#TTGSparked with Jarret Yoshida
Jarret Yoshida certainly is an Interior Designer that doesn't seem to stop. The New York-based Houzz winner has not only been designing the likes of the iconic Sotheby's and transforming the homes of New York's fashion elite but he's also back and forth to his childhood home of Hawaii where he's working with Pritzker-winning architects while also sitting on the board of the New York Asian Women's Center, working on projects for the American Cancer Society and being a judge for the upcoming Country Floors Tile Design Challenge 2017. Phew!
Jarret made time in his insane schedule recently to sit down with #TTGSparked for a chat about inspirations, signature styles and his recent non-profit work.
I was interested in architecture and design from the time I was a child. One of my earliest memories of design was wondering why a friend's mom used cinderblock instead of lava rock for retaining a wall by their pool. I used to literally play with Lego for almost eleven hours a day. N.E.R.D.
What has been the most unique design opportunity that you've had so far?
We recently designed an entire floor for Sotheby's auction house. It was a tremendous opportunity to work with artefacts that were centuries old and make them feel even more engaging and contemporary.
Studying internationally and travelling the world as a designer has exposed you to a variety of styles. You also grew up in Hawaii! How has this influenced you and do you have a signature style?
Because I have lived in so many places, I don't think I have a signature style but I do have one that easily accomodates both local geographic 'flavor' and that of my clients. It is important to honor where you are while you give your clients what they want.
So your geographic surroundings are very important. What other everyday things inspire your designs?
Nature can be amazingly inspirational. I love going into my garden to see what is growing and letting my mind wander.
Does your personal style and what you wear tie in with your Interior Design style?
I tend to select items that I know will stand the test of time. I have a favorite Tom Ford YSL suit from over 14 years ago now. Spend money once and then that’s it. I’m not a believer in disposable fashion or furniture. Please keep your lumberjack flannel shirts away.
No flannel shirts - noted! Your work in Interior Design has been linked with many non-profit organizations. What has been your involvement with them?
I am on the board of Womankind which is an organization that helps protect women and children from domestic violence and sex work slavery here in the United States. I am also so proud to support the work of Brooklyn Animal Action who rescue hundreds of animals a year. Even though my partner is a sick 9/11 fireman, we both feel so grateful for our lives that we like to help others who may need a leg up. We regularly do work with HIV/AIDS organizations and have recently worked with the American Cancer Society this year as well as a historic home. We get one chance at living so I want to help as much as I can.
That's amazing. What have been the highlights of your career so far?
I am so fortunate that my first three clients were the head of W Magazine, the head of Isaac Mizrahi and Calvin Klein's spokesperson. It doesn’t get more glamorous than that in New York for a fledgling design business. We also do a lot of projects in Honolulu on a regular basis. I’m grateful to be able to go home, see childhood friends and work to create beauty a few miles away from where I used to obsess over Lego and build miniature worlds.
What advice do you have for young, talented up-and-coming Interior Designers?
Design isn’t about glamor but about hard work that requires diligence and persistence and also the gym to deal with stress in a healthy way. Learn from everyone you can - construction workers, antique and vintage furniture vendors, your bookkeeper. Speak with them as your peer, not as a boss or a customer. They will feed you information you would NEVER learn in school. Asking questions constantly has reshaped how I view our industry and the world at large.
That is some really great advice for anyone, not just Interior Designers. Thank you! What are your Interior Design trend predictions for the year ahead?
No more animal heads! Also anticipate a LOT of saturated jewel tones in non-traditional combinations to become more and more popular.
Can you fill us in on any special projects you have in the works for 2017?
We are working on a new home in Honolulu with a beautiful mountain view as well as a gorgeous new apartment built by a Pritzker prize winning architect. But honestly, most of our work is for clients just looking to spend their money wisely and really get something beautiful they couldn’t do on their own. We’re happy to help them!
Jarret Yoshida is one of the esteemed Judges for the Country Floors Tile Design Challenge 2017, taking place in April. Keep an eye on the Country Floors website for more details!
