Jennifer Hunter, NYC-based interior designer, founded her own design firm in early 2019 following a long history of love for architecture and design. She shares her experiences, passions, challenges and valuable insights as a professional in the industry.
Where did your love of design begin?
I was born into it. My grandfather, my biggest inspiration, was a developer in D.C. From an early age, I would spend Sundays with him visiting job sites. When it came time to apply to college, I pursued various five-year architecture programs and landed on The University of Texas in Austin. During my summers, I had the privilege of interning for the design legend Albert Hadley. Upon graduation, he advised me to apply for my MFA at Sotheby’s Institute of Art to develop a foundation in the history of furniture and decorative objects. Once I graduated I was hired by one of Mr. Hadley’s lead designers Harry Heissmann and helped him launch his business. From there, I went off on my own with a business partner and eventually went solo around three years ago.
What’s your favorite part about being a designer?
Installation days are the most rewarding part of being an interior designer and certainly my favorite! The clients get to see all of your hard work and vision come to life. There is truly no better feeling than happy clients who validate and appreciate your work!
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a designer?
The biggest challenge is setting clients’ expectations with regard to lead times in this current climate of supply chain issues. Most clients are understanding, but we know how hard it can be to wait. We are navigating it all the best we can!
What’s been your most challenging project so far?
My own home! While I am super decisive with all of my clients, it is different when designing for yourself. I have access to everything within the industry. At the end of the day, I just try to stay true to my aesthetic.
What’s the most valuable thing you’ve learned as a designer?
Two things: One, staying true to my artistry—it’s what enhances my brand and establishes my trademark in the design industry, and two, hiring a team that is dependable, professional and dedicated to servicing clients at a caliber that exceeds expectations. Ultimately, your team is a reflection of you, so it’s vital to hire individuals who embody the same ethics and professional values that you hold true for yourself.
What is your favorite brand in interior design?
F. Schumacher & Co.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given as a designer?
One piece of advice I was given and think is invaluable is to tailor your creativity according to your client’s best interest. Interior design is a service, and clients hire you not only for your expertise but also for your design aesthetic. When I first started out, I was in the business of servicing requests, and oftentimes, clients are not risktakers. It is our job to nudge them into more creative choices, which not only builds trust but ultimately strengthens the relationship between you and the client. Client relations is a true artistry and skill set interior designers master to balance
What’s your best piece of advice for clients?
Designers bring a wealth of knowledge and guidance to the interior design process. As an expert in the industry, interior designers are a smart investment—preventing costly mistakes and acting as resources to provide continued solutions to inevitable design challenges. It is a service that is invaluable and will guarantee results that ultimately turn clients’ dreams into tangible realities.
Scout & Nimble is a retail site and blog that aims to make expert design accessible to all. Follow at blog.scoutandnimble.com.
