About
Since founding her firm in 1993, KENNE SHEPHERD, AIA, LEED AP ID+C, WELL AP has established a reputation as a highly-skilled architect and interior designer. Her work, marked by a refined use of color, materials, and technology, speaks to a deep understanding of her clients’ needs and a respect for their budgets.
But Ms. Shepherd’s vision goes beyond aesthetics. Her dedication to sustainable design and wellness is a driving force in her work, reflecting a profound respect and desire to enhance how we live, work, and play. Her designs are not just beautiful; they are responsible and thoughtful.
Kenne Shepherd’s influence extends beyond her projects. Her insights into the transformative power of design have made her a sought-after speaker, and her writings have appeared on the pages of numerous publications. Among her accolades are:
- Selected as a CREi2023 Woman of Influence
- The Mann Charitable Foundation’s 2019 “Leading Ladies Honoree”
- Real Estate Forum’s 2018 Women of Influence Hall of Fame
- CREW New York’s 2018 Impact Award for Career Advancement for Women
- Sokol Media’s recognition as one of the Top Women in Real Estate in 2016
Licensed in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut and holding both LEED AP ID+C and WELL AP credentials, Ms. Shepherd leads a woman-owned, certified WBE firm.
Her active participation in organizations like the American Institute of Architects (AIA) New York Chapter, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), and Commercial Real Estate Women of New York (CREW New York) further demonstrates her commitment to her field. Ms. Shepherd has served on CREW New York’s Board for eight years as a Committee Chair and is currently CREW New York’s Program Chair.
For Kenne Shepherd, her work is not just about creating beautiful spaces; it’s about crafting meaningful environments that resonate with those who inhabit them. Her approach is subtle yet profound, reflecting a blend of creativity, integrity, and a forward-thinking perspective on design.
We had a combination interior decoration and infrastructure project; furniture, carpets, wall treatments and window treatments; custom closets, book cases and radiator covers; and total renovation of kitchen and bath rooms. Because Firm owner is also an architect, she designed construction work and found and supervised the general contractor. Project came in on time and on budget. All work was of top quality. Not only impressed all of our friends; but as we live in a co-op also received positive reviews from building staff on Firm’s professionalism.
Approach
As architects and interior designers, we recognize the profound impact of design on our daily lives and well-being. Our approach goes beyond aesthetics, embracing wellness and sustainability to create spaces that enhance the quality of life and reflect a responsible connection to our environment.
We fully engage with the challenge of every project, whether a retail store or private residence. We respond to our client’s needs, the existing space, and its intended use, integrating these elements with health and sustainability into a cohesive design.
Our goal is to embody our client’s identity and lifestyle in a sophisticated, healthy, and sustainable environment that is distinct, cost-effective, and of the highest integrity and quality.
History
Founded in 1993, Kenne Shepherd Interior Design Architecture PLLC (KSI) is a New York City-based, woman-owned interior architectural design firm and a certified Woman Business Enterprise (WBE). Specializing in luxury lifestyle design, KSI designs customized interiors for retail stores, residences, art galleries, and spas. Our approach translates our clients’ unique visions, values, and missions into sophisticated, contemporary interiors.
With a passion for design and a deep understanding of wellness and sustainability, KSI guides clients from initial design concepts to project completion, creating efficient, memorable interiors. Our projects, marked by a striking presence and clarity, integrate architecture, interior design, and decorating services.
This comprehensive approach is evident in our creative use of materials and technology, our consultant team’s expertise, and the exceptional quality of our completed projects, realized through close collaboration with our clients and consultants throughout the construction process.
KSI’s commitment to excellence has been recognized in numerous publications, including Interior Design’s Best in Design, VM+SD, Display & Design Ideas, Shops & Boutiques, and Stores of the Year.
Our work reflects our creativity and expertise and our dedication to creating meaningful environments that connect with those who experience them
Design – good design –
has the power to change
our lives for the better.
I am as passionate
about exploring the
power of design,
its methods & technologies,
to enhance our daily experience
as when I started my firm
30 years ago.
Kenne Shepherd, AIA
LEED AP ID+C, WELL AP
Vision
Modern, clean, and sophisticated, Kenne Shepherd’s aesthetic employs all the tools of contemporary design to memorable effect. They range from rich colors, sophisticated materials, and custom furniture and fixtures to the latest communications technology, lighting innovations, and construction methods. The luxurious spaces that result are complex in their imagery, layered with meaning, and rich with information. These are highly detailed environments that are the embodiment of style and the satisfaction of the good life.
Branding
Our first step in every luxury retail project is to immerse ourselves in our client’s brand. We analyze their merchandise and existing locations and their PR, advertising, corporate information, and coverage in the media. And we get to know their customers’ lifestyles, preferences, and what they look for in a retail/lifestyle experience. We offer their brand as a seamless, three-dimensional space – a dynamic, changing environment where the consumer enters our clients’ world in a dramatic, unmistakable way.
Green Design
We are committed to creating environments that promote the health and well-being of our clients while protecting the planet. Using the principles of green design and wellness design; we provide our clients with environmentally responsible, healthy environments. We understand the importance of the LEED and the WELL Building Standards in creating environments that promote the health and well-being of the occupant while ensuring a sustainable future for the planet.