Nicole Jacobs Design have been shortlisted for Kitchen Design Over £50,000 Award in The International Design and Architecture Awards 2021. Read more about the President and Principle Designer below:

Name: Nicole Jacobs
Company: Nicole Jacobs Design
Position within company: President and Principal Designer
Website: www.nicolejacobsdesign.com

Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc)
I have been in the design industry for 14 years, starting out with furnishings and styling, then moving to residential construction. I specialise in designing new custom builds and large-scale renovations.

How would you describe your personal design style?
My style is layered, modern maximalism. I love layering textures, mixing metals, playing with shapes, using bold hues and impactful finishes and fixtures. I also love setting something “wow” and unexpected against a clean and spare backdrop, such as the juxtaposition of an architectural salvage piece amid a modern space. 

Where does your design inspiration come from?
I take inspiration from anywhere, but I do love being inspired by restaurant and hospitality design when I’m doing residential interiors. I also love combing through old photos and sketches of early-to-mid 20^th century design. There’s a lot to learn from what came before us, and also to build on.

In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
Generally speaking, I think designers and consumers alike are looking for more unique, individualised design more than ever before. Design consumers want something that is exclusive to them and may be less likely to look to major trends for their home. As we have spent more time in our homes this past 18+ months of the pandemic, this is starting to be truer. 

Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2021 and beyond.
Individuality
Custom
Function
Comfort
Collected

If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?
Just start with something you love, and often you don’t have to look beyond your own collection to find something to inspire you, be it a piece of your grandmother’s china, or a collected piece of art. Inspiration can be found anywhere in your own life, to build a design around. And don’t forget to collect. Art! Artifacts! There’s meaning there.

How important are The International Design & Architecture Awards
The design community can often be insular, just like any other insider industry, making it difficult for emerging designers to get attention from what are typically small panels. The International Design and Architecture Awards are the opposite of that. With its unique judging format, all designers have an opportunity to have their work seen by a much larger pool of their respected peers in the international community, which is wonderful. I am honoured to be able to submit our work to a highly respected and fair jury of our peers in the community at large.

What projects are you currently working on?
I’m currently working on several custom new build homes and renovations in the Toronto area, as well as a couple commercial and public works projects. 

What was your favourite project to work on and why?
Lots of things contribute to the enjoyment of work, and the people you do this for is foremost. The Kingsway project, for which I am shortlisted, was a favourite for me because the clients were lovely and so great to work with.

What was your most challenging project to work on and why?
Any project that involves friends or family is the hardest, as the stakes tend to be even higher to deliver something they will love, because the emotional investment is so deep. Working with my mother on her own home was the most challenging because of that emotional investment.

Which products/services could you not live without when designing?
Any of the custom artisans whose skills we call upon are essential to any design, from carpenters, to millworkers, to those who specialise in masonry. I would also say that any architectural salvage shop is pretty essential.

What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
My goals are always to continue to deliver quality, functional, beautiful spaces to my clients and their families.

Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself and your daily inspirations:

Your most treasured possession? A teacup from my great-grandmother.
Your favourite holiday destination? Ravello, Italy.
Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar? Grand Hotel Cocumella, Sorrento, Italy. I can’t name restaurants or bars, there are too many and some of my local favourites have had to close because of the pandemic.
Your favourite book? Infinite Jest, by David Foster Wallace, and A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving.
Your favourite food and drink? Drink: Manhattan; Food: I love a good taco.
Your favourite way to spend an afternoon? Movie and popcorn with my kids.
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be? An architect
Anything else interesting? I have four young children, a Labrador retriever puppy, and a Holland Lop bunny.

Nicole Jacobs Design have been shortlisted for Kitchen Design Over £50,000 Award in The International Design and Architecture Awards 2021.

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