Ronald McDonald House seeks designers for Stony Brook project | Long Island Business News

Interior designers are invited to donate their services as part of the development of the soon-to-be-built Ronald McDonald House at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital. 

Ronald McDonald House Charities New York Metro is collaborating with Washington D.C.-based furnishings supplier Kravet Family of Brands, and two publications, New York Cottages & Gardens and Hamptons Cottages & Gardens, on the initiative dubbed Stony Brook Project Design. 

The effort mirrors the project design campaign for the New Hyde Park Ronald McDonald House in 2013 to 2014, where more than 60 designers donated their services to refresh 74 interior spaces, including bedrooms, common areas, media rooms and dining areas, donating furnishings and décor, valued at over $5 million. 

Applications to participate in the Stony Brook project opened this month and are due by Nov. 30. 

“The vision for the Stony Brook Ronald McDonald House goes far beyond a building. It’s about creating a home filled with warmth, compassion, and community,” Jennifer Nicholson, COO of RMHC New York Metro, said in a written statement. “Through Project Design, we invite designers to craft spaces that will provide comfort and healing for thousands of families for years to come.” 

Construction of the new $34 million Stony Brook Ronald McDonald House is slated to begin this year, with plans to open in 2027. The new 60,000-square-foot facility will offer overnight accommodation, comfort, and hospitality to families caring for their seriously ill or injured children at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital. 

“Design can change lives, and this project would be life-changing,” Lisa Kravet, chair of the Stony Brook Building Committee, said in the statement. “Bright, cheerful spaces have the power to uplift families in their darkest hour.” 

Designers are asked to develop mood boards which illustrate their vision to design the facility’s 30 private bedrooms, reception area, dining room, kitchens, media room, playroom, wellness center, fitness center, movie theater, meditation room, laundry rooms, family lounges, rooftop retreat, volunteer room, and more. 

“We are absolutely thrilled that Stony Brook Project Design will take place in a brand-new, purpose-built Ronald McDonald House at Stony Brook,” Marianne Howatson, CEO and publication director of C&G Media Group, said in the statement. “This extraordinary opportunity allows our talented community of designers to shape these spaces from the ground up—with compassion, creativity, and purpose—offering comfort to families during their most challenging times.” 

Matt Campo, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities New York Metro, said since 1986 the organization has helped tens of thousands of families with sick children find comfort and support when they needed it most.  

“Many families travel far from home to seek the best care for their children and call Ronald McDonald House their home away from home,” Campo said in the statement. “For children facing a serious medical crisis, the love of their family is as strong as the best medicine there is.”