Conversations with Emmy Jeffries

Today we’d like to introduce you to Emmy Jeffries. 

Hi Emmy, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hi, I’m Emmy! I own Damewood Designs, an Interior and Environmental Design studio. I’m Ohio born and raised! I went to Kent State University for Interior Design and Psychology then moved to Columbus where I currently live and work.

My introduction to “design” in general was abrupt, I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I started college and it definitely showed. I found an internship my freshman summer at a local interior design group and felt like I finally found my thing. I’d count that as a win even though they initially turned me down but my persistence got me the position!

Once I left Kent, I worked at the same firm before being approached by one of the clients with an offer that was hard to refuse: start a design department for their new-build construction company. I transitioned from fresh out of school to Lead Designer in less than two years. Red flags started getting more problematic when the Pandemic hit and once my health started being affected, I knew I couldn’t wait any longer. I put in my two weeks and when asked where I was going next…I had nothing. Nowhere was hiring, the world was in disarray, and I had no idea how I was going to make rent.

Then one day an old friend reached out asking if I was “still doing the interior design stuff?” and just like that, I got my first client.

With all the support I was getting, I decided to start Damewood. I trusted my intuition, focused on what I could give, and I’m loving the freedom of entrepreneurship.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Absolutely not, there are new obstacles every day that are challenging but you have to navigate the terrain before it can be easy riding. Everyone sucks before they’re good at something, that’s just life. A struggle for me is balancing the business focus with the design work. Because I see my artistic vision coming to life, I want to go full speed ahead and worry about time spent later but that isn’t sustainable. It’s kind of like Rainbow Road in Mario Kart, even when it’s a smooth ride, you’re still at risk no matter where you are but the more you do something, the easier it gets.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Probably that I’m most known for being helpful and I love to be a resource. What I do is specialize working with people of all different backgrounds, goals, and skills on projects of all varieties and sizes. I believe my education sets me apart because my psychology degree helps me understand how the brain reacts and how people will feel in a space. I focus on the end-user and what aspects will match the environmental experience they’re looking for. My days are never the same and neither are the projects. I’ve designed custom homes, organized large-scale events for thousands of people, built business processes for client experiences, even designed a few weddings and resumes. I try to be fluid and work how my client works best so if my client wants to be fully hands-on and for example do all their own purchasing and organizing delivery, that’s great. If they want me to do it all, I can do that too! Allowing design and professional relationships to evolve is key to staying relevant and valuable.

What I want the readers to know about interior design: That design is more fluid than what’s “in” or “trendy”, the internet has given us endless inspiration for good design. Any style can be done well even if it isn’t what’s trendy right now. Fill your space with pieces that make you feel good inside and you’ll have a gorgeous home that you love.

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
We have a very interesting future ahead, the wave of change happening in the world is evolving every aspect of human life. The biggest shifts I expect to see are in workplace design and home design. People will want better remote home offices while company offices will have to be wildly enticing for people to come back willingly. Another shift I’m expecting is fast innovation in sustainable building materials. The industry’s need for more environmentally conscious products mixed with current supply chain shortages means people are going to start getting more creative.

One change I’m hoping for is in 10 years the hustle culture specifically surrounding the design industry has recognized the damaging effects of sleep deprivation. The all-nighters that are now seen as a rite of passage are severely damaging to our bodies, this shouldn’t be expected or praised. The links between cancer and sleep deprivation are not widely known but are scientifically proven. Our industry has to stop promoting harmful practices to prove you’re devoted to your craft and/or career. Sleep good, feel good, work better.

Pricing:

• I mainly price by the hour and typically charge $95-105. Depending on the situation and scope of work, I’m open to other methods of pricing when circumstances allow.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/damewood_designs?utm_medium=copy_link

Image Credits
Betty Ra
Theras Photography