountability. Each professional is selected for technical excellence and shared standards — allowing the design vision to carry through from initial planning to final styling.
The result is a practice grounded in execution — delivering environments that are refined and fully realized.
Quote from Deanna:
“I approach every project as a system — where beauty, function, and financial clarity must work together. When decisions are made deliberately, the result is not only beautiful, but aligned with how my clients truly want to 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.
Additional common questions are answered in our Frequently Asked Questions Page here. FAQ
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 scale or more complex projects, this phase may include getting to know the client, their priorities, and how they live in the home, along with on-site measuring, photography, evaluation of existing conditions, and the development of a realistic project budget. This work establishes scope, priorities, and investment before formal design begins.
Phase 2 - Programming
Formal documentation, selections, and design development.
Building on the information gathered, we develop layouts, finalize materials, and refine key decisions through focused working sessions. Documentation is prepared to bring the project into clear, construction-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
