“I’ll tell you what you need and not what I sell.” ~ Dannette K. Davis
Dannette Davis: Pioneering the Art of Construction and Consulting
Dannette Davis, an industry luminary and seasoned entrepreneur, brings over three decades of experience in the construction sector, specializing in Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment for a prestigious clientele. Her remarkable journey includes an 18-year tenure at TSU, where she expertly managed projects, ranging from small to large-scale new construction and renovation ventures.
Apart from her illustrious professional career, Dannette is an ardent advocate for the arts and a committed community participant. She is the visionary founder of “Kay Davis in the Community,” a non-profit organization dedicated to enriching the community through the performing arts, community service, support for under-funded school programs, and the promotion of sustainable nutrition initiatives. Her deep-rooted support extends to various artistic domains, including theatre, dance, and visual arts, where she not only actively participates but also provides essential backing. Her dedication is further evident in her participation in numerous board positions.
Dannette’s role as Principal at Kay Davis Associates spans an impressive 23 years. Her leadership entails the day-to-day management of the company, overseeing a dedicated full-time staff, orchestrating office space planning, and adeptly navigating the realms of moving management and contract furniture, fixtures, and equipment. With a career spanning over 30 years in the construction industry, her expertise lies in facilities planning and project management.
“You’re only as strong as your weakest link, and I know how to make good use of it.” Currently, Kay Davis Associates is actively engaged in multiple projects, fostering enduring relationships with clients in Houston, Dallas, and surrounding areas.
Key highlights encompass diverse projects across K-12, higher education, and public entities, including Texas Southern University’s Art, MLK, Music, and University Museum. Collaborating with Texas A&M, they played an instrumental role in projects like Northside, Galveston Science Facility, ETED, and NCTM, offering comprehensive services spanning specifications, design, and installation of FFE from 2011 to 2013. The Houston Community College System entrusted Kay Davis Associates with an ambitious project spanning interior space planning, furniture layout design for 14 buildings, FFE selection, installation oversight, move management planning and execution, and the establishment of a new inventory system, completed successfully from 2006 to 2010.
What sets Davis and her firm apart is the personal touch they infuse into every client interaction, a commitment to fostering enduring relationships that has driven the firm’s growth and success.
“We primarily sell furniture, fixtures, and equipment, but we’re turnkey with a whole FSA service, not just someone that builds your furniture,” she said. “We have designers. We offer space planning and logistics as a core competency.”
Dannette is a firm believer in understanding the client’s unique requirements and needs. Her background as an owner within a Facilities Group has given her a profound insight into the frustration of having information misrepresented to clients. She holds a degree in telecommunications from Texas Southern University and furthered her expertise through master’s work in construction management at the University of Houston.
Certified as a facility manager and a professional member of IFMA, Davis brings a wealth of expertise to her endeavors. She is currently on the Board of The Ensemble Theatre and a member of the Women President Organization, where she received a Women of Color Leadership Award. Her love for the arts is evident in her role as the founder of Insight Productions Co., producing plays and video/short films as part of her KDA in Community Work.
Despite her scholastic success, Dannette’s true passion lies in nurturing the construction sector. “Honestly, years ago furniture was usually an afterthought when projects were complete. Therefore, it’s important to help clients imagine their space more fluidly during programming,” she explained.
In the ever-evolving landscape of business and consulting, Kay Davis and Associates have risen as a shining example of success. They’ve adapted to industry trends and client needs, steadily expanding their reach and the services they offer. With their client-centered approach and diverse expertise, they continue to look ahead to the future, envisioning themselves as a boundaryless firm, capable of serving clients’ needs regardless of location.
With a commitment to excellence, a focus on client needs, and an unwavering dedication to growth, Kay Davis and Associates epitomize success in the consulting industry. As they evolve and expand, their future looks brighter than ever, solidifying their name as a synonym for consulting excellence. “We specialize in niche work,” Dannette emphasized. “We have assembled a team of associates who aren’t just adept at drafting; they possess the unique ability to sketch and design furniture pieces that go beyond what’s readily available in the market. This enables us to undertake extraordinary projects.”
In her words, “The fundamental principle is to grasp the true essence of the client’s furniture requirements and genuinely heed their needs. A client’s space, much like their clothing and personal belongings, ought to mirror and express their personality and uniqueness. It should exude a distinct and unmistakable character.”
