Services | Process | Leaders
Why Feltus Hawkins Design
FH Design is a high-touch interior architecture firm creating environments that are thoughtful, distinctive and deeply connected to the people who use them.
We get to the heart of a project - the people, operations, brand, story and desired experience - then use that understanding to shape a clear, cohesive interior design direction.
Our hospitality lens is not about making every project look like a hotel. It is about how a space welcomes, functions, feels, flows and connects with people.
THE RIGHT PROJECT STARTS WITH THE RIGHT PARTNERSHIP.
Many of our projects are long-term, complex environments that require senior involvement, high-touch guidance and a relationship-driven approach, so we believe chemistry matters. Just as our clients are interviewing us, we are interviewing them. We look for clients and collaborators who value trust, creativity, open communication and a little fun along the way.
The goal is a seamless partnership and a process that is as rewarding as the finished environment.
What We Bring
STRATEGY | INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE | BRAND + EXPERIENCE | TECHNICAL COORDINATION | FF&E | DELIVERY
100% Woman-Owned, Nationally experienced
FH Design holds multiple woman-owned and small-business certifications and regularly partners with leading architectural, engineering and development teams on public and private projects across the country.
DBE | WBE | WBENC | SMWBE | SBE CERTIFIED
Leadership
"I aspire to create spaces that fulfill our clients’ mission and business plan; it’s about who they are – not who we are."
Marjorie Feltus Hawkins
President | Design Principal
mfeltus@fhdesign.com
The sixth-generation since 1849 to grow up at Linden, circa 1790, a historic home converted to a bed and breakfast in Natchez, MS. Marjorie Feltus Hawkins’ unique style is steeped in an aesthetic that can’t be bought or taught. She founded FH Design in 1990 and brings her entrepreneurial spirit and more than 30 years of interior architecture and design experience to a diverse clientele ranging from luxury residential, upscale hospitality to public and private facilities all focused on interior branding and storytelling. She loves blending classic and modern elements leaving the designs as “timeless”. She begins by listening and looking for clues to capturing the soul of the property or brand creating memorable experiences and inspiring spaces. Her passion is people and loves entertaining and developing long term relationships and friendships. Marjorie recently rolled off being on the Nashville Wine Auction board which raise funds to support the fight against cancer for 10 plus years serving as chairman of the board, chair of several fund-raisers and numerous other volunteer positions on the board. She also served as a National Advisory Board Member for the Boutique and Lifestyle Lodging Association (BLLA). She’s won numerous awards and is involved in various professional and community organizations on a local and national level. She’s a published author and is frequently tapped to speak at conferences and events on branding and design.
“Alone we are smart. Together, we are brilliant.”
-Steven Anderson
David A. Hawkins, AIA, MBA, LEED AP
Vice President | Architect
dhawkins@fhdesign.com
David Hawkins brings a keen architect’s eye and an unmatched sense of detail to every project. As a creative problem solver and collaborative leader, he’s the perfect partner to keep projects moving on time and on budget. He guides the team in producing comprehensive drawing sets that please both code officials and contractors – all marked by his signature attention to detail. From quality control to code review to coordinating construction, David is the master of conquering the complex. Whether exploring his love for restored vintage cars or developing the optimal solution for a client’s space, David focuses on the details that make a difference. His drive to serve surfaced early in life through his achievement of Eagle Scout, where his service project focused on collecting discarded bicycles to refurbish for impoverished children. Today, he is working on a 1790s family home helping to restore it to its former glory. He has served as president for AIA Middle Tennessee Chapter, has been a registered architect in Tennessee since 1981, and is a NCARB-certified and LEED AP registered professional.
“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.”
-Mahatma Gandhi
Dean Bakkum, LEED AP
Operations Director | Senior Designer
dbakkum@fhdesign.com
Dean Bakkum is a ‘professional learner,’ who guides projects to successful outcomes by asking the right questions and getting our team on the right track. As the leader of the National Accounts Image Program, he’s on a daily quest to help companies understand how their spaces can best serve both their team members and customers. Companies like Subaru of America, CareSpot, and US Renal turn to Dean for engaging and effective design, architecture and fixture/furnishing, and brand standards. He enjoys seeing projects through from start to finish, creating prototypes, and managing, beta-testing, and overseeing the rollout of the Subaru programs. His recent learning adventures include the guitar and Morse Code, and his woodworking skills illustrate his attention to detail.
SERVICES
Due Diligence + Pre-Design
Existing Conditions Review • Building + Site Evaluation • Code + Accessibility Review • Coordination with Code Officials • Feasibility Studies • Programming • Test Fits + Space Planning • Project Scope + Priorities
Strategic Discovery + Planning
Visioning + Discovery Charrettes • Stakeholder Engagement • Programming + Operational Planning • Space Planning + Adjacencies • User Experience • Brand + Design DNA • National / Multi-Location Standards
Interior Architecture + Design
Interior Architectural Design • Concept + Schematic Design • Design Development • Finish + Material Selection • Millwork + Custom Detailing • Ceiling + Lighting Coordination • Plumbing Fixture Selection + Coordination • Decorative Lighting • Signage + Wayfinding Integration • Artwork Integration • FF&E Design
Technical Coordination + Documentation
Construction Documents • Interior Details + Specifications • MEP Coordination • Lighting Coordination • Plumbing Coordination • Architectural + Consultant Coordination • Finish Plans • Reflected Ceiling Plans • Pricing / Bid Documents • Value Engineering + Cost Alignment
Contractor Bid + Award
GC Bid Coordination • Bid Review + Evaluation • Contractor Questions / Addenda • Pricing Review • Scope Clarification • Value Engineering • Contractor Selection Support
Construction Administration
Preconstruction Coordination • Submittal + Shop Drawing Review • RFI Review • Job-Site Observation • MEP + Lighting Coordination • Finish + Material Installation Review • Plumbing Fixture Coordination • Millwork + Architectural Detail Review • Punch Lists • Construction Closeout
FF&E + Final Implementation
Furniture Selection + Specification • Procurement • Custom Furniture • Artwork + Accessories • Window Treatments • Vendor Coordination • Budget Management • Installation Coordination • Styling + Final Placement
Process
Keep Process intentionally different from Services. Services explains what FH can do; Process explains how FH thinks and works. Visually, follow the simplicity of Oak Theory: two short sentences for each phase with four action words aligned to the right.
A clear process. A highly personal experience.
Every project is different, but our approach is consistent: listen deeply, uncover what matters, align the team and carry the vision through every decision. We stay closely involved from the first conversation through completion, creating a process that is collaborative, thoughtful and distinctly FH.
PHASE 01 | DISCOVERY + STRATEGY
Great design starts with understanding what really matters. We begin by listening, asking questions and peeling back the layers to understand the people, purpose, operations and story behind the project. Together, we define the project's DNA and establish a shared vision for everything that follows.
LISTEN | DISCOVER | DEFINE | ALIGN
Strategic Discovery + Visioning Charrette
Before we design, we listen.
Our charrette is an intensive, collaborative working session that brings key stakeholders together to uncover the project's goals, priorities, operational needs, brand story and desired experience.
Think of it as peeling back the layers to find the project's DNA - then using that clarity to guide every decision that follows.
PHASE 02 | PLANNING
A strong vision needs a thoughtful roadmap. We translate what we have learned into a clear direction for how the space should work, flow and support the people who use it, testing decisions early so the team can move forward with confidence.
EXPLORE | TEST | REFINE | PRIORITIZE
PHASE 03 | DESIGN
This is where the story becomes a place. We build on the project's DNA to shape an environment that is distinctive, intuitive and deeply connected to its purpose, considering every decision as part of one cohesive design.
IMAGINE | CREATE | COORDINATE | DETAIL
PHASE 04 | DOCUMENTATION
A great idea is only successful if it can be executed well. We translate the design vision into clear, coordinated information for the entire project team while continuing to protect the intent, quality and details established along the way.
DOCUMENT | COORDINATE | CLARIFY | VALIDATE
PHASE 05 | IMPLEMENTATION
We stay engaged until the vision becomes reality. Construction is where countless decisions can strengthen - or dilute - a design, so FH remains actively involved through execution, installation and completion.
