Designer Friday: An aspire Exclusive Interview With Jarvis Wong

For Jarvis Wong, the worlds of fashion, art and architecture lend limitless inspiration to a career in interior design. Born in Hong Kong and educated in his teens north of Chicago, Wong received a master’s degree in architecture from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation. Prior to setting up his own practice, JARVIS STUDIO, in 2013, he worked at Kohn Pedersen Fox and later at Cetra Ruddy, where he was responsible for the design of the Walker Tower Lobby and decorated high-end residential projects. Jarvis has also worked in the fashion industry, as a women’s wear designer at Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein. Wrap up your week by stepping into Jarvis Wong’s design world in today’s Designer Friday.

Andrew Joseph: What inspired you to become a designer?
Jarvis Wong: My love for fashion inspired me to transition from my career in architecture to interiors, as I enjoy working with fabrics and mixing patterns and colors. Also, my mom’s sophisticated taste and style, and the striking collection of objects that she collected for our home inspired me to create beautiful spaces.

AJ: How do you approach a new design project?
JW: I always start by exploring fabrics. The colors and textures in the fabrics are a jumping-off point for the rest of the process.

AJ: What design trends do you think will be popular in the coming years?
JW: Deep chocolate browns, wall-to-wall carpet, and full-length mirrors—a revival of 1970s glamour. A good visual reference is the work of the designer Joseph D’Urso, who first made his name during that era.

AJ: Can you tell us about a specific moment in your career that made you feel accomplished?
JW: The design overhaul of the interior lobby at the storied Walker Tower in New York. The developer also tapped me to design their private apartment, which turned out beautifully and earned many accolades.

In this New York City living room, shades of soft celadon green and vibrant tangerine are thoughtfully dispersed creating a sophisticated and spirited ambiance in the heart of the city.

AJ: How do you approach designing for different types of clients?
JW: My clients’ idiosyncrasies are sources of inspiration. Each client has a distinctive perspective as to how they want to reflect their personality, and they hire us to create something unique that is specifically JARVIS STUDIO but with their character added to it.

AJ: What is your favorite type of space to design?
JW: Living rooms because they are usually the genesis for the entire project. The living room sets the design tone for the rest of the home.

AJ: How do you approach designing for a client with a specific style in mind?
JW: I don’t. Clients come to us knowing what JARVIS STUDIO’s DNA is. We don’t do chintz, and our work is not minimally spare either. Our work is eclectic, layered, rich in colors and textures juxtaposed in a chic, sophisticated way using uber-luxury materials. The result is an understated glamour with a youthful vibe.

Behind a vibrant golden sectional, floor-to-ceiling bookshelves brim with literature, while a whimsical, multi-colored floor lamp adds a burst of playful energy to this media room.

AJ: What is your favorite design era and why?
JW: 1930 -1960…give or take a few years. So many great designers whom I admire such as Jean Prouvé, Pierre Paulin, Pierre Jeanneret, Le Corbusier (also my favorite architect), Jean Royère, Paul McCobb, T.H, Robsjohn- Gibbings, Gio Ponti, Jean Michel Frank, all emerged during this period.

AJ: What is your favorite design-related quote?
JW: From Karl Lagerfeld: “If you are cheap, nothing helps.”

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