In Profile:
Issy Rush-Jansen

Company: Issy Rush-Jansen

Position within company: Director / Lead Designer

Website: issyrushjansen.com

Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc) 

After finishing a Bachelor of Arts degree, I went on to study design at KLC School of Design in London (Chelsea), and went on to be a Junior designer at a commercial design company, working on restaurants and bars in London, as well as in the residential sector later in my career. I worked my way up to mid-weight and then senior designer and started my own business in 2015 with the Prince’s Trust ‘start your own business under 30’ scheme, in Liverpool Street. 

How would you describe your personal design style? 

Elegant, Joyful and Timeless 

Where does your design inspiration come from? 

I try to bring the beauty of the natural world into my client’s homes, using subtle connections of colour, texture and light, as well as helping my clients express their sense of style, their histories and their personalities, in their homes. 

In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense? 

I think sustainable and climate positive design is at the core of contemporary design, as well as ethically supplied goods and a focus on sourcing from British designer-makers. 

Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2023 and beyond.

– Sustainability

– Climate positive design 

– Innovation (products and tech)

– Longevity 

– Authenticity 

If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?

Don’t be afraid to express yourself in your choices. Sometimes an inexpensive thing can be far more beautiful than an expensive thing, and bringing your personality to the table will always result in a project as unique as you are. 

How important are The International Design & Architecture Awards?

It’s an important place for creatives to be able to be recognised and celebrated in an industry made up of people who see it as an art form. 

What projects are you currently working on?

A holiday home on the Jurassic Coast, a family home in Oxfordshire and I also work pro-bono with Dreams Come True, designing ‘dream’ rooms for children with life-limiting conditions. 

What was your favourite project to work on and why?

The one featured in this application. Its the second home I have done for this growing London family and I respect their creativity, their boldness and their willingness to take design risks. 

What was your most challenging project to work on and why?

Probably a home in the Cotswolds where the clients gave me carte-blanche design wise were out of the country for the entire year. So nerve-wracking, the final reveal. 

Which products/services could you not live without when designing?

Honestly, I am going to say Pooky Lighting, who have filled the gap between high-street and high-end lighting so very well, making beautiful lighting affordable, which it wasn’t 15 years ago. Also my joiner, who brings my visions to life with perfectly realised detail. 

What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?

Finish the Jurassic Coast project, work on my environment policy, and complete a few more Dreams Come True projects. Having a child as your client can be really fun, and its very rewarding. 

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

Your most treasured possession?
My vintage engagement ring

Your favourite holiday destination?
The south of France

Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar?
The Newt, Somerset, Tsunami – Clapham High St and The Painter’s Room, Claridge’s

Your favourite book, film & song?
Book – Deamon Copperhead
Film – Jojo Rabbit
Song – Paul Weller ‘You do something to me’.

Your favourite food and drink?
Anything cooked by my husband to be 

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?
At the beach, with my children

If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?
A sculptor