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A shift in Bay Area residential designs
Exemplifying the artistry of its city, Bay Area interiors were thought of as loud and unique. In some cases, statement staircases and homes that were designed to photograph well were all the rage. But rising construction costs and longer build timelines have homeowners shifting their priorities. Designs are now being evaluated not just by looks, but also by how they feel to live with over time.
Regardless of their design preferences, clients are always at the center of the process. It’s essential to have clear communication from start to finish so the client gets exactly what they’re hoping for. Jeffery Design Studio is just one example of how the customer-first mindset shapes residential work. It’s not just about aesthetics anymore, but also trust and patience.
Pivoting careers to designing and building
Andrea Jeffery’s entry into design was unconventional. Initially, she was on track for a career in law enforcement, but her path changed after she had a baby and shattered her tibia. Initially, her career change was merely out of practicality, but it soon revealed her long-standing interest in interior design.
Jeffery then enrolled in a formal interior design program, balancing work and family life while completing an intensive course of study on an accelerated track. While working at a high-end residential construction firm, she learned what it took to finish a space: all of the scheduling, planning, and the critical role of coordination between trades. That exposure to the industry changed her view that interior design wasn’t solely about creativity, but an entire operational system.
Photo: Thomas Kuoh Photography.
This sophisticated kitchen features integrated technology in the wall calendar and hidden storage for barware.
Designing the process before the space
Conversations with homeowners revealed a recurring frustration. Many weren’t unhappy with the result, but were dissatisfied with the construction process. Expectations were left unclear, budgets would change, and some decisions would be made too late in the building process. These pain points were important when creating Jeffery Design Studio. The studio aims to define the scope with clients early, clarify costs, and lay out a roadmap of decisions before construction begins.