Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Jenkins
Hi Laura , it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I have a unique background, with roots in the South (Nashville) and formative years spent in the Northeast. I initially went to school for History but discovered I missed being creative. After a little soul searching between fashion and interiors, I landed on Interior Design and never looked back. It was the perfect major to combine my love of design and history. My design philosophy is influenced by my passion for art, history, literature, and fashion. I try to maintain a highly attuned eye and knowledge of historical and contemporary context, so I can quickly home in on a project’s design aesthetic and capture its true spirit. I had about 15 years experience working in different project types and for other firms before starting my own. There is a lot to learn in our field, it isn’t just picking finishes so I can’t imagine not having a breadth of experience before going out on my own. After many years of working for others, I felt like it was time to build my own brand. I have taken it slow but we have grown each year and I am very grateful to my clients who keep us going!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I started my firm in 2019 so I was about a year in when covid hit. Having lived through the recession of 2008 which hit the architecture and design industry particularly hard, I was really nervous. No one could have predicted how the residential market would continue to grow through that time period. What a wild ride! When I first started my firm, I did about 50/50 residential and commercial work (mainly restaurant design) but I’ve learned over time how much I love working in residential. The timelines, attention to detail, and freedom to create long lasting spaces really fit my design philosophy now. It took working on a few tough commercial project to get that place but I’m thankful that my path is clear at this point.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
We are a full-service interior design studio creating beautifully considered, perfectly imperfect, collected interiors. Full service means we do everything from interior architecture to furniture and finishes. I really strive to make each project unique to my clients, but I’d say the common thread is my ability to mix styles with a heavy emphasis on art. I try to listen to what the spaces are telling me by studying their context through architecture and their setting whether it is in Charleston, San Francisco, Atlanta, or New York. I also always look to history to inform our work and take inspiration from. I would say we specialize on historic renovations but we are also working on a ground up project as well. For me, it is all about the narrative we are telling for the client and creating a story through their interiors that truly reflects them.
It seems I am usually most proud of the project we have just completed or the one that we are about to complete. We have been nationally published with features in Southern Living, Architectural Digest, Luxe Magazine, House Beautiful, and Rue Magazine, as well as being a two-time finalist in the Southeastern Designer of the Year Awards sponsored by ADAC and Veranda Magazine.
What I am most proud of though is running a successful, growing business while also being a Mother. It is isn’t easy but I am proud of where I have been and where I am going!
What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memories are of taking road trip with my parents. They always had a plan of driving through memorable or historically significant areas. These trips fueled my love of history and I never tire of touring old homes, oh the stories they could tell. I also grew up (and still do) loving horses. From the age of 10 through today I have ridden horses and some of my favorite childhood memories are of working at the barn to pay for my riding lessons and spending time with horses. I’m thankful that I can still make time to ride even with how crazy my schedule is these days. It is the one place where I can forget all my stress.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.laurawjenkins.com/
- Instagram: @laurawjenkinsinteriors
