Stony Brook Project Design will offer interior design professionals an opportunity to transform the lives of hospitalized children and families in Suffolk County. Built on the heels of Project Design Phase 1 & 2 in New Hyde Park, Stony Brook Project Design will offer local creative professionals to lend their time and talents to a worthy cause.
Since the Ronald McDonald House was built in September of 1986, countless families have found respite, care, and support. And while 1986 was nearly 40 years ago–and the styles of the time have changed–so did the needs of our organization. Since 1986, the Ronald McDonald House has grown to meet the needs of more families. In 2005, the organization expanded from an 18-bedroom House to a 42-bedroom House. And again, in 2013, we felt the need to transform. So, we did.
Through the support of Kravet Inc., two phases of Project Design were made possible. In these two phases, Kravet Inc. along with media sponsors, Hamptons Cottages & Gardens and New York Cottages & Gardens, created a permanent show house, custom built for the needs of families in crisis.
Project Design 2013: Designing for the Future
2013 ushered in a transformative era at Ronald McDonald House. 26 designers worked to renovate the original 18 bedrooms and numerous common spaces at the House at no cost to the organization. This renovation, called 2013 Project Design, equated to a $2.5 million donation to the organization. While the House was under construction, families were given no-cost accommodations at local hotels, made possible through Ronald McDonald House and local sponsors.
Kravet Inc. president, Cary Kravet said:
“The goal is to provide each family in need of supportive housing all the comforts of home—plus a local support network—so they can fully focus on the healing of their child, in addition to raising much needed funds to support ongoing operations at Ronald McDonald House.”
Project Design 2014: Expanding the Impact
Over 40 designers from New York and beyond contributed to ‘Phase 2: Project Design 2014.’ In this phase, the remaining 24 bedrooms were completely renovated, along with the many common spaces found on each floor of the building. These rooms and spaces provide comfort and care to over 1,000 families every year.
In total, Phase 1 & 2 of Project Design equated to a $5 million gift. The many donated materials, furniture, labor, and creative execution is a testament to the design community’s generosity. Ellen Kravet, of Kravet Inc., included the interior design community from New York School of Interior Design. Students and alumni, alike, were invited and chosen to be a part of this exciting project.
Building a Home Away from Home
The 42-bedroom Ronald McDonald House in New Hyde Park also features a fitness center, meditation room, eight kitchens, remote work spaces, lounges, laundry facilites, playrooms and much more. Each of these spaces was lovingly renovated with bright, uplifting colors, patterns, and decor.
With plans to begin construction on a new 30-bedroom Ronald McDonald House in Stony Brook, we look to the past for inspiration. The new Ronald McDonald House in Stony Brook will provide a home-away-from-home for families of hospitalized children at Suffolk County’s only children’s hospital, Stony Brook Children’s.
Stony Brook Project Design
Stony Brook Project Design opens in September 2025 with applications open to interior designers across the New York Metro area. Each designer is welcome to apply with applications closing in December 2025. Spaces are limited, but Ronald McDonald House New York Metro hopes to include as many designers as possible as part of Stony Brook Project Design.
Jennifer Nicholson, Chief Operating Officer for Ronald McDonald House Charities New York Metro, is leading the project along with the Stony Brook Project Design Advisory Group. The Advisory Group comprises leaders in the interior design community with past Project Design participation. Among the designers on the Advisory Group: Keith Baltimore, Margreet Cevasco, Young Huh, Ellen Kravet, Karen Lerman, Kim Radovich, and Vasi Ypsilantis.
With Stony Brook Project Design, we look to the future of what’s possible–expanding our reach to serve more families. Our vision is a world where every family has what they need to ensure the best health outcomes for their children.