Meet the Team

BUDDY MCDOWELL, NCIDQ, ASID

FOUNDER & CEO

BUDDY@DDI.CC | 770.843.7088

For more than 50 years, Buddy McDowell has transformed hospitality spaces into memorable destinations where exceptional design enhances every guest experience. As President and Co-Founder of Design Directions International, Buddy has led the firm’s award-winning work on more than 400 hospitality projects across the United States and in 10 countries. From luxury hotels and boutique properties to conference centers, country clubs, restaurants, and historic restorations, his designs blend timeless elegance with thoughtful functionality, creating environments that leave lasting impressions.

Driven by a passion for design and an unwavering commitment to client success, Buddy believes every project begins with listening. His collaborative approach, creative vision, and meticulous attention to detail have earned national recognition, including the American Society of Interior Designers Lifetime Achievement Award for Design Excellence. Today, he continues to lead Design Directions International with the same passion that inspired its founding—crafting distinctive hospitality environments that elevate brands, inspire guests, and exceed expectations.

SHERRY DECKER

CO-FOUNDER & COO

Sherry Decker is Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Design Directions International, a full-service interior design firm specializing in hotels, country clubs, and hospitality-related projects. Since helping establish the firm in 1991, she has helped guide it to a consistent ranking among the top hospitality design firms in the United States, with the company recognized multiple times by Interior Design Magazine and Hotel Management Magazine as a top design firm.

Sherry has over four decades of experience in hospitality interior design, beginning her career in 1981. Sherry holds a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design from the University of Georgia. She is an active member of the Network of Executive Women in Hospitality (NEWH); where she served on the Board of Directors for the local Atlanta Chapter.

Throughout her career, Sherry’s work has earned wide industry recognition, including the Hilton Hotels Gold Key Award, the DoubleTree Hotels Pinnacle Award for International Renovation of the Year, and recognition from Lodging Hospitality Magazine as a Top Hotel Interior. She has also received numerous honors from the Georgia Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), including Gold, Silver, and Bronze Awards in Hospitality Design and the Presidential Citation for Distinguished Service. Her projects have been published nationally more than 55 times.

SAMEEHA ABU-NAFISEH

VP + DIRECTOR OF DESIGN

DESIGN DEVELOPMENT, FF&E, & CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTATION

SAMEEHA@DDI.CC | 678.227.1643

With more than 25 years of experience in hospitality interior design, Sameeha Abu‑Nafiseh brings a thoughtful, client‑focused approach to every project. She specializes in design development, FF&E coordination, and construction documentation, transforming creative concepts into detailed, buildable solutions that reflect each client’s vision while supporting operational success. Her experience spans luxury hotels, resorts, restaurants, conference centers, and renovation projects throughout the United States and internationally.

Sameeha’s foundation in design excellence began early in her academic career, earning an award from the University of Memphis for Outstanding Use of Space, recognizing her exceptional ability to maximize functionality while elevating aesthetic impact. This distinction continues to influence her design philosophy today.

Throughout her career, Sameeha has led the design and documentation of hospitality projects from initial concept through construction. Known for her technical expertise, meticulous attention to detail, and collaborative leadership, she works closely with owners, architects, consultants, and contractors to deliver projects that balance creativity, functionality, budget, and schedule. Her commitment to excellence and passion for creating memorable guest experiences continue to make her a valued leader at Design Directions International.

TARA CLEMENS

DIRECTOR + PROJECT MANAGER

DESIGN DEVELOPMENT, FF&E, & CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTATION

TARA@DDI.CC | 404.394.0321

Tara Clemens believes every remarkable space begins with a spark of inspiration—whether it’s a beautiful textile, the colors and textures of nature, an architectural detail, or a simple idea that stirs emotion. She is passionate about creating interiors that tell a story, thoughtfully layering color, texture, light, and materials to craft environments that are timeless, inviting, and memorable. For Tara, exceptional design is about more than aesthetics; it’s about creating meaningful experiences that leave a lasting impression.

With more than 25 years of experience, Tara has designed hospitality, senior living, entertainment, gaming, and luxury lifestyle environments, including boutique hotels for Marriott and Hilton brands, American Indian casinos and cultural centers, country clubs, signature golf and spa resorts, and luxury senior living communities. Her background in advertising, graphic design, and interior design gives her a unique perspective on branding and storytelling, allowing her to transform each client’s vision into authentic spaces that are both beautiful and purposeful. Tara earned a Bachelor of Journalism in Advertising with a minor in Graphic Design from the University of Georgia and a Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design from American InterContinental University.

KATIE KARNES

VP + CREATIVE DIRECTOR

DESIGN DEVELOPMENT, FF&E, & CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTATON

KATIE@DDI.CC | 404.909.2529

Katie Karnes is a hospitality interior designer with more than 14 years of experience creating custom sophisticated, brand-driven environments that elevate the guest experience while balancing operational goals and budget. She is passionate about transforming each client’s vision into bespoke interiors that reflect a strong sense of place through thoughtful storytelling, refined materials, and carefully curated details.

Katie has led hospitality projects from concept through construction for nearly every major hotel brand. Her work is distinguished by layered architectural finishes, custom furnishings, decorative lighting, rich textiles, and locally inspired artwork that create memorable, timeless spaces. She believes exceptional design is achieved through collaboration, partnering closely with owners, architects, franchisees, consultants, vendors, and contractors to deliver projects with creativity, precision, and integrity.

Katie earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts, summa cum laude, from the Art Institute of Atlanta and an Associate of Arts in Business from the University of Phoenix. She is an active member of NEWH Atlanta Chapter and takes pleasure inbuilding and nurturing mutually beneficial relationships with other design professionals. Her blend of creative vision, technical expertise, and strategic thinking continues to make her a valued leader at Design Directions International.

RYAN WAYNE PARTIN

BUSINESS DEVELOP SPECIALIST + INTERIOR ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER

+ INTERIOR ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER | FF&E, & CONSTRUCTION ADMINSTRATION

RYAN@DDI.CC | 470.880.6087

Ryan Wayne Partin believes exceptional design begins with curiosity—the ability to see possibilities where others see challenges. Known for his creative vision and meticulous attention to detail, he approaches every project as an opportunity to tell a story, create meaningful guest experiences, and bring a brand to life. Ryan thrives on the collaborative process, believing that the most successful projects are built through strong relationships, thoughtful planning, and a shared vision.

With more than 20 years of experience, including 12 years as Creative Director of his own design studio, Ryan has designed custom interiors for hotels across nearly every major brand. His work is defined by layered architectural finishes, custom furnishings, decorative lighting, textiles, locally inspired artwork, and carefully curated details that create memorable spaces while remaining mindful of budget and operational goals.

In recent years, Ryan has expanded his role into business development, leveraging decades of industry relationships with hotel owners, developers, management companies, manufacturers, and brand partners to cultivate new opportunities and build lasting collaborations. As an active member of NEWH Atlanta Chapter, and as a previous board director, he relishes the opportunity to collaborate and connect with fellow design professionals. He is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati’s nationally recognized FIDER-accredited Interior Architectural Design program, Ryan brings together design expertise, strategic thinking, and an authentic passion for connecting people to create projects that are both impactful and enduring.

ELIZABETH NEW, NCIDQ

INTERIOR DESIGNER

FF&E, CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTATION & TEAM SUPPORT

ELIZABETH@DDI.CC | 941.228.0388

Elizabeth believes the most memorable spaces are those that make people feel welcomed, inspired, and truly connected. With over 15 years of experience spanning hospitality interiors, project management, construction, and procurement, she brings a collaborative approach and thoughtful attention to detail to every project.

Elizabeth’s passion for hospitality design was shaped early through a study abroad program in London, England, and internship with Grapes Design, complemented by architectural and cultural enrichment tours throughout Italy. These experiences and additional international travel continue to influence her appreciation for timeless design, craftsmanship, and creating meaningful guest experiences.

Prior to Design Directions International, Elizabeth worked for IHG Hotels & Resorts as a Plan Review Manager, overseeing new construction and renovation projects for Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express properties throughout the Southeastern United States. In this role, she partnered closely with owners, architects, and designers to guide projects through the brand design and review process, ensuring brand standards were met while cultivating strong client relationships from concept through completion.

A licensed interior designer, Elizabeth is passionate about creating timeless interiors that evoke comfort, elevate the guest experience, and tell a meaningful story. Whether designing boutique or branded hotels or collaborating and supporting design teams on large-scale hospitality projects, her goal is to curate spaces that create memorable experiences while reflecting each client’s unique vision.

DRENA CARTER

FINANCE & HUMAN RESOURCES

DRENA@DDI.CC | 770.316.3996

Drena Carter is an accomplished accounting professional with more than 45 years of experience in the field. A graduate of Jacksonville State University, she has built a career founded on integrity, accuracy, and a strong commitment to helping individuals and businesses manage their financial needs.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Drena has dedicated her time to serving her community through a variety of civic and nonprofit organizations. She is a past president of the Guild of Girls Inc. and has been an active member of both the Junior League of Marietta and the Civitan Club of Marietta. Her leadership and volunteer service reflect her longstanding commitment to supporting others and making a positive impact in her community.

Throughout her career and community involvement, Drena has earned the respect of colleagues and peers through her professionalism, leadership, and dedication to excellence.