Sarah Cain Design is an award winning full service boutique interior design firm specializing in both mid to high end residential and small commercial projects including retail, hospitality, greek housing, corporate and health care. We look to create turn key design experiences for our clients, focusing on making the design experience a fun and exciting process free from the stress filled experience often described in renovations or any other building experiences. 

Our values are very important to our lives and our work. Our core values include family, positivity, creativity, determination and empowerment. We are a family oriented company, treating our clients like family as they naturally become part of ours during the process- designing a home or work space is a very personal experience. 

SARAH CAIN

Sarah possesses a contagious enthusiasm and vibrant energy that fuels her innovative and solution-driven approach. She thrives on new challenges and works closely with her clients to create spaces that reflect their individual lifestyle.

“We tailor fit our design to our clients lifestyle which takes into consideration all they are and all they aspire to become, and how they want to live and experience life.”

Since her youth Sarah displayed a keen interest in art and design. She began her design career at a very early age, drawing floor plans and designing buildings and homes with her crayons by the age of eight.

Sarah graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Wake Forest University in 1986 and received her Master in Interior Design degree from the nationally acclaimed Interior Design program at the University of Florida in 2007.

Sarah also studied design at the Vicenza Institute of Architecture located in Vicenza, Italy. Studying the works of artisans and architects such as Palladio, Carlos Scarpa, Michelangelo and da Vinci further ignited her passion for art and design and her appreciation for fine craftsmanship.

Sarah Cain brings a diverse and unique background to the world of Interior Design. A former multi-unit restaurant & bar owner, including a couple of national franchise concepts located across North Central Florida.

In addition to Sarah Cain Design and her University work, Sarah is involved in many local charities, including Stop! Children's Cancer, The Kiera Grace Foundation and is a sustaining member of the Junior League of Gainesville. 

NCIDQ #026455

FL License ID #5928

PAOLA V PEREZ

Paola is the Senior Interior Designer/Project Manager in SCD. She began her studies in Architecture in Puerto Rico and earned her bachelor’s degree in Interior Design from University of Florida in 2016. She re-joined the team in 2022 and is currently working towards her NCIDQ certification.

Paola was born in Puerto Rico. She started traveling after a few years in Architectural college to pursue inspiration and growth until she settled in Gainesville, FL to complete her bachelor’s in Interior Design. She joined SCD and earned her Interior Design Degree in 2016. She left SCD in 2019 to embrace her new role as a mother to Camila.

Her fascination with the world of design and all things creative started at an early age, driving her to pursue a career in Interior Design. Paola has experience in many aspects of the industry including designing for commercial as well as residential settings. Her attention to detail and drive to create beautiful and functional spaces makes her a huge asset here at SCD. She loves the process of problem solving, creating personalized and unique projects, and the relationships we cultivate with SCD clients.

Nestor, their daughter Camila, and fur daughter, Lula complete Paola’s lovely family.

JERRALYN MCDONALD

Jerralyn is the Business Manager at SCD. She started her career in bookkeeping when she moved to Gainesville, Florida, in 2002 and assumed the responsibilities as office manager for a local rental property. Her multitasking, time management, and organizational skills led her to becoming part owner of the business where she continued her duties in overseeing its operations, until she divested her portion in 2007.

Beginning in 2008, Jerralyn was introduced to the field of interior designer when hired into a firm alongside Sarah Cain. Jerralyn loved the creative aspect of design and enjoyed learning the profession through the lens of bookkeeping. When Sarah established her own interior design firm, Jerralyn worked intermittently for her before briefly stepping away to pursue other passions, including spending time with her growing family. Jerralyn returned in 2022 to join Sarah Cain’s team and resume her interests and skills developed over the past 20 years.

Jerralyn loves spending time with her husband, kids, and grandchildren. She enjoys reading, the beach, and traveling.

LAUREN TAYLOR

Lauren is an Associate Designer/Project Manager at SCD, joining our team in April of 2022. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Art History at the University of North Florida in 2020, and has been working in the field of interior design ever since.

Born and raised in Gainesville, Lauren decided to move back after graduating from college because of her love for this town and the people in it. Combining her passions for art and creativity with the more analytical world of interior design, Lauren felt driven to pursue a career in the industry. She has experience with a variety of design applications and software, including programs for 3D modeling and rendering. In her free time, Lauren loves to read about history and mythology, search for the best iced coffee in Gainesville, and play with her two dogs. Her strengths lie in striking a balance between beauty and functionality within a space. 

EMSLEY THORNTON

Emsley is the current Social Media and Marketing intern at SCD, joining the team in August 2024. Currently, she is a Junior student at the University of Florida studying Media Production with a specialization in Digital TV/Film Production.

Emsley’s passion lies in telling authentic stories through photos, videos, and social media content. During her time at Sarah Cain and UF, she’s found a passion within the digital marketing and social media. She’s loved learning about the interior design world and being apart of the Sarah Cain Design team.

Outside of school and work, Emsley enjoys reading, trying out local coffee shops, and going on walks with friends! Her hometown is Ponte Vedra, FL.

FOREST & DEACON

Always looking dapper, these two bundles of boxwood stand on high alert at the front of the firm ready to greet clients and vendors alike. They love to join us on the occasional staging job where they may be left behind to watch over the home. Their names pay homage to Sarah's alma mater, and they are as quiet as they are cute!  Deacon has mastered the art form of looking debonair, while Forrest is our silent critic.  We can always count on them to welcome us at the door like a ray of sunshine in the morning and bid us adieu at the close of day.