A few weeks ago, I sat down for coffee with MJ David of Black Dog Design House (https://www.blackdogdh.com/), and it instantly felt more like catching up with an old friend than conducting an interview. MJ has a way of pulling you into her world. She lights up when talking about her projects, inviting you into the process and making you genuinely excited to see the end result. She is easy to talk to, genuinely engaging, and someone you trust almost right away.

That warmth and authenticity are exactly what Edinburgh residents have come to know and love about Black Dog Design House. For years, Edinburgh residents have trusted Black Dog Design House to step into their homes and help shape spaces that truly reflect how they live. Based in nearby Cumming, Georgia, Black Dog Design House has become a beloved and longtime partner, known not only for beautiful design and exceptional craftsmanship but also for the relationships they build along the way.

At the heart of Black Dog Design House are Jay and MJ David. MJ, short for Mary Jo (though nobody but her mama calls her that), began her design journey in 1993, creating custom window treatments out of her home. A chance connection with a retail store owner in 1994 led to a partnership that laid the foundation for decades of creative work.  Over the years, they have worked with countless contractors, added Furniture Craftsman Cody London and, more recently, Design Assistant Raigen Stanford. Together, they truly are a remarkable four-person team. 

Tell us more about how Black Dog Design House began.
“It really started in two parts,” MJ shared. “I began in 1993 doing window treatments out of my home. Then in 1994, I met a friend who owned a retail store, and we combined our businesses.”

In 1996, Jay began taking on remodel projects, painting, and hands-on renovation work. Over time, his role expanded into custom furniture, cabinetry, and artwork. “The projects were already complementing each other,” MJ explained. “The biggest differences were location and name.”

When their retail partner retired in 2017, Jay and MJ closed the retail space, officially merged their businesses, and rebranded as Black Dog Design House.

Black Dog Design House is a fun name! Where did it come from?
Laughing, MJ shared that the name came from a new puppy they welcomed that same year. “We originally became Black Dog Art Studios, but it quickly became clear we were doing much more than art. That is how Black Dog Design House was born.”

What was it like merging your businesses and working together full-time?
“It was exciting,” MJ said. “We had always worked together creatively, just in different environments. Suddenly, we were side by side every day.”

Of course, there was the question many couples ask. Can you live together and work together? “That was the biggest fear,” she admitted. “But we have made it work.”

Their partnership allows each to contribute their unique strengths, creating a seamless and supportive collaboration. “There are things Jay is great at and things I am great at, and together it works,” MJ said.

Edinburgh residents know your work well. What projects stand out?
“The Traylors really helped get us going in Edinburgh,” MJ shared. “They lived here for a long time, and even though they have moved, their business is still here.”

More recently, Black Dog Design House completed the McFarlands’ basement, featured in January 2026, including The League of Extraordinary Drinkers. Another favorite is their long-standing relationship with the O’Briens. “We redesigned their basement right in the middle of COVID,” MJ said. “Most recently, we transformed an upstairs guest suite into a nursery and parents’ retreat.”

With their first granddaughter due in March, the room was ready just in time. “They trust us completely,” MJ added. “That kind of trust makes the work meaningful.”

We were surprised to learn that Jay is a commissioned artist. Tell us more about this!
“That happens all the time,” MJ said. “Clients come to us for design and custom cabinetry and discover along the way that Jay is a true artist. We quite often find a spot in our projects for a commissioned piece that is meaningful to our clients.”

Jay specializes in landscapes and pet portraits and has been painting his entire life. “I have a painting he did at ten years old hanging in our home,” MJ said. “You would never know it was created by a child.”

Tell us about your Black Dog Design House Team
“We have an incredible team,” MJ said. Design Assistant Raigan Stanford has been with her for two years and balances full-time work with continuing her interior design education. Furniture Craftsman Cody London has worked with Jay for nine years and is his trusted counterpart.  “Cody and Raigan both bring so much talent and creativity to the team, which is reflected in the results of our projects. We are better because they are a part of our team.”

What is a common misconception about Black Dog Design House?
“That we only do large projects,” MJ explained. “Most of our clients start small and work in phases. We love that process because it builds relationships and makes the projects more personal.”

Some clients have worked with Black Dog Design House across twelve homes, while others are preparing for their fourth project after more than twenty-five years together.

What do you love most about your work?
“We become friends,” MJ said. “We are in their homes and in their lives, and that is exactly how we want it. It makes the process fun and far less stressful.”

And for a bit of neighborhood humor, MJ shared that some Edinburgh husbands have started a group text warning each other when she is spotted nearby. “One even jokingly blocked the road with his truck,” she laughed.

For Edinburgh residents, Black Dog Design House is more than a design firm. It is a trusted partnership built on creativity, connection, and heart.