Our Team
Our talented designers bring together a wealth of experience, creativity, and passion for design to craft functional and beautiful interiors. Whether you’re looking to refresh a single room or embark on a full-scale renovation, we are here to guide you through every step of the process.
Terry Smathers
Principal/President
Terry is a Central Floridian born and raised who now makes Colonial Town his home.
Growing up he enjoyed history, art, and architecture; and went to school at FSU where he graduated with a double major in history and art history. 20+ years later Terry made a career change, going back to school for interior design.
He started working with Ted Maines Interiors as an intern and over 7 years worked his way up to Senior Designer before taking over and rebranding as Truly Modern Interiors.
He loves creating warm modern interiors full of special moments so each client walks into their new space feeling like it’s home. Terry’s hobbies include painting, drawing, and cooking. He looks forward to his weekly visits with his mom, lounging with his two pups, and spending time with friends.
ORIGIN
Ted Maines Interiors, founded in Winter Park’s Design District in 2010, quickly established itself as a modern, full-service interior design studio known for its bespoke residential and commercial projects. Over the next decade, the firm earned numerous accolades—including multiple Orlando Magazine Home Design Awards and the 2018 Southeast Building Conference Silver Aurora Award for Best Remodel or Renovation—recognizing excellence across categories such as interior design, décor and accessories, upholstered furniture, and outdoor living. The firm’s ethos, ”It’s All About The Client” was reflected in its carefully curated retail showroom featuring brands like Knoll, Flos, Tom Dixon, Muuto, USM, and fine art from Taglialatella Gallery. Ted Maines led the studio with a vision that balanced modern sophistication and personal warmth until his passing from non‑Hodgkin’s lymphoma in December 2022 at age 64; following his passing, the team pledged to honor his legacy by continuing the firm’s commitment to creative, client-centered design.
Mercedes Chavez
Interior Designer
Mercedes is a recent graduate of Seminole State College’s Interior Design Program. She was raised in Fort Myers, Florida but made Orlando her home in 2015.
She started working at Ted Maines Interiors in 2021 as an intern and has since moved up from Design Assistant to Senior Interior Designer.
Mercedes’ hobbies include taking her cats to breweries, watching movies at the Enzian, and traveling.
tED mAINES
Principal/President at Ted Maines Interiors
Ted was a part of the Central Florida community for many years. He attended Rutgers University and had executive management experience in the fields of finance, real estate development, construction, and design.
His lifelong passion for interior design, art, and architecture led him back to his roots with Ted Maines Interiors, an award-winning, full-service interior design showroom and studio conveniently located in the design district of lovely Winter Park, FL. He was also an accomplished and valued member of the Central Florida community, recognized for devoting many hours and significant energy and resources to philanthropic and cultural causes, making the lives of many in Orlando better. Ted will be missed terribly by the TMI team, as well as the many who were fortunate to know him.