A Force in Interiors, A Heart in Philanthropy

Palette, Panache, and Philanthropy: Inside the World of Kathy Prounis

By Peter Alston | Photos: Purple Moss Photography

In a world where interiors too often echo trends rather than individual stories, Kathy Prounis stands apart. A visionary interior designer whose work spans from Manhattan penthouses to seaside retreats in the Hamptons, Kathy brings decades of expertise and a singular sense of style to every project she touches. Her philosophy is simple but profound: design as it should be; thoughtful, timeless, and authentic.

With over thirty years of experience and a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Design, Kathy’s journey into the world of interiors began on the West Coast, where she worked on a wide range of commercial projects, from university dining halls to boutique hotels and even a bowling alley. But it was her move to New York that solidified her place in the upper echelons of design, taking on over one million square feet of commercial space for some of the world’s most respected companies.

Prounis brings a rare balance of creative vision and strategic insight to her work. In addition to large-scale commercial and residential design, she has a sharp eye for real estate and has successfully renovated and flipped multiple properties, merging aesthetics with investment-savvy decision-making.  

However, to see Kathy only as a designer would be to miss the fuller picture.  

She is equally passionate about giving back. As an alumin member of the Executive Board of the Museum of the City of New York, Kathy founded I Spy NY, a groundbreaking photography program for children, designed to nurture creative expression and build visual literacy at a young age. Her commitment to the next generation extends to her board work with the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club, a legendary organization known for its annual Decorator Show House, and the Couture Council of the Museum at FIT, where she celebrates the intersection of fashion and design. She is also an active supporter of the Learning Through Art initiative at the Guggenheim Museum.

Kathy’s own design sensibility mirrors her philanthropic heart—refined yet playful, rooted in tradition but open to reinvention. She is a connoisseur of the classics but never afraid of a bold gesture, drawing upon her lifelong love of fashion, photography, architecture, and the arts.

Whether designing a serene Hamptons beach house or reimagining a historic Manhattan apartment, Kathy Prounis approaches each project with the same goal: Everyone should live beautifully and meaningfully in every space they inhabit.  

Her reputation for excellence and discretion has been earned through her acquiring and renovating her own homes and establishing a distinguished place in the world of East Coast design. Kathy has been described as a style maven, a tastemaker, and a true style influencer. What she wears and how she lives reflects the same thoughtful vision she brings to her design work. Her influence extends far beyond the spaces she creates. Her impact is felt in the lives she touches and the connections she fosters.