Interior Design Interview February 2009

February 03, 2009

Interview with Jason Longo, JDL Interiors
February 3, 2009

1. What sparked your interest in doing design?

When I was a child, my parents bought me Lego sets to put together.  I built a Village in my basement and spent countless amounts of time tearing down and rebuilding different homes and businesses.  I love the creative ideas and the process that came with assembling this town.  I really thought about the functionality of how these little places were made.  How a real person would use it.  As I grew older, I love to sketch boat and car designs.  I also loved the idea of being an architect and seeing things that I envision in my mind, become a reality someday. 

2. What are your favorite types or styles of design and spaces to work with?

I do not have a favorite style; I like them all.  I respect all different styles and designs.  I usually lean towards an eclectic mix between modern simplicity and rustic elements surrounded by a warm and cozy color palette.  I look forward to designing a modern bachelor pad soon.

3. What is your average workday like?

Everyday varies depending on what I have on the schedule.  I am usually up and on the computer by 730am or so.  I check emails, do some research I need to do. I usually schedule my first morning appointment between 9 and 10, to allow me time to get my day in order in the morning.  From there, its driving all over the place usually, averaging about 16-20k miles a year on my vehicle.  My Cell phone of course is always in use. I usually get home by 6 or 7, then its dinner or gym time and I usually finish the day on the computer doing more research from about 10pm till 11 or 12.

4. How do eco-friendly materials play into your work?

Eco-friendly materials are becoming more a focus with design everywhere.  I am at the mercy of the manufacturers.  I can only use it once it has been created, and is financially responsible to do so.  Unfortunately, budgets do no always allow for the more eco-friendly materials to be uses.  Sometimes those items can be upwards of double the cost of traditional materials.  Greater awareness of the global impact on our environment and our own health from these products is creating a dramatic shift in the production of materials.  I feel that within the next few years we will see Eco-friendly products becoming more cost effective and much more the “norm” when it comes to building construction and design.  I consider eco friendly products as often as I can with my designs.

5. In a lot of your pictures, the lighting is really strong. How important is lighting when you're designing a space?

Lighting is a crucial part of any design.  Lighting creates that “perfect finished” appearance.  Lighting sells your design to anyone who sees it.  Without good lighting, why bother with the design.  Lighting can create so many different moods.  I personally believe that no light should be without a dimmer switch.  New commercial building controls, allow for the lighting to be controlled based on the existing ambient light from the outside; which saves money and is a great Eco-friendly option. 

6. What do you take into consideration for picking out color schemes?

Colors are my favorite part of any design.  This, next to an appropriate amount of lighting; sets the tone for any design.  I always ask the client how they want to feel, or how they want others to feel (if it is a business); when they enter the space.  Paint in general is the most cost effective way to change the mood and look of a room.  I grew up in the era of Navajo white track homes, where the builder put a coat of flat off white everywhere.  It drove me to embrace and love color.  White has its place in design; I usually use it for all my non-stained trim work.  But colors create a room.  It makes the walls part of the design collaboration.  I regularly chose a color for the ceiling as well.  No painters “ceiling white” in my designs. 

7. How much of your design is a client's wants and how much is your input?

Its hard to say.  In general, it is my client design.  I interview them, as for sample photos of what they like, as well as what they don’t like.  I make sure I really understand there needs and wants as well as their budget.  I go through a very detailed process on what specifically they do and don not like about a variety of styles and designs to narrow down my approach.  In the end, I hope to take the picture of what they had in their mind, and make it a reality.  I always remember, it is not my house and that this process is not about me.  It is and always will be about the client. 

8. How many clients do you usually work with at a given time?

Depending on the time of year, it varies.  This time of year (after the holidays and before April) is generally slow in most design and related service industries.  It is hard to gauge what will be come spring, due to the current economic climate.  My business however has remained slow and steady.  I am working with 7 different clients on varying levels of service from color consultations, to full remodeling projects and a new build residence. 

9. Where do you think interior design will go in the future? Will green design become more popular?

As I stated early in the eco-friendly question, I feel that green design with become the normal method of operation when it comes to materials and building construction.  The greater global awareness on sustainability and non-toxic products will not only drive new industry, but more creativity when it comes to creating these materials and products.  The days of ignorance is bliss when it comes to toxicity to humans and the environment, is diminishing.  Interior Design will be just one facet that follows suit to this awakening so-to-speak. 

10. How closely do you work with clients throughout all stages of design?

I usually work very closely with the client when it comes to the development of the idea.  From there, I work on the floorplans and materials selections separately and then present a well thought out package to my clients.  It’s not uncommon to have two-dozen revisions before settling on the perfect layout and design.  Only a very few clients say they want me to take care of the whole process with their limited input.  Even when they state that, I find they become fascinated and excited about the process and become much more involved.  My favorite part of my job is educating clients on interior design.  The realize that once I give them a foundation and take away some of the “unknown”, they are much more comfortable making decisions.