September Issue – Article 2017
September Issue
Hyde Park Corner
Catch up with John Jacob
Meet the architectural designer behind some spectacular interiors, including those of luxury store luminance.
Describe your brand in three words. Inventive, meticulous and passionate.
What are some of your inspirations when designing? I know I should say nature or Japanese architecture, but my works is not that loose in its creative expression. I see myself as more of a problem-solver who understands different aesthetic genres and how they relate to buildings. Clients ask me to diverse a “language” for them that suites who they are and works with the building in question. I take all the variables I’m given and put together an idea. So I would have to say my clients and the buildings they want me to make great are my inspirations.
Is there a particular period or style that appeals to you? So many! In furniture, it would have to be the Directoire style of post-revolution France. The refinement of the Rococo period that came before was retained, but the embellishment was stripped down to reflect the sober political environment of the time. In art, I’d have to say the abstract expressionism that came out of New York in the 1940s – it still blows me away.
Current trends you love? I consider myself to be quite anti trends. The idea of coming up with a creative idea from “of-the-moment” mass consciousness feels a bit cheap. The best interiors for me are the ones that you cannot place in a particular time. These spaces are always more original and hold more gravitas.
Any you detest? Three -dimensional wallpaper and wallpapering focal walls.
The best thing about your job? Seeing months (or years) of design work and detailing come together.
Any design tips to share? Focus on the big picture, then work towards the smaller details.