Today we’d like to introduce you to George & Shaynaeh Thomas.
Hi George & Shaynaeh , we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Our story is rooted in legacy, creativity, and faith.
George is a fifth-generation builder who quite literally grew up in the construction industry. He began working alongside his father at a young age, learning the trade hands-on and developing a deep respect for craftsmanship and integrity. Over the years, he expanded his expertise from residential construction to commercial projects and eventually into federal work. With decades of experience across multiple sectors, George has built a reputation for excellence, precision, and an unwavering commitment to quality.
Shaynaeh journey began on the creative side. She is originally from Charleston, South Carolina, where history, architecture, and culture are woven into everyday life. Growing up surrounded by that richness deeply shaped her appreciation for design. Although she never had the opportunity to meet her grandmother, her mom would show her photos of her beautifully styled home where she grew up, and she always admired her eye for detail. She also had an aunt who was an interior decorator, and over time realized that creativity and design were not just interests — they were party of her heritage. She always had a love for interiors and the way thoughtful design can transform how people live and feel in their spaces.
When George and Shaynaeh met in 2007, they quickly discovered that their passions complemented each other perfectly — construction and design. From early on, George & Shaynaeh shared a dream that, if it was God’s will, they would one day build something together.
In 2017, that dream became reality when they officially launched their LLC. Thomas Grae Interior Design & Construction. The name itself reflects their commitment to legacy and family. “Thomas” is their last name, and “Grae” (G-R-A-E) is the middle name of their oldest son. His name carries special meaning as it is derived from George’s fathers middle name, Graylin. It felt intentional and symbolic — honoring the generations before them while building something that continues forward.
Since launching they have had the privilege of working on a wide range of projects — from smaller-scale renovations like kitchen remodels, sunroom additions and remodels to full-scale home renovations and new construction builds. What sets them apart is the ability to seamlessly merge construction expertise with intentional design, ensuring that every project is both structurally sound and beautifully curated.
In July 2025, George & Shaynaeh relocated to the Raleigh area with a vision to expand and grow their business in a new community. George & Shaynaeh are excited about this new chapter and remain committed to creating thoughtfully designed, well-built spaces that reflect their clients’ stories while honoring the legacy that built theirs.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t been a completely smooth road. Like most businesses, we’ve faced growing pains that have strengthen us over time.
One of the biggest lessons has been understanding that every inquiry isn’t automatically the right fit. During the discovery calls and consultations, we’re intentional about making sure our vision expectations, and communication styles align. Clear alignment at the beginning sets the tone for a successful project.
We’ve also had to learn how to manage a steady project flow. Ideally, when one project wraps, another begins — but in construction and design, timing can be unpredictable. Creating consistency in our pipeline has been an ongoing area of growth.
Another challenge has been finding reliable subcontractors who consistently deliver quality work. Our reputation is built on craftsmanship and integrity, so building a dependable team that shares those standards has taken time and discernment.
Each challenge has refined our process and made us more intentional as both business owners and partners.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Thomas Grae Interior Design & Construction is a full-service, husband-and-wife design-build firm offering a seamless, start-to-finish experience. What truly sets us apart is that we combine construction expertise and interior design under one roof, giving our clients a cohesive and streamlined process from concept to completion.
On the construction side, we specialize in additions, renovations, remodels, and new builds. We are licensed, bonded and insured general contractors in North & South Carolina. On the design side, we offer full-service interior design, including space planning, lighting and finish selections, furniture sourcing, 3D renderings, and scaled drawings to help clients fully visualize their space before construction begins.
Because we handle everything from initial drawings and design concepts to construction management and final styling, our clients benefit from a tailored, one-stop-shop experience. We pride ourselves on being intentional, collaborative, and detail-driven — ensuring that every project is both beautifully designed and expertly built.
We’re most proud of the legacy and family foundation behind our brand, and the way we merge craftsmanship with creativity. We invite readers to explore our work and services at www.thomasgrae.com to learn more about how we bring thoughtful design and quality construction together.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
For those just starting out, our biggest piece of advice is to master the fundamentals.
On the construction side, that means truly understanding measurements, drawings, schematics, and how projects are built from the ground up. On the design side, technical skills matter just as much as creativity. Learning programs like AutoCAD and understanding scaled drawings and space planning are foundational. George & Shaynaeh began in vocational school, where they were introduced to technical drafting and AutoCAD — and that training created a strong design foundation early on.
We also strongly recommend finding a mentor. Having someone experienced to guide you through the realities of the field — not just the highlights — can save you years of trial and error.
From a business perspective, we both wish we had focused even earlier on the financial and operational side of entrepreneurship. Understanding cash flow, financial planning, project management, and how to navigate slower seasons is just as important as being talented in your craft. Creativity and skill will get you started, but business knowledge is what sustains you long term.
Build your technical skills, seek mentorship, and learn the business side early — those fundamentals make all the difference.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thomasgrae.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/thomasgraeinteriors_/?hl=en
