Contents
- 1 How Jessica Schuster Crafts Unique Spaces With Harmonious Balance
- 1.1 Interior Design: What drew you to the field of interior design?
- 1.2 ID: You started Jessica Schuster Design in 2013. What did you learn from the firms you worked with before and what came from within yourself?
- 1.3 ID: What sustains your creative energy?
- 1.4 ID: What’s your approach when working with different types of clients?
- 1.5 ID: What types of palettes and materials are you drawn to and why?
- 1.6 ID: What do you hope to create when working on hospitality projects?
- 1.7 ID: How does place inform your interiors, or are you more concerned with creating a refuge from specific locations?
- 1.8 ID: And you’re working on your own apartment. Can you tell us about that process?
- 1.9 ID: You’ve said you’re inspired by timeless joy. What does that mean to you?
- 1.10 ID: What are you currently working on, and what would you like to work on next?
An apartment in the Verona on Madison Avenue in Manhattan. Photography by Douglas Friedman.
Jessica Schuster is founder and president of the New York-based design firm Jessica Schuster Design. From an office in lower Manhattan, Schuster and her team work on projects across the country, ranging from residential to commercial and hospitality spaces. Recently completed interiors include residences in New York and the Esmé Hotel in Miami Beach. The firm has also work in the Hamptons, Boston, and Palm Beach, Florida.
Schuster approaches each project with fresh eyes, crafting unique spaces that “maintain a harmonious balance between the unusual and the familiar.” While she “keeps her pulse on what’s happening globally,” Schuster also is firmly committed to the art of enduring interiors. “Timeless joy, for me, is about the beauty of a well-designed piece that can stand the test of time,” she explains. Schuster studied communications at New York University before earning an associate degree in interior and architectural studies at the Parsons School of Design.
Interior Design speaks to Schuster about her path into the field, her approach with clients, and designing her own apartment.
How Jessica Schuster Crafts Unique Spaces With Harmonious Balance
Interior Design: What drew you to the field of interior design?
Jessica Schuster: I think interior design found me more than I found it. Growing up, I was always surrounded by design. My parents were building a home in Palm Beach with my family’s interior designer, and I found myself attending meetings and soaking it all in.
Jessica Schuster of Jessica Shuster Design. Photography by Nick Mele.
At the same time, I was studying at NYU and working in fashion, so it just naturally evolved. It wasn’t a grand plan, but more of a series of fortunate events—like interning for creative director Tui Pranich—that led me into design.
ID: You started Jessica Schuster Design in 2013. What did you learn from the firms you worked with before and what came from within yourself?
JS: From the firms I worked with, I learned the importance of being organized behind the scenes. The operational side of the business is just as crucial as the design side. I also learned the value of transparency and keeping an open dialogue with clients—making sure they feel informed and involved in the process. What came from within me was a desire to foster a collaborative environment—one that is both fun and challenging. I wanted the studio to be a place where creativity thrives, but where there’s also room for growth and innovation.
A residence in New York; styling by Mieke ten Have. Photography by Douglas Friedman.
ID: What sustains your creative energy?
JS: Staying engaged in the world around me is key. Whether it’s traveling, visiting art galleries, or attending design fairs, I’m always looking for new sources of inspiration. I find that keeping my finger on the pulse of what’s happening globally helps me bring fresh energy to every project. It’s not just about the new trends, but also about experiencing new places and meeting new people that influences the direction of my work. In each new project, I’m able to channel that inspiration into something unique and meaningful.
ID: What’s your approach when working with different types of clients?
JS: Every client is different. I think a huge part of my job is educating them about how design can elevate their life and how to live luxuriously in a way that’s personal to them. Understanding their needs and goals for the space is always the starting point. Some clients have designed homes before and are more familiar with the process, while others are learning as they go. I really enjoy working with such a varied clientele—families, bachelors, and hospitality clients—all with different visions. The key is to adapt my approach to each unique project, whether it’s residential or hospitality, and I provide a tailored experience that suits their needs.
An apartment in the Verona on Madison Avenue in Manhattan. Photography by Douglas Friedman.
ID: What types of palettes and materials are you drawn to and why?
JS: Each project has its own personality, so no two palettes are ever the same. Lately, though, I’ve been drawn to deeper, more saturated colors—there’s something intriguing and moody about them. For example, with the Chelsea Project, our client was passionate about primary colors, and I loved finding ways to bring them into the design in an elevated, timeless way. I’m always drawn to the juxtaposition of contemporary pieces with antique elements—like Italian and French mid-century, Brazilian design—it keeps the space feeling dynamic and layered. The beauty of what we do is that no two projects are alike, so I get to explore a wide range of materials, styles, and aesthetics.
ID: What do you hope to create when working on hospitality projects?
JS: For me, hospitality design is about creating spaces that people can engage with, spaces that spark conversation and make people feel something. We’re currently working on a project at Windham Mountain Club in New York, where we’re designing several different spaces throughout the development. The challenge is creating a cohesive narrative while also allowing each space—whether it’s the inn, spa, or activity center—to feel unique. It’s been incredibly rewarding to design spaces that elevate the user experience, helping people connect with the environment and enjoy their time on the mountain in a new way.
An apartment at 35 Hudson Yards in Manhattan. Photography courtesy of Jessica Schuster Design.
An apartment in the Verona on Madison Avenue in Manhattan. Photography by Douglas Friedman.
ID: How does place inform your interiors, or are you more concerned with creating a refuge from specific locations?
JS: I think it’s a bit of both. The architecture and location of a space definitely inform the design, but I also love creating a sense of refuge for the people who live there. In a city like New York, for example, it’s all about balancing the home’s architecture with an interior that feels like an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city outside. I’m always inspired by the history of the space, the stories it holds, and the needs of the client. That’s when the magic happens—when you take those elements and create something that’s truly unique, a space that feels like it’s been designed just for them.
ID: And you’re working on your own apartment. Can you tell us about that process?
JS: Designing my own space has definitely been a challenge. There’s something about being your own client that makes every decision feel high stakes! The process has been slower than I’d like because the studio is always busy, but it’s also been incredibly rewarding. I’ve gone through several iterations, but I’ve ended up with a design that’s much more classical than I initially envisioned. I’ve been inspired by French classic designers and their use of timeless materials and elegant details. I think of it as creating a sanctuary—a space that reflects where I am in life right now and offers a peaceful escape.
A residence in New York; styling by Mieke ten Have. Photography by Douglas Friedman.
ID: You’ve said you’re inspired by timeless joy. What does that mean to you?
JS: Timeless joy, for me, is about the beauty of a well-designed piece that can stand the test of time. It’s like the work of Italian architect Gio Ponti or Italian designer Piero Fornasetti—masterpieces that remain relevant and beautiful, no matter when or where they’re placed. It’s about collecting iconic pieces that spark conversation and bring a sense of joy to a space. Each piece has a story, and that sense of timelessness is something I aim to bring into every project.
ID: What are you currently working on, and what would you like to work on next?
JS: Right now, we’re working on several exciting projects across the country—from South Florida and NYC to the Hamptons, Malibu, and the Caribbean. Each project is a new challenge and an opportunity to bring something special to life. Looking ahead, I’d love to continue expanding our portfolio, especially in hospitality and high-end residential design, while always staying true to what makes Jessica Schuster Design unique: our commitment to creativity, collaboration, and elevating the spaces we touch.
Esmé Hotel in Miami Beach. Photography by Christian Harder.
Esmé Hotel in Miami Beach. Photography by Christian Harder.