MEET LIKE-MINDED DESIGN DUO: J + G DESIGN

Photos courtesy of J + G Design

Jennifer Beek and Georgie Hambright

Although though they were both students at University of Texas in Austin and even lived on the same street while there,  Jennifer Beek and Georgie Hambright met years later in New York. They reconnected two years ago at Design on a Dime, the must-attend New York design event,  and realized they they loved the same things. At the time, they were both doing design work --  Jennifer  interned for the late great Albert Hadley, and Georgie worked for Bunny Williams among others--  but decided to start a business together when the timing was right. Goergie entered design from the PR world, and I met Jennifer Beek when she was working for Albert Hadley alum Harry Heissmann. I see the design duo, called J +G Design,  at many a design event, being part of the community dialog and interfacing with new products at launches and parties.  Being out and about has certainly benefited them, helping to create an awareness in their target market.  Attracting a young clientele,  often those decorating their first apartment, they push out creative inspiration on their blog Curatorial and instagram, updating their trad with a twist following  on what they are seeing and doing. I was eager to get the lowdown from them on practical advice they had for other designers eager to hang out their shingle and hear what is inspiring them now.  They have captured the attention of design watchers with their appreciation of design classics, and have recently been asked to overhaul the Avery Boardman Showroom at the D and D Building.  Read on for more on J+ G Design and find them on Instagram @jandgdesign

Who did you work for and where did you study to learn the trade?

Jennifer: I studied architecture at the University of Texas, Austin.  For my last two summers in college I was lucky enough to intern for the late Albert Hadley, where I met and became very close to senior designer, Harry Heissmann.  Upon graduating from UT, Mr. Hadley encouraged me to pursue a Masters in the Decorative Arts and suggested I look into the Sotheby's Masters in Fine and Decorative Arts program.  In the summer of 2009, between undergrad and grad school, I helped Harry launch his own design firm, Harry Heissmann, Inc.,  where I would intern throughout grad school and then work upon graduation until March 2013.

Georgie: I studied at Parsons and worked for various designers in Manhattan, Kemble Interiors, Bunny Williams Inc., and Blair Harris Interior Design, in that order. I strongly suggest working for different designers to help evolve your own personal style and to learn as much as possible about how they run their business. 

When did you know this was your calling in life?

J: I would have to say at age 4, when I decided to "wallpaper" my parents' bedroom with neon construction paper and glue.  It was more of a wainscoting as that is about as high as I could reach!  But in all seriousness, I thought I wanted to go into fashion design because I was drawn to textiles.  Soon after I discovered I loved arranging spaces and realized that interiors was where I wanted to be!

G: I think I always knew that it was what I wanted to do, but was too afraid to admit it. Once I decided to pursue design, enrolled in Parsons and was surrounded by like minded people, I knew I was where I was supposed to be.

How did you know you were ready to strike out on your own, and when did you?

I don't think you ever really know if you're ready to go out on your own. Working in small offices enabled us to see the day-to-day things that need to be done - learning how to actually manage your business is crucial.  We clicked right from our first meeting--having the right chemistry and working relationship is everything!  We had a few side projects we had developed together, which is ultimately what gave us the confidence to strike out on our own.  We knew that if we didn't do it, it would always be a side project, thus J+G opened its doors officially in March 2013.

What advice do you have for others wanting to do the same?

Think it through.  We didn't just quit our jobs one day and decide to open shop.  It was a year in the making--developing a mission, a business plan, company goals, establishing a brand, etc.  It is a big undertaking, but we are lucky to have one another!

Do you have a design mentor?

We are constantly reaching out to other designers to meet with us for coffee!  It can be isolating going off on your own, so we love to get together with other people in the industry to pick their brains!  Obviously we look up to the designers we worked for in the past--they taught us everything we know!

What did they teach you that you can't learn in design school?

Trust your eye.  This is something that takes time to develop, but we try to get out of the office as much as possible to visit new workrooms and go to exhibits and galleries.  It is really about constantly educating ourselves.

What is the most practical knowledge you learned from working for a master designer?

Hands down, proportion and scale.  You must understand those in order to have a successful project.

Do you have a signature look and how would you define it?

We would describe our aesthetic as traditional design as we see it through our lens - equal parts eclectic and tailored, glamorous and relaxed, bold colors/pattern and subtle textures. It's this unique balance that we strive for in every space.

What is the biggest challenge of being your own boss? Has that evolved from when you began?

The responsibility of running a successful business was daunting.  We are the last line of defense so it's all on us! Our confidence has definitely grown over the past year and we have learned how to deal with various situations.

You are very social media savvy,  how has that engagement helped you?

We knew from the start that this was going to be huge for us as a young business. Starting out you don't have photographed projects, so it is the best way to convey our taste and aesthetic to the design community and potential clients. Our favorite platform would have to be Instagram.

How do your clients find you?

All sorts of ways, social media and press being one of them, but word-of-mouth is still the most prominent way.

Whose work of the past do you hold in high regard?

Albert Hadley--it is actually our connection to one another...both Harry and Bunny hailed from him!

What books do you own old and new that you constantly refer to?

Parish-Hadley: Sixty Years of American Design

Billy Baldwin Decorates: A book of practical decorating ideas

Mario Buatta: Fifty Years of American Interior Decoration

Thomas Pheasant: Simply Serene

Where is your inspiration coming from right now?

We are so lucky to live in NYC!  We are constantly taking photos of inspiration, whether it be a new restaurant, boutique, workroom, etc.  Most recently we were so inspired by all the amazing work coming out of The Alpha Workshops.  If you can dream it, they can make it.

What do you think is next regarding trends in color, material and style?

While we don't typically adhere to trends, we are seeing a lot of the monochromatic look--very tone on tone, but with more attention to a variety of textures.

Do you have a  favorite fabric pattern or print you return to?

Yes--  Kelly Wearstler for Lee Jofa, Confetti in black/ivory. It's fun, yet tailored and makes everything look fresh. We recovered the seats of a set of antique dining chairs and the client's loved them. When in doubt, confetti it!

What material do you love?

 Nothing beats soft buttery texture of velvet. The color options and textures are endless. It can be dressed up or dressed down - you just can't go wrong! 

Where do you like to shop?

Perusing Pinterest or 1stDibs is the most convenient way to get inspired, but we are both very visually minded people. We love John Rosselli and Flair--they do a great job of styling.

What stores and or resources do you shop in the most?

We love helping clients achieve a high-end look within their budget, this means using a high/low mix of pieces. We shop across the board, everything from 1st dibs to vintage/consignment stores. We try not to shop at the same places all the time. We're always looking for new artists and resources.

Where are you eager to do a project?

Right now, specifically? Anywhere warm! We cannot wait for Spring to arrive!

 Furniture with classic silhouettes in a New York living room. Ever mindful of key to comfortable seating arrangements, they have a spot to place a drink beside each seat.

The color-accented  mix of furniture styles and a touch of pattern to offset the neutral white walls.

The dining room, with Biedermeier chairs and a mid century chandelier. Red vases make  a nice centerpiece addition to the dining table when it is not in use.

A red and blue abstract portrait hangs above a console-as-bar.

An interesting gallery art wall anchors the living room in Jennifer's apartment.

A dash of red, black and white pattern and brass make a handsome traditional nailhead-trimmed headboard come to life.

An antique dresser dressed up with a mustard yellow lamp and sunny vintage print.

A colorful tablesetting for a birthday fete features a coral and melon Quadrille print and accents of blue.

Their Avery Boardman scheme includes handmade Christopher Spitzmiller lamps and fresh printed fabrics.

 A corner desk with instant library for a client.