We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Janie Robertson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Janie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

I’ve worked on many wonderful projects during my career and they all have special meaning in their own way. However, in my experience, the most meaningful projects have been the ones where relationships and friendships were formed. Just before the pandemic I was lucky enough to be introduced to a future client through a close mutual friend. The clients were looking to open a new concept of Co-Working spaces, built around local community with drop-in flexibility. It was an exciting concept and a project that I very much wanted to be part of. After a few months of going through the interview process, I was brought on board as the interior designer. As always, the project was not without challenges, construction delays, pandemic delays, etc. but we collaborated and created two amazing spaces that brought people together not only to work, but also for cool creative community events, like poetry readings, lectures and art events. Each space told a story about its specific neighborhood. Every design aspect was intentional to create a relaxed, yet lively and productive environment, while weaving in natural elements from local artisans. Despite the amazing design, the most beautiful part was the friendships that were formed. I’ve been very fortunate in my career to work on amazing projects, but when you are lucky enough to have clients that trust you with their vision and their dreams AND then become friends – it’s the icing on the cake.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m a Southern California native and ever since I was a little girl I’ve always had an artistic side. As a kid I was always drawing, painting and writing stories. I knew I’d fall into some sort of creative career. I went to school and majored in art/interior design with the intention of doing residential projects. But, somehow, I fell into commercial interiors, focusing on furniture and space planning for corporate offices. As I put my time in and worked my way up the ladder, it became less and less creative. Account management and project management took over. The hours were relentless and after 20 years, I reached a point where I no longer was willing to do it anymore. I had lost all balance in my life and wasn’t sure who I was as a person anymore. So…I quit. My plan was to take a year off to get back to myself—to travel, rest, breathe. However, the universe had other plans and I ended up starting my own business instead. Since 2016, I’ve been an independent contractor, working on large-scale office design projects. I was able to take relationships I’d cultivated throughout my career with some of Los Angeles’ top architects, contractors and various furniture dealerships to kick off this new endeavor. I have a strong background offering creative vision in workplace trends and master planning. I specialize in contract interior design, space planning, furniture, fixtures & equipment specifications, art, staging and project management. I manage all on-site installation crews and coordinate with general contractors, electricians, data and AV consultants. Domestically, my projects have taken me, to New York, Chicago, Nashville, Washington DC, and various cities throughout the US. And have done some consulting work in Kenya.

Design needs to be intuitive and collective, bringing to life the personality of the client within their space. I value collaboration and listening. I try hard to create an energy that encourages my client’s to step outside their comfort zone. Having the ability to create spaces that make people feel good and bring beauty into their lives feeds my soul.
My favorite aesthetics include textures, patterns, layering, and mixed metals. Something fun and unexpected. I love elegance with an edge, art and artifacts that tell a story. My biggest inspirations include nature, art, travel, color, and sustainability.

I am an avid traveler and find immense inspiration in learning about other cultures and environments. I’m also a painter. The past 2 years have been a challenging time in my personal life, with a lot of loss. But, I have stretched myself in so many ways, including making more time to do my art and trying to find my voice in my painting. It can be a scary process, but one that feels important to me and has helped me bring the creative spark back into my work life as well.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Being active in the industry, working hard, and building relationships with people. Cultivating trust, loyalty and integrity. I pride myself on working hard, sharing insights, listening to the client’s needs/visions/dreams and helping them create an environment for their employees that reflect who they are and their brand.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Oh, that’s a tough one, there’s so many things, but probably working through creative blocks. It can be painful, but surprisingly satisfying (if you make it out the other side!) Trust the process.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/janie315
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janie-robertson-057843a/
• Other: [email protected]

Image Credits
Photos 2 & 3 – Image credits to Keith Kleiner