We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jessica Davis . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jessica below.
Jessica , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you tell us about a time that your work has been misunderstood? Why do you think it happened and did any interesting insights emerge from the experience?
Being recognized for my work and receiving press for it can be a double-edged sword. My own post-and-beam mid-century home has been featured in the New York Times, Better Homes & Gardens, and Atlanta Magazine. I also worked on an Eichler home in Palo Alto that was showcased in Elle Decor. Because of these prominent projects, some people assume that I exclusively focus on mid-century modern design.What’s interesting is that while the core architectural shell and finishes of these homes are indeed mid-century modern, the furnishings, wallpapers, rugs, and decor reflect a bold mix of styles. Many clients come to me because they’re drawn to mid-century aesthetics after seeing these projects, but I believe it’s important to educate them about our passion for blending styles. Sticking too rigidly to a specific theme, like mid-century modern, can lead to a very thematic look—think Brady Bunch. Unfortunately, many people overlook the eclectic elements we’ve incorporated, such as rolled-arm sofas and 80s pendant lights, and assume everything comes from a single era. We love to emphasize that we frequently work in spaces beyond mid-century design and curate collections that span many eras and styles. I’ve also participated in a few show houses featuring more traditional styles to showcase the breadth of our work.
Jessica , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Atelier Davis is my full-service, multi-faceted design studio, and I’m proud to lead our talented team from our offices in Atlanta, New York, and Los Angeles. We specialize in residential and hospitality interiors, as well as furniture, product, and landscape design. As the head of the firm, I blend my love for hand-sketching with space planning to create personalized plans for our clients. I believe in enhancing the original bones of a space with period-specific finishes while modernizing interiors through an unexpected mix of furniture and decoration. Our projects range from new builds and restored Victorian gems to bringing mid-century modern homes into the present day. I’m particularly passionate about supporting fellow working mothers and collaborating with socially-conscious manufacturers and suppliers, all while creating inspiring interiors that reflect our clients’ unique visions.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
My goal with both my hardware line, Nest Studio, and my interiors practice, Atelier Davis, is to create environments that are personal, architecturally driven, and promote creativity and ease. I want people to feel inspired and at peace in the spaces I craft. I always start with the architecture of the space. For me, design goes beyond patterns, furnishings, and accessories; it encompasses the entire volume of the space and the human interaction within it. I consider myself an architect’s interior designer and enjoy collaborating with architects to create a seamless experience from the outside in. I use the architecture as a foundation for millwork, furniture layout, and material selections. Collaboration with clients is also essential. Understanding their lifestyle and values helps me create an environment that is truly a custom fit. Sometimes this means educating clients, helping them realize that bigger isn’t always better—that the details are what truly make a house a home.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
Seeing the end product is always rewarding and one of my favorite parts of the job. A photo shoot represents the culmination of this process, as it pushes me, as a designer, to finalize all the details at the end of a project. I love receiving the final photos and sharing them with the world. Hearing that others are inspired by what I’ve created is incredibly fulfilling, and sharing that success with the collaborators who make it all possible is truly a gift.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://atelierdavis.com/
- Instagram: @atelier_davis
Image Credits
David Duncan Livingston Emily Followill Stephen Karlisch Sean Litchfield Elliot Fuerniss