Jane Price-Stephens Interior Design have been shortlisted for Ski Chalet Award in The International Design and Architecture Awards 2023. Read more about CEO/Director, Jane Price-Stephens, below:

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Name: Jane Price-Stephens

Company: Jane Price-Stephens Interior Design Limited

Position within company: CEO/Director

Website: www.janepricestephens.com (not mobile enabled – should be viewed on laptop)

Tell us a little about your background in design:
After graduating from Oxford University, I started my career as a strategy consultant and was fortunate enough to work for some of the most prestigious firms in London.  However, I always had a passion for design and wanted to pursue something more creative.  In 2007 I made the decision to leave The City and train to become an interior designer at KLC.  I graduated top of my class, was profiled in a number of industry publications, worked for some of the most recognised studios in London and, in 2009, felt that I had enough experience to set up my own studio (which is based in both London and Yorkshire).

How would you describe your personal design style?
Contemporary in keeping…. I love contemporary design, clean lines, balance, beautiful (often abstract) artwork and lighting design that brings a room to life and amplifies the impact of the scheme.  But you have to respect the space and its story – that’s the difference between good design and great design.  When I work with clients, I try to do two things – firstly, I want to understand their ideas and ambition, and then I calibrate this based on the space (whether that is choices around the overall scheme, or just trying to preserve or accentuate period features), and secondly, I don’t believe filling a space with high-end items is the path to success…. I often describe my approach to clients as the ability to ‘blend Prada with Zara’ to be able to create the look and the impact they are seeking in the most cost effective way.

Where does your design inspiration come from?
My design inspiration comes from everywhere – science, nature, the arts, history – I obviously also take a very active interest in what my peers are doing and I also look at major trends and then put my spin on them based on my personal design style, which makes them more unique to what I do with my clients.  However, a lot of my design inspiration comes from the way in which I work with my clients – I educate and immerse them fully in the design process, which allows them to understand my style and design intent and to make choices that they can own and feel good about.  When I create something for one of my clients, I take inspiration from them and I want them to genuinely feel like they own what we have created by the end of the process.

In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
Following COVID and alongside the growth in the importance of sustainability, there has been a huge shift in the design world towards embracing the natural world, creating spaces that feel more homely and have warmth and, to be honest, are much less pretentious and in your face.

Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2023 and beyond.
Back to nature, warm neutrals, statement marble, union of old and new and layered lighting…

If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?
Do everything you can to get into your client’s head, so you really ensure you are designing a home that works for them – and you aren’t going to be able to do that without getting to know them on a personal level.  Many of my past clients are now personal friends.  I also get my clients to do some homework for me, where I ask them to send through any imagery of interiors they like – this typically helps provide direction and the starting point for the initial design…

How important are The International Design & Architecture Awards?
The International Design & Architecture Awards are one of the most prestigious awards in the industry, showcasing the best in design. They offer a platform for designers to showcase ground breaking designs. By being completely impartial they can be relied upon to uncover the raw emerging talent of the future alongside established designers at the top of their game.

What projects are you currently working on?
I have just completed Il Gufo and am currently working on projects in London and Yorkshire – clients who are uplifting their existing spaces, rather than moving into new homes.  I am also curating a collection of furniture and fittings from Claridges that has been stored over the years in preparation for auction.

What was your favourite project to work on and why?
I really enjoyed working on the design of a superyacht (for obvious reasons, and just because it was so different from the norm – a massive learning experience).  It was a dream come true to work on the project with such an incredible cartel of designers and such an amazing experience to go to the Monaco Boat Show and see my work on show with some of the very best interior designers in the world.  And lots of champagne.

What was your most challenging project to work on and why?
All projects are challenging in some way – each one is just such a unique journey… everyone tends to think that interior design is easy and that anyone can do it… it’s a tough industry, it takes time for talent to genuinely shine through in a crowded space (but it always does in the end), it is relentless, it can be all consuming at times and sometimes it’s difficult to switch off… all you do is think about your clients.  But that’s not always a bad thing – sometimes it’s the tiny little things that you spend hours thinking about that make the difference between good design and great design.  Also, worth saying that there are less visible and much less glamorous parts of the design process that are just hard work and consume massive amounts of time – most people, clients included, don’t always appreciate this…

Which products/services could you not live without when designing?
The Internet, Social Media and Collaborative Working/Productivity tools have changed the game when it comes to the design process…  as a designer or a client you just have immediate and mostly unrestricted access to so much amazing content and inspiration – this obviously provides a massive opportunity, particularly at the beginning of the design process when you are trying to determine what direction to take the project… but it is also a challenge – you have to successfully navigate yourself and your clients through all this content and ideas and make sure that they feel confident that in an amongst all the options, they are making the right choices.  And that everything comes together into a cohesive scheme.

What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
Run my studio, build my brand and reputation, spend time with my kids and deliver joy to my clients.

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

Your most treasured possession?
My kids (Isabel and Joshua – 8 year old twins)…

Your favourite holiday destination?
Ibiza

Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar?
El Silencio, Saint Josef, Ibiza

Your favourite book, film & song?
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho (inspired my decision to move from The City into design), Stardust and With Arms Wide Open (by Creed – first dance at our wedding)

Your favourite food and drink?
Sushi and Champagne!

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?
Outside…  in the countryside, or paddleboarding.  If the weather isn’t good, I love spending time in galleries and museums – I’m always looking for inspiration!

If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?
I’d probably still be working as a Strategy Consultant in The City and wondering ‘what if?’

Anything else interesting? 
My dog (Seamus) has been with me ever since I set up my own studio – as a puppy he sat beside me and kept me company while I worked… as a 12 year old dog, he still does.

Jane Price-Stephens Interior Design

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