INTERIOR DESIGN FOCUS AND SERVICES


I was always inspired by the pioneers who developed the modern interior design firm. People such as Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Jacques Ruhlmann, Dorothy Draper and Donald Deskey created the idea of an entire room as an element of design. A cohesive vision from the layout, customization and selection of all materials. If it did not exist they designed it, recolored it or invented it. I mirror that same philosophy and believe you can make anything happen.

My personal favorite design style is a modern mix. This is an eclectic style combining simplified traditional and modern elements against a clean uncluttered backdrop. It uses classically designed furnishings of all periods working together with simple fabrics. It definitely involves a "less is more" attitude. We will take that approach and intergrate it into the client's style or period.

At Philadelphia Design Company Inc., we see the project through the eye of the client. We look at their collected inspirational material, their possessions, their space and most importantly, we listen. With the variation in cultures and the definition of taste changes, we interpret the client's ideas into what works for them while also offering a wider appeal that educates them. We believe a well informed and educated client is a happy one. Collaboration of all parties involved is the key to success. Having the client see your design completed and seeing them show off their home to friends & family with pride and joy, you know the home displays their personality and vision.



We are a full service design firm offering:

Plan and Program a Project - Meet with the client and discuss the scope of the project and create a list of needs and wants as well as a timeline for implementing the project. This could be a joint meeting between architect, designer, builder and client.

Layout and Schematics - Measure, prepare or capture from other sources the required plans and develop choices of direction for the client. This could involve visual architectural direction.

Full Documentation AutoCAD and Hand Drawn - Once a direction is established we would then draw up specific plans laying out the space and review with the client the relationship of everything in the space, i.e. base plans, furniture, electrical furniture, and lighting.

Architectural Detailing - Develop plans for custom cabinetry, paneling, molding, doors & trim, etc. This could involve specific detailing of architectural elements collaborating with the architect and builder.

Full Specifications - Specifications of electrical fixtures, appliances, plumbing, HVAC grills etc. This could involve coordination with the architect, builder and related subcontractors

Interior Decorating and Expediting - Prepare floorcovering, paint, wallcovering and drapery plans, tile and stone specification and related details. This involves interaction between designer, subcontractors and workrooms.

Furnishings and Accessories - Selection of furnishings, fabrics, accessories, rugs, art, etc. This involves the selection, tracking, receiving, inspection and installation of all elements.

The process varies based on the size of the overall project. Something we always keep in mind is the quote "God is in the details", and documentation is our Bible.


HISTORY

The Summit Sales Center Circa 1971.

Prior to starting my own company, Kevin Cordes and Associates in 1970, I worked at John Wanamaker's in the display department at two locations (a suburban store and the main store Downtown). In 1970, with an education in fine art, advertising and display I started to freelance, working with various stores within the Wanamaker's chain doing window displays and designing in store shops. Throughout this time working with various display houses in New York, I became very aware of the artistic expression in packaging a look to attract a buyer.

In 1971, a local builder noticed a series of architectural window displays I had done and hired me to do a mall kiosk, advertising his housing development. With the success of the kiosk design I was then hired to design a sales center for what was to become the first condominium conversion in Pennsylvania. The purpose of the project was to bring a potential buyer through the benefits of condominium living and into the arms of a real estate sales professional.

My father had been in the mattress business and early in his carreer he worked with Grant Simmons designing mattresses and later would travel to the shows following the furniture market. I started traveling with him at 8 years of age and had the pleasure to meet many people in the business. In 1974, I went to the market in High Point and listed myself with Lyons Red Book (the furniture industry's Dun & Bradstreet) and went to the market on my own.

I had started to receive the attention of other builders and expanded into the next step of my career working on model homes. I extended the buyers experience focusing on their style and comfort . By 1976, I incorporated my business as Philadelphia Design Company Inc. (the idea in the name was to show that Philadelphia has a style of it's own. A definite design attitude.


WORKS IN PROGRESS

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SPECIALTY DESIGNS

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It is the job of the design team (which includes the client) to visit many sources to acquire the elements to create the look. In an effort to design the complete visual of a style, period or feeling of a project we have over the years designed pieces of furniture, objects and alterations to existing pieces.

Working with a group of talented cabinet makers, furniture workrooms, blacksmiths and iron shops we are able to expand on a look when an element does not exist, but should. We believe that the look must be cohesive and with that the cost to achieve the look can vary widely, from quite inexpensive to costly - and everywhere in between.
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It is the sum of the space that matters. Bringing together production pieces, color customized pieces and bench built pieces creates a complete visual narrative of the space. Understanding the client and the client understanding the feeling they are after makes the project complete and visually satisfying.

We love what we do and to that end whatever it takes to do it we do.

OUR TEAM

Marty Patterson

Principle & Interior Designer

Stephen Ross

Graphic Arts Director & Staff Designer

Diana Deharo

Staff Designer and Expeditor

Andy Souder

Logistics Manager & Guilder


OUR FOUNDER - Kevin Cordes (1948-2023)

Kevin Cordes. Award Winning Designer, Artist, Teacher, Mentor, Friend, these are just a few of the words that come to mind when we describe our founder and friend.

Philadelphia Design was founded by Kevin in 1976 and for over 47 years it continues to be recognized as a leading design firm known for timeless designs, attention to detail, ability to deliver exceptional spaces and our 5 Star client rating.

As a result of Kevin Cordess vision and training, Philadelphia Design continues to be a leading firm not only in the Main Line and Greater Philadelphia region but across the United States.

In life and design, Kevin understood and trained our team in the significance of each little thing in every design detail. His lifelong goal was to build and train a cohesive talented design team dedicated to ensuring that Philadelphia Designs legacy continues for at least another 50 years successfully delivering client centric Award-Winning Designs across the United States. Kevin had the innate ability to turn our clients into lifelong friends.

For over 35 years Kevin has trained our team to be creative, innovative, detailed, hardworking and solutions oriented. Under his mentorship we have worked on design projects large, small, commercial, residential, hardscapes, landscapes and design spaces that continue to exceed client dreams and expectations.

As lifelong students he taught us how to look at our clients collected inspirational material, their possessions, and their space to help gain inspiration. Most notably, Kevin taught us how important it is to really listen to our clients and the importance of collaboration in our designs.

We also learned how important it is to interpret our clients ideas into what works to achieve their vision. We know that a well-informed and educated client is a happy one and that the key to success is the collaboration of all parties involved. Kevin also trained us to use a keen eye to identify potential design flaws along with the ability to provide solutions. Kevin’s best days were project completion days with every detail in place and our clients elated. He was a well-respected member of the interior design community and found joy in his love of gardening, gourmet cooking, and everything tasteful. His love of antiques and design led him to travel the world.

Kevin was a gifted leader who built a team that became family. We are dedicated to honoring his legacy and continuing to exceed client expectations as we take Philadelphia Design into its future.

CONTACT

PHILADELPHIA DESIGN COMPANY, INC.

183 W. Lancaster Ave.

Paoli, PA 19301

phone. 610.648.0230

fax. 610.993.9340

email. info@philadelphiadesign.com


CREDITS

Hilltop Refuge - Reconstruction & Addition
Architectural Stylings, Interior Architectural Detailing and Interior Decorations - Philadelphia Design Company
Architect - Paul Salvaggio @ Arcus Design Group
Builder - Cherokee Construction
Photography - Don Pearse

Berwyn Country House - Renovation & Restructure
Interior Architectural Detailing and Interior Decoration - Philadelphia Design Company
Builder - Andrew Zummo Construction
Photography - Stephen Ross @ Philadelphia Design Company

Longport Remodel - Renovation & Restructure
Architectural Stylings, Interior Architectural Detailing and Interior Decorations - Philadelphia Design Company
Architect - Jerald Blackman @ OSK Design Partners
Builder - John Van Duyne @ Van Duyne Builders, Inc.
Photography - Stephen Ross @ Philadelphia Design Company

Malvern Modern - Renovation & Restructure
Architectural Stylings, Interior Architectural Detailing and Interior Decorations - Philadelphia Design Company
Architect - Murray Spensor @ McIntyre Capron & Associates
Builder - Pete Tummillo & Sons, Inc.
Photography - Don Pearse

St. Davids Loft - New Construction
Interior Architectural Detailing and Interior Decoration - Philadelphia Design Company
Architect - Arcus Design Group
Builder - Cherokee Construction
Photography - Don Pearse

Green & Green in Wayne - Reconstruction & Addition
Architectural Stylings, Interior Architectural Detailing and Interior Decorations - Philadelphia Design Company
Architect - Murray Spensor @ McIntyre Capron & Associates
Builder - Pete Tummillo & Sons, Inc.
Photography - Don Pearse

Cherokee Construction Office
Interior Architectural Detailing and Interior Decoration - Philadelphia Design Company
Architect - Joost Langeveld @ Cherokee Construction
Builder - Cherokee Construction
Photography - Don Pearse

Gothic in Paoli - Reconstruction & New Addition
Architectural Stylings and Interior Architectural Detailing - Philadelphia Design Company
Interior Decorations - Carol Smith & Kevin Cordes
Architect - McIntyre Capron & Associates
Builder - Ed Mahoney @ E.B. Mahoney Builders
Photography - Don Pearse

White Horse - New Construction (Model Home)
Interior Architectural Detailing and Interior Decoration - Philadelphia Design Company
Architect - Michael Visich
Builder - Nolen Companies
Photography - Don Pearse

Island Paradise Main House - New Construction
Interior Architectural Detailing and Interior Decoration - Philadelphia Design Company
Architect - Sean Wagner @ MSR Design
Builder - Don Grill @ Heritage 76' Corp

Island Paradise North, East & West Cottages - New Construction
Interior Architectural Detailing and Interior Decoration - Philadelphia Design Company
Architect - Sean Wagner @ MSR Design
Builder - Don Grill @ Heritage 76' Corp

Brookefield - New Construction (Model Home)
Interior Architectural Detailing and Interior Decoration - Philadelphia Design Company
Architect - Barton Partners
Builder - S.B. Conrad, Inc.

Other Projects
Interior Architectural Detailing and Interior Decoration - Philadelphia Design Company
Architect - Varies
Builder - Varies
Photography - Varies



Website - Stephen Ross @ Philadelphia Design Company