Alys Beach, Chancey Interior Design, Chancey, Jack Gardner

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Private residence in Alys Beach, Florida | Photo by Jack Gardner

Celebrating 35 Years of Timeless Design

The Legacy of Chancey Design

Story and photography courtesy of Chancey Design

In the heart of Tampa, Florida, nestled among the bustling streets and vibrant communities, resides a beacon of architectural and interior design excellence—Chancey Design. Founded thirty-five years ago by the visionary duo Walt and Sandra Chancey, the firm has grown from a local endeavor into a name synonymous with innovation, elegance, and a client-first approach.

A Journey of Excellence: 35 Years of Timeless Spaces

Over the past thirty-five years, Chancey Design has crafted over three hundred single-family custom homes and more than 3,500 multi-family and senior living apartments and condominiums, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of Florida and beyond. The firm’s projects span from the sunny beaches of Florida to the mountains of Colorado and Montana and even the serene shores of the Bahamas. Its team’s work has graced the pages of prestigious publications such as Veranda, MILIEU, Florida Design, Southern Accents, and Florida Architecture.

Sandr Chancey, Walt Chancey, Rob Culpepper

Sandra and Walt Chancey | Photo by Rob Culpepper

A Comprehensive Approach to Design

At Chancey Design, the approach to creating outstanding living spaces is holistic. Every decision is made with the client in mind, resulting in final projects that meet and exceed expectations. This client-centric philosophy has earned the firm the trust and admiration of homeowners and businesses. Their design process involves close collaboration with clients, architects, and designers, making every project genuinely reflect the client’s vision and needs.

One of the team’s standout achievements is working within the iconic traditional neighborhood developments in Florida, such as Alys Beach, Rosemary Beach, WaterSound, and WaterColor.

Chancey Design, interior designer, sandra chancey, mali azima

Sandra is the head of Chancey Design’s interiors division. | Photo by Mali Azima

The Seagrove Beach Office: Expanding Horizons

With offices in Seagrove Beach, Florida, led by architecture partner Cameron Hughes, Chancey Design has significantly broadened its influence, bringing its expertise to the picturesque Scenic Highway 30-A coastline. Hughes’s leadership and hands-on approach in the Seagrove Beach office allow the team to be deeply engaged in every phase of each project, ensuring the design is visionary and meticulously executed.

The team excels in crafting residential and commercial projects that blend luxury and comfort. The Seagrove Beach office acts as the central hub for its Emerald Coast endeavors. The team’s intimate understanding of the local landscape and lifestyle allows each design to harmonize perfectly with its natural surroundings. With Hughes closely involved in the field, the unique characteristics of the community are thoughtfully incorporated into every project.

Passion for 30-A: Designing Coastal Dreams

The 30-A area is more than just a location for Chancey Design—it’s a passion. Walt Chancey’s childhood in Alabama and his many family vacations to the area naturally led to the decision to establish a second office. The firm has played a pivotal role in shaping this coastal region, developing a diverse range of projects from single-family custom homes to commercial retail spaces and resort-style senior living communities.

Watersound Fountains, senior living community, Watersound Origins

Watersound Fountains, a new resort-style senior living community in Watersound Origins | Photo by Jack Gardner

Chancey’s partnership with The St. Joe Company has further strengthened its presence in the 30-A region. Together, they have collaborated on several notable projects that enhance the area’s appeal and livability, including developments focused on improving community amenities and residential offerings.

Catherine Christie-Zanghi, managing partner on the interior design side, has been with Chancey since day one. Her influence is profound, particularly in the 30-A area, where she oversees numerous projects. Christie-Zanghi’s expertise guarantees each design meets the highest standards and reflects the unique personalities and needs of her clients. Her role extends beyond design; she nurtures relationships, ensuring every project is a collaborative and enjoyable experience for all involved. Her dedication and eye for detail have been instrumental in creating inviting and livable spaces, from beachfront residences to thoughtfully designed resort-style assisted and independent living communities.

Chancey Development

Chancey’s comprehensive approach extends to development, offering strategic insights into projects’ marketing, financial, and business aspects, a rarity among traditional design firms. Present throughout the entire development process, Chancey Development oversees every detail, from the search for the perfect piece of real estate to site planning, custom design, and the completion of construction.

Alys Beach, chancey design

A custom luxury home in Alys Beach, Florida

The firm’s commitment to creating sustainable, high-quality developments is evident in its diverse portfolio, which includes residential, senior living, multi-family, and commercial projects. Each project reflects the meticulous attention to detail and client-focused ethos that defines Chancey Design.

The Chancey Design Family

Behind every successful project is a committed team of professionals who share the Chancey vision. The team at Chancey Design is a diverse group of thirty-five architects, interior designers, and support staff, all committed to delivering excellence. Their collaborative spirit ensures each project benefits from a wealth of experience and creativity, making Chancey Design a true family of professionals working together to bring dreams to life. This cohesive team approach ensures that every project is executed with precision and care, no matter the size or scope.

Chancey Design, Jean Allsopp

A serene Florida escape by Chancey Design | Photo by Jean Allsopp

Looking Ahead: The Future of Chancey Design

As Chancey Design celebrates its thirty-fifth anniversary, the firm reflects on its journey with pride and looks forward to the future with excitement. Walt and Sandra Chancey’s vision continues to inspire their team to push the boundaries of design, creating spaces that are timeless, functional, and deeply connected to the clients they serve. With their unwavering commitment to relationships, innovative design solutions, and a passion for creating unique, functional spaces, Chancey Design is poised to continue its tradition of excellence for many years to come. The firm is dedicated to staying at the forefront of design trends and technological advancements, continuing to deliver cutting-edge solutions that meet the evolving needs of its clients.

Here’s to thirty-five years of design and many more to come.

— V —


To learn more or see additional projects, visit ChanceyDesign.com or follow the team on Instagram @chanceyarchitecture and @chanceyinteriordesign.

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