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From iconic landmarks to remote islands, the acclaimed designer navigates complex challenges with creativity, cultural insight, and a relentless pursuit of excellence
Renowned for her transformative touch and strategic vision, Chele Mckee stands out as a leading force in design and brand experience. With a portfolio spanning decades and collaborations with global giants like Warner Bros, Disney, Adidas, and The North Face, as well as niche luxury brands, Chele brings an extraordinary ability to craft immersive, high-impact environments across retail, hospitality, studios, and performance brands.
Whether she’s reimagining retail in New York’s World Trade Center or reviving historic elegance on Michigan’s Mackinac Island, Chele’s work reflects a remarkable blend of ingenuity, logistical precision, and unwavering commitment to storytelling through space.
Reimagining the World Trade Center: Designing Under Pressure
One of Chele’s most complex and prestigious projects took shape within New York City’s iconic Oculus at the World Trade Center, designed by Santiago Calatrava. Tasked with creating a new flagship retail experience, Chele had to navigate more than just design constraints—she faced the unique challenge of operating within one of the most secure and symbolically significant locations in the country.
Due to the location’s stringent security protocols, even the simplest construction items required FBI screening and detailed scheduling. From paintbrushes to display fixtures, each element had to be pre-approved and delivered under tight surveillance.
Working underground, hand-in-hand with union trades, Chele anticipated every scenario, meticulously planning the build-out to ensure seamless execution. Her strategic foresight and adaptability enabled her to maintain artistic integrity while working within the site’s strict operational framework—resulting in a store that echoed the architectural gravitas of its surroundings.
The Grand Hotel: A Historic Makeover on Mackinac Island
A completely different challenge awaited Chele on Mackinac Island, where motor vehicles are prohibited and winter isolates the island from November to May. Here, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, she was entrusted with modernizing the legendary Grand Hotel.
Faced with a five-month renovation window and logistical constraints that included transporting goods via ferry, tiny planes, and horse-drawn carriages, Chele had to rethink every element of her design plan. Materials were broken into smaller components for ease of transport and reassembly on-site, while large items were meticulously timed with the limited ferry schedule.
Despite the limitations, Chele successfully renovated the hotel’s first-floor lobby and 12 retail spaces—infusing contemporary luxury while respecting the property’s historic character. Her ability to reimagine logistics while honoring legacy proved key to delivering the project on time and with stunning results.
Cultural Adaptation: Designing for a Global Audience in India
Chele’s talents extend beyond design into cultural intelligence. When tasked with launching a young men’s fashion brand in India’s first mall, she was challenged not only by the project’s scope but by the nuances of local communication and business practices.
In a region where traditional project tracking methods were inconsistent, Chele had to pivot—trading structured workflows for flexibility and trust in local teams. Despite delays and limited visibility, she delivered a store that not only met brand standards but celebrated Indian craftsmanship with global appeal.
The success of this venture reinforced her belief in cultural empathy as a design tool and added yet another layer to her global expertise.
Crafting Experience Through Every Challenge
What sets Chele Mckee apart is more than just her exceptional design acumen—it’s her resilience, adaptability, and strategic foresight. She doesn’t just create beautiful spaces; she crafts experiences that are meaningful, memorable, and meticulously tailored to their environment.
Whether she’s navigating high-security approvals in Manhattan, planning around frozen lakes in the Midwest, or bridging cultural divides in Asia, Chele approaches each challenge as an opportunity to innovate. Her projects consistently deliver both creative brilliance and operational excellence—a rare combination that keeps her at the forefront of her industry.
Chele Mckee’s story is one of vision, grit, and unmatched versatility. And in every space she transforms, her artistry continues to leave a lasting impression.
