Behind the Scenes with Chele Mckee: The Art of Transforming Spaces

Renowned Design and Brand experience leader Chele Mckee sees spaces differently. With a career spanning decades and encompassing work for major brands like Warner Bros, Disney, Adidas, and The North Face, as well as independent luxury brands, she brings unique solutions to complex design challenges.

From New York’s iconic World Trade Center to historic Mackinac Island, Chele Mckee has tackled some of the most high-profile and challenging design projects with remarkable ingenuity and determination. This ability to craft strategic visions and execute them, even in the face of unusual challenges, has made her a sought-after designer for retail, studios, hospitality, and outdoor performance brands alike.

Overcoming High-Security Hurdles at the World Trade Center 

One of Chele’s most intricate projects involved conceptualizing and executing a new flagship design at the iconic Oculus in New York City’s World Trade Center, a creation of renowned architect Santiago Calatrava. Due to the site’s iconic nature and unique safety requirements, navigating the design approval process was complex and lengthy.

Every item needed for construction and store opening had to undergo multiple orchestrated pickup schedules and FBI scans before being allowed on-site. This meant meticulous planning was crucial, even down to scheduling the delivery of a simple paintbrush and all products weeks in advance.

Chele approached this challenge with her characteristic blend of creativity and practicality.

Working underground at the World Trade Center alongside union trades, she anticipated every potential need during store opening. Her proactive approach ensured all elements were pre-approved and readily available when needed. This level of foresight and adaptability allowed her to successfully navigate the intricate security protocols while still bringing to life a store that harmonized with her vision and the location’s iconic architecture.

Historic Renovation Under Unique Conditions 

Renovations at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island during COVID-19 also required attention to logistics. Mackinac Island prohibits motor vehicles, relying instead on horse-drawn transportation. The hotel is closed from November to May as it is surrounded by a frozen lake for much of the year, further complicating logistics.

The large scope and short time window demanded innovative solutions. Chele had to rethink her entire approach to sourcing and transporting materials. She had to consider not just the design elements but also how and if each piece would make its journey to the hotel. Her solution involved breaking down larger elements into smaller, more manageable pieces that could be reassembled on-site.

Large items had to be carefully planned and scheduled to arrive when the ferry was operational. Smaller items were flown in on tiny commuter planes. Once on the island, everything had to be transported by horse and carriage to the hotel.

Despite these unusual constraints, Chele successfully modernized the first-floor lobby and 12 retail spaces while honoring their historic character. She managed to do this over a short 5-month window when the hotel was closed for the winter.

Cultural Adaptation and Global Projects 

Chele’s problem-solving skills were put to the test in a different way when she was tasked with launching a young men’s fashion brand in India’s first mall. This project required not just design expertise but also a deep understanding of cultural differences and local business practices.

One of the biggest challenges she faced was the difference in communication styles and work processes. She found that the typical methods of project management and progress tracking she was accustomed to in the U.S. and Europe didn’t apply in India. Instead of receiving regular updates and photos of the construction progress, Chele often had to wait until she was on-site to see the actual state of the project.

This experience taught her the importance of flexibility and cultural sensitivity in her work. She learned to adapt her communication style and expectations to align with local practices while still maintaining the high standards of design and execution for which she is known.

Perhaps most impressively, Chele’s work in India showcased her ability to seamlessly blend local craftsmanship with brand aesthetics and modern retail practices. The success of this project expanded her toolkit, adding cross-cultural expertise to her already impressive skill set.

Overcoming Obstacles, Delivering Excellence 

Chele’s portfolio showcases her ability to transform spaces into captivating experiences, regardless of the challenges she faces. From navigating intense security measures to adapting to unusual transportation constraints and bridging cultural gaps, she consistently exceeds expectations.

Through every project, Chele Mckee shows that spaces can become meaningful experiences when approached with creativity and care. It’s evident that her success comes from more than just impressive design skills—it’s her ability to overcome challenges, adapt to unique environments, and maintain high standards no matter the obstacles. This adaptability continues to shape her future projects and keeps her at the forefront of her field.

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