South Carolina
Design leadership, remote coordination, specialist finishes
Context
This project involved converting an unused space beneath a garage into a dedicated home movie theater. The room came with physical constraints – including metal floor joists above – which required careful planning for lighting, acoustics, and ceiling treatment.
The client wanted a space that felt theatrical and fun, but not showy – a room her family could genuinely enjoy together.
My involvement
I worked remotely with the client, building on an existing relationship and a high level of trust. My role was to design the overall look and feel of the room, coordinate across trades, and carry responsibility for how the space came together visually and practically.
I collaborated closely with the client’s carpenter, AV specialist, and electrician, using mock-ups, visual references, and clear communication to guide decisions and ensure the work was executed well from a distance.
Digital rendering and finished space
Key Moments
- Designing lighting around the structural constrains while creating a cinematic sequence from arrival to viewing.
- Using light to reveal key finishes before the room settled into darkness.
- Creating a theatrical palette that felt immersive rather than themed.
- Turning an existing air-conditioning unit into a quiet background element
- Raising the rear seating to improve comfort and sightlines
- Combining acoustic performance with personality through custom printed panels
- Coordinating the design remotely across states
Outcome
The finished room is immersive, comfortable, and deliberately informal – a space designed for shared enjoyment rather than display. It’s used by both adults and children, with movie nights firmly established as part of family life. The only thing left to add was the popcorn machine.
