Interview with Jay Jeffers

Jay Jeffers is the founder of Jeffers Design Group, a leading interior design firm based in San Francisco. We took some time to talk with Jay about what inspired him to become a designer and what advice he would give someone who is just starting out in the industry.

Tell us about your style philosophy

My firm's goal is to always capture our clients' personalities and tastes, so we work in very diverse styles.  The project may skew more modern or traditional depending on the client and the architecture, but the common thread is that every interior feels as though it was collected over time.  To achieve that, we use a range of architectural materials, furnishings, art and antiques.  

How did you get your start in the industry?

This is a second career for me.  I have a degree in International Business and Marketing and worked for Gap Inc. for several years.  I knew that wasn't my calling and so when I came across an Interior Design class in a course catalogue, I took it.  I loved everything about it!  I continued and learned the basics, but my real education was working for another designer for several years before going out on my own.  

What business advice would you give to a designer just starting out?

On the job training is the key!  Work for someone great.  Learn everything they do. Continue to educate yourself.  I still go to seminars and classes and lectures and learn something about design as often as I can, which feels like every day.

Jay Jeffers was named one of Elle Décor's A-List Top 25 Interior Designers of America, as well as House Beautiful's Top 100 Designers, his work has also been widely profiled nationally and internationally in New York Times, InStyle, The Times UK, House & Garden, Departures and many other publications.  Jeffers was a featured designer at the inaugural Elle Décor Showhouse in 2010, and has also been featured at the House & Garden Hamptons and Metropolitan Home San Francisco showhouses. Jeffers is a board member of Enterprise for High School Students, a non-profit organization that presents the annual San Francisco Fall Antiques Show and Private Collections art tour. For more information on Jay Jeffers, visit his website.