Space is felt
before it is
explored.explored. Kaley Murphy, spatial design strategist based in Chicago, open to relocation.
Designing environments around how people navigate, interact with, and experience space.
Translating field research into strategies that shape more intentional experiences of place.
Based in Chicago · Open to relocation
Merging architecture and behavioral strategy
Kaley Murphy's work began in architecture, where she developed a foundation in space, form, and the built environment. Through that experience, she became curious about what happened beyond the design itself. That curiosity led her to explore design, business, and research, expanding her perspective from shaping spaces to understanding the people, behaviors, and systems that shape them.
Somewhere along the way, she realized the question that interested her most wasn't, “What does this space look like?“ It was, “How does this space actually work for the people inside it?“ Today, that question continues to shape the way she approaches every project. Whether she's exploring a workplace, service, or experience, she begins with observation and research to uncover patterns, understand people, and develop strategies that create meaningful impact.
“Design begins with understanding people, systems, and the invisible relationships between them.”
WORK
A practice built across disciplines.
- Behavioral Mapping
- Guest Flow Analysis
- Journey Mapping
- Systems Thinking
- Pattern Recognition
- Intercepts
- Interviews
- Observations
- Surveys
- Diary Studies
- Usability Testing
- AI-Validated Fact-Checking
- Stakeholder Synthesis
- Spatial Programming
- Site Planning
- Concept Development
- Vibe Coding (Rapid Prototyping)
- Design Development
- Service Blueprinting
- Rhino 3D
- Revit
- Figma
- Adobe Suite (Ps · Ai · Id)
- AutoCAD
- Miro
- GPT-4
- 3D Modeling & Rendering