Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Davis
Hi Jessica, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’m the founder of Atlanta-based interior design studio Atelier Davis and the creative director of the innovative hardware brand Nest Studio. My work is regularly featured in showhouses and noteworthy publications, recently establishing me as an Elle Decor A-List designer in 2022, 2023, and 2024. With an Art History degree from Princeton University and a Master’s in Interior Design from The New England School of Art and Design, I offer a creative vision that spans interiors and product design, drawing influences from historic and contemporary art and architecture.
My Chinese-American heritage, extensive travels, and years living in Asia, Australia, and the United States deeply inform my design process. I strive to create spaces that narrate the stories of their inhabitants and their way of life.
Before founding my own businesses, I held roles at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and worked on the TV show Bob Vila’s Home Again. I then spent nearly a decade with Wilson Associates in New York and LA, contributing to numerous international hotel and resort projects. I am also a founding member of the Asian American Pacific Islander Design Alliance (AAPIDA).
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Like any entrepreneur and business owner, there have been many ups and downs along the way. On the hardware side of my business (Nest Studio), the biggest challenge has been finding manufacturing partners that meet our quality standards and can problem-solve to produce our intricate designs. We’ve faced instances where plating has failed or entire batches didn’t turn out as expected. Early on, it was a steep learning curve to manage client expectations in these situations.
On the interior design side of my business, I believe the greatest struggle has been client vetting—ensuring clients understand our process and are a good fit for our firm. Honestly, it’s also about avoiding clients who may be rude or disrespectful, which unfortunately has happened. We are continually refining our vetting process. Additionally, there are the necessary but less glamorous aspects like HR, accounting, and finances, which are always challenging to stay on top of and learn as you go.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in creating intensely personal environments where people feel inspired, recharged, and grounded by the clear expression of who they are. As an interior designer at my firm, Atelier Davis, and a product designer with the luxury hardware line Nest Studio, we create exquisitely crafted knobs and pulls for cabinets and furniture.
Behind both of my businesses is the simple idea that our environments need to be purposeful and personal, yet harmonious. At Atelier Davis, we work across the country, primarily in high-end residential spaces, but we also enjoy designing other types of spaces such as restaurants, spas, and unique retail settings. Our layered, architecturally-driven approach to interiors and our bold use of color set us apart from other design firms.
In my hardware business, it’s our forward-thinking design approach that transforms functional hardware into exquisite pieces, making us a leader in the luxury hardware market.
Any big plans?
We are expanding our presence and now have offices in New York and LA. It’s exciting to work on projects across both the East and West coasts, exploring different architectural styles and environments in each location.
As a firm, my goal is not to grow too large so that I lose control of the designs. Instead, I aim to secure bigger and better projects with dream clients, allowing us to fully unleash our creative potential. We also have several collaborations underway for lighting, furniture, and textiles, which are incredibly exciting. Additionally, on the hardware side of my business, we have designer collaborations in progress that I’m eager to showcase soon.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://atelierdavis.com
- Instagram: @atelier_davis
Image Credits
The Studio Pilates: Emily Followill
Southeastern Showhouse: Elliott Fuerniss
Atlanta Mid Mod: Emily Followill
Palo Alto Eichler: David Livingston
Kips Bay Dallas Showhouse: Stephen Karlisch
