Effect Magazine presents Rising Stars of Design – the emerging talents who are shaking up the interior design scene. This week’s rising star is the London-based designer and Rose Uniacke alumnus, Jessica Summer
While some graduates spend years debating their career path, there was no messing around for Jessica Summer. Having completed both a degree in the history of architecture and an interior architecture course, Jessica found work almost straight after graduation at London’s MHZ, which was started by the renowned David Mlinaric, followed by six years at Rose Uniacke and a stint at architecture studio P Joseph. “All three companies taught me so much and in so many different ways,” she says. “From technical skills to furniture styling, they helped me shape my approach to interiors.”
Signature design aesthetic
Describing her interiors as restrained, elegant, warm and minimalist with a heavy dose of antiques and vintage pieces, Jessica works by responding first and foremost to the building itself, and then layering in different styles. “Traditional details and designs play a huge part as, for the most part, this is the architecture I am working within,” she explains.
Traditional details and designs play a huge part as, for the most part, this is the architecture I am working within.
Jessica Summer
Notable projects
Prior to setting up her studio 18 months ago, Jessica’s first big solo project was a house in Dulwich, London. “It was one of those jobs which is sold to you as a light decoration and ended up being pretty much a full gut job. I officially launched after this home, and I now have two people working for me. We are a small team but always busy, with two projects in the UK, two in the US and one in Ibiza at the moment.”
What’s next?
A large country home project is due to be finished at the end of this year. “I’m so excited to see it come to fruition as it’s been a couple of years in the making,” she says. “There is also a house in California complete with pool and guest house.” Be sure to keep an eye out for her own line of products too, which are currently in process and will be available to order bespoke. “I have just had a travertine coffee table prototyped and it came out so well. I’m over the moon.”
Read more: Interiors | Interior Design | Rising Stars | Design | London