CHICAGO, IL - Chicago-based Mary Cook Associates (MCA), a national, award-winning commercial interior design firm, announces it has completed the interiors of two new rental communities in Texas: Remy in Frisco and The Sadie in Fort Worth. MCA designed the communal spaces and unit finish packages for the pair of properties, which were both developed by Toll Brothers Apartment Living and Equity Residential.
“The greater Dallas-Fort Worth metro, which includes Frisco, has seen tremendous growth in the multifamily sector in recent years, marked by strong demand and steady construction,” said Mary Cook, founder and president of Mary Cook Associates. “But that growth also brings heightened competition, making it more critical than ever for properties to differentiate themselves. Interior design is an essential tool for developers looking to attract and retain residents, and communities like Remy and The Sadie exemplify this approach. Located within large-scale developments in proximity to Dallas-Fort Worth, both properties cater to a more urban lifestyle, with residents expecting a refined level of design, thoughtful amenities and functionality.
“While Remy and The Sadie are in the same geographic region, our design approach for each was totally unique,” added Cook. “That contrast underscores how deeply we tailor our work based on a comprehensive understanding of the diverse demographics and psychographics of the end users.”
Remy in Frisco, Texas
Remy is one of three residential projects for which Mary Cook Associates has designed interiors in Frisco Square, a walkable live-work-play district with restaurants, green spaces and cultural amenities in Frisco, Texas. Frisco is the nation’s most affordable, fastest-growing city, according to a 2025 GOBankingRates study, with the area’s high appeal as a residential destination also creating increasing competition among new development.
“Remy’s interiors are intimate, warm and uniquely Frisco — an area our team knows well, having worked on Kilby and Mirra, two properties also in Frisco Square,” said Cook. “In this type of heated micro market, it’s imperative for each building to have its own signature aesthetic that sets it apart from its neighbors and resonates with renters for different reasons.”
For Remy’s interiors, MCA drew inspiration from its surroundings and the architectural complexity of the building’s dramatic exterior, which features a striking curved stone facade adorned with arches, columns and Juliette balconies. Oversized windows frame views of Frisco Square and flood the double-height lobby and clubroom with natural light, strengthening the connection between indoor and outdoor living. MCA also elevated Remy’s material palette by incorporating intentional contrasts — rich textures, sculptural lighting and contemporary takes on traditional design elements — that work together to reflect the dynamic spirit of Frisco.
MCA programmed the communal spaces at Remy to give residents multiple environments for remote work, relaxation and social connectivity. Amenities include a multifunctional lobby/club room with a double-sided fireplace and intricate staircase as focal points; shared and private coworking areas; game and movie lounges; a sky lounge with terrace and firepit; an expansive courtyard with a resort-style pool, sundeck, gaming lawn, outdoor kitchen and hammocks; a fully equipped fitness center with dedicated yoga and indoor cycling studios; and a pet spa.
“From the speakeasy-inspired ‘R Lounge’ with its billiards table and splashes of deep red, to the coworking space anchored by a vintage Remington typewriter — a nod to the community’s name — Remy’s interiors are full of character-rich details,” added Cook. “A repeating pattern of old magnifying glasses even forms a custom divider in the library lounge, reinforcing Remy’s layered, collected aesthetic. By blending modern urban sensibilities with resort-inspired comfort, Remy feels much more like a boutique hotel or private club than a typical apartment complex.”
The Sadie in Fort Worth, Texas
Mary Cook Associates also designed the interiors for The Sadie, a 364-unit rental community in Fort Worth, Texas, with culturally engaged residents in mind. Located just west of downtown in the city’s vibrant River District, the community’s interior aesthetic was inspired by the idea of creative, modern living that embraces the neighborhood’s history and culture. Through bold colors, geometric patterns and warm materials, The Sadie’s interiors strike a balance between vintage character and contemporary style.
“At The Sadie, the design for every space was informed by the artistic, slightly gritty spirit of Fort Worth’s River District,” said Cook. “The project team anticipated a sophisticated and creative resident base, so we leaned into that insight by incorporating original display elements and custom art installations. For example, the series of transparent, free-standing displays we designed for the lobby are also repeated in the mail room to allow for a rotation of local talent to showcase their work, making art an ever-present, evolving part of The Sadie’s resident experience.”
A double-height lobby sets the tone for the building’s character by allowing for multiple layers of artistic expression that play off each other — from an oversized suspended installation that is reflected in a soaring wall-mounted mirror to a mixed-medium partition and textured wall panels. Each design choice was purposeful with the intent of creating interest and engaging residents.
The community’s comprehensive amenities were also designed to foster connection, creativity and well-being. The building’s coworking lounge and bar serve residents who work remotely or need an adaptable space to collaborate as well as unwind after work hours. Social amenities include a rooftop sky lounge with sweeping views of the surrounding River District, a resort-style pool with cabanas and firepits, and a landscaped courtyard featuring lounge seating and grilling stations. The community also offers a state-of-the-art fitness center featuring weight and cardio equipment and a yoga studio, as well as a pet park and spa.
About Mary Cook Associates: Established in 1986, Mary Cook Associates (MCA) is a fully integrated interior architecture and design firm nationally known for creating innovative interiors for leading owners and developers of real estate. The firm’s projects include multifamily, model homes, student living, senior living, clubhouses, restaurants, and hospitality environments. MCA’s work emphasizes functionality, showcases possibilities, and delivers a measurable ROE℠ (Return on Environment). MCA’s team includes more than two dozen designers and architects that are strategic, imaginative and skilled at designing a wide variety of spaces that respond to demographic, geographic and lifestyle influences of target markets. Smart, functional spaces that establish immediate connections with their users and boost Living Better by Design℠, increase property value, and accelerate sales and occupancy rates are the hallmarks of the results MCA consistently achieves. In its 38th year, the firm continues to expand its national presence with award-winning work across the country.