Today we’d like to introduce you to John Hill.
Hi John, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m originally from Cape Town, South Africa, where I began my career in the fast-evolving world of educational technology. I was fortunate to be part of the executive team that launched an innovative edtech venture. Later, my wife and I embraced an opportunity to relocate to New York, where we continued to grow professionally and personally.
In 2020, the shift to remote work during the pandemic opened new possibilities. Kate and I made a quick decision to move to Florida with our young daughter. That season of global pause became a period of reflection—and reinvention. We settled in Palm Beach Gardens, where a single home renovation project would unknowingly lay the foundation for something extraordinary.
Teaming up with our neighbor and talented designer Jon Scurry, we renovated our home and discovered a powerful creative synergy. While Jon dreamed in textures, palettes, and scale, I focused on the systems that brought those ideas to life.
As co-founder of Palm Club Design Group, I serve as the behind-the-scenes architect of operational excellence. Together, Jon and I lead a team of Design-Inspired Renovation Experts, building systems that are as intentional as they are efficient. My thoughtful leadership, attention to detail, and commitment to quality have helped define Palm Club’s signature approach: seamless, stylish, and deeply client-centered
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Has it been a smooth road? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Starting a business from scratch is always challenging—nothing worth doing is ever easy. The past five years have been an incredibly busy and rewarding journey for us at Palm Club Design Group.
One of our biggest hurdles has been educating clients about our unique approach to renovations. We don’t follow the traditional model. Instead, we’ve introduced a new way of doing things—one that blends design thinking with construction execution from day one. That shift requires trust, and building that trust has taken time and persistence.
In the early days, especially during Covid, finding reliable, like-minded general contractors and tradespeople was no small feat. At a time when everyone with a truck was calling themselves a contractor, we remained focused on curating a team of professionals who shared our standards for craftsmanship, communication, and accountability.
Another major milestone has been building a network of over 400 trusted vendor relationships, all rooted in design exclusivity. Convincing premium vendors that our integrated model was not only different but also sustainable was no easy task—but we’ve done it. These partnerships are now a cornerstone of the Palm Club process, ensuring our clients get access to exceptional products, service, and value.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Palm Club Design Group is built around a team of Design-Inspired Renovation Experts who specialize in transforming Florida’s existing residential inventory into modern, beautifully curated homes.
Our approach is unique: we partner with clients from the very beginning—often even before they purchase a property—and guide them all the way through to final execution. The goal is always the same: to bring their vision to life with precision, creativity, and confidence.
Our cross-functional team advocates for clients at every stage of the process, drawing on decades of combined experience in residential renovation. This category of work demands an unusually high level of coordination, attention to detail, and technical expertise.
To succeed in this space, you need deep knowledge across a range of disciplines—architecture, real estate, general contracting, technical sub-trades, material sourcing and handling, interior and technical design, project management, budgeting, and financial oversight.
At Palm Club, we manage all of it. We offer a fully integrated, design-led renovation experience that allows clients to trust the process and focus on the excitement of creating a truly special home.
Most proud
We’ve broken into an industry that’s notoriously difficult to navigate—residential renovation—where trust is often hard-earned and easily lost.
What sets us apart is our commitment to transparency, accountability, and follow-through. Our clients quickly come to recognize that we’re honest brokers who operate with integrity at every stage. We don’t disappear when things get tough. We’re present, engaged, and solution-oriented—through the good times and the challenging ones.
It’s this consistency that builds long-term trust and lasting relationships. Our clients know we have their backs, from the first walk-through to the final reveal.
The most effective time to reach out to Palm Club is before you purchase a home or when you’re considering a renovation but don’t know where to start. We specialize in identifying and unlocking the hidden potential in properties that might seem unremarkable at first glance.
With our architectural insight and design-led approach, we help clients see what’s possible—transforming ordinary spaces into extraordinary homes with purpose, flow, and character.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
As land in South Florida becomes increasingly developed and new‑home prices continue to climb, renovating a well‑built existing property has emerged as one of the most cost‑effective ways to create your dream residence—customized to your exact lifestyle and aesthetic. With the right team, you can unlock character, optimize layout, and elevate finishes while maximizing value.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.palmclubdesigngroup.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/palmclubdesigngroup/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-hill-552204341/
Image Credits
Jess McGillicuddy, Palm Design Branding
