Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jessica Love. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Jessica, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
I believe that confidence starts at home, and I’ve dedicated myself to building inspirational and functional spaces for all budgets and ages. While Urbane Design is a luxury service, I’m able to give back to the community through my 501c3 nonprofit, Design Changes Lives. I did not grow up wealthy, and I know how important it is to be in an environment where you feel safe, supported, and uplifted. By pairing local interior designers with a child in need, the designer listens to the necessities and desires of the child and designs a room uniquely for them.
I am a multi-passionate person, and I strongly believe in the power and importance of giving back. I have previously partnered with Big Brothers Big Sisters, Austin’s Habitat for Humanity, served on the board for Ten Thousand Villages, and volunteered with Barkitecture and Austin Pets Alive!. By stationing myself with an open heart within my community, I’m able to effectively serve not only my neighborhood but my clients as well.
Jessica, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
As a Sam Houston State University graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design, I learned the trade rules at a young age so that I can now strategically break them. I believe strongly in individuality over trends, and I work to showcase my clients’ personalities in each and every design we create. With over eighteen years of experience, I’ve built a loyal clientele who values the transparency, ease, and fun I bring to the design process.
I started my first company, Love Designs, in 2004. Since then, my current company, Urbane Design has grown into a full-service interior design firm specializing in remodeling, new construction, and furniture. We aim to take the stress off our clients and handle all the logistics so they can enjoy the design process and end result. By working with architects, contractors, manufacturers, and everyone else involved in the design process, we are able to coordinate all of the moving pieces of your home project so you can sit back, relax and enjoy the process. Our continuous dedication to detail and full-service support allows us to take care of the logistics while you discover the design identity you never knew you had!
One of my favorite parts of the design process is showing our clients what is possible for their space. I travel to their home and get to know these interesting individuals, their needs, and their lifestyles. From there, we develop a strong concept and translate ideas and inspirations into a concrete, detailed design plan representing their unique personalities, habits, and priorities. Collaborating with our clients and seeing the joy on their faces at the final walk-through makes everything we do entirely worth it.
Our brand is based and operates on three pillars of strength: trust, communication, and collaboration. Only with all three can we truly create something great. Our home remodeling projects can be large and exciting, and they only work when all parties can rely on one another to do their part. We know that honest, respectful, and open communication between everyone involved is necessary for the design process to be successful. No one person is above the rest, and we work well in collaboration with our clients and the entire build team to ensure the end result is both stunning and functional.
As a company, we are committed to sustainability. We use recycled materials as often as possible, and we emphasize quality and durability over price, preferring our interiors to stand the test of time rather than follow fleeting trends. Preference is given to non-toxic materials and those that will contribute to the health and well-being of humanity, especially when selecting paint, flooring, glue, and more. We also breathe new life into antiques and furniture whenever possible by offering refinishing and reupholstering services. In addition, our office is committed to reducing paper waste, creating a smaller environmental footprint all around.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
With over eighteen years of experience in this business, my love for design has only grown. We’ve made it through several recessions, and the lessons I have learned along the way have been countless and valuable.
In 2008 when the recession hit, every single one of our clients pulled out of their agreement, regardless of how much time and money were already invested. I thought of temporarily working for a larger design firm, but no one was hiring. I continued to think of creative ways to keep our doors open, even offering cleaning services to make ends meet.
In the midst of the recession, I purchased a larger, more established design firm with a partner in an attempt to grow my existing clientele and resources. However, many of their current projects were on hold because of the recession, and once again, every client backed out of their agreement. My business partner fell through, and I desperately hoped that everything was falling apart in order to fall into place better than before.
I then decided to relocate to Austin and build a new business, which was the beginning of Urbane Design. I built business back up again slowly, this time determined to rebuild in a sustainable way. I focused on our core values, process and procedure, and I learned from past failures and professionals in the field how to safeguard ourselves against the ups and downs of the economy. When COVID-19 hit and changed the world, we were not only able to stay in business but continued to grow exponentially in the process.
Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
Looking back, I wish I had truly realized the power of having a mentor or coach. Since working with one, we have seen our business grow and streamline in a way that I could not have done by myself. We learn so much along the way as business owners and entrepreneurs, but we can’t do it all by ourselves.
Along with finding a coach or mentor, hiring a CFO has been an absolute game-changer. As a creative, I want the majority of my focus to be on our clients, employees, and projects. Focusing on business finances takes so much time and talent, and since hiring someone, we have seen our business grow in a way that it just couldn’t have before. 
Contact Info:
- Website: https://urbanedesignstudios.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theurbanedesign/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theurbanedesign/?fref=ts&ref=br_tf
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/urbanedesign/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/UrbaneIDesign
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuQrAG2XI5I5HGR7y1r_UlA
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/urbane-design-austin
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/urbanedesign/
- Houzz: https://www.houzz.com/pro/urbanedesign/urbane-design
Image Credits
Personal Photo-Laura Morsman Interior Photos- Avery Nicole and Molly Culver