We had the good fortune of connecting with Jessica Patterson, LEED AP ID+C and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Jessica, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
My success is based on connecting with my clients. My goal is to understand their individual aesthetic, and collaborate with them to elevate their vision, culminating in the creation of a space that is truly distinctive. Whether it’s residential or commercial design, I aim for my clients to step into their space and exclaim, “This is me!” or “This is my brand.”
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I earned my BA in Art from the UCLA School of the Arts and Architecture. Following graduation, I fell into the nonprofit sector. However, longing for a more creative path, I returned to school to pursue a Postgraduate Certification in Interior Design and Architecture from UCLA Extension ARC/ID Program (now considered a masters degree from Cal Poly Pomona). Launching my interior design career at a prominent architecture firm equipped me with invaluable skills, eventually leading me to establish my own firm, JLP Design, Inc., which has flourished over the past 15 years.
My background in non-profit development has proven beneficial in numerous ways. It honed my understanding of budgets, a trait my clients greatly value. More significantly, it instilled in me the importance of community contribution. I sit on the board for a small non-profit called Partners for Potential, which provides life skills classes for adults with developmental disabilities. I also volunteer every Friday at Guide Dogs of America. I have designed spaces at Union Rescue Mission and the LA Mission.
These experiences have underscored to me the unpredictability of life’s twists and turns. Ultimately, it’s this very path that has shaped both my personal and professional identity.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I was born and raised in Los Angeles, and my passion for this city runs deep. Its unique blend of cuisine, artistic expression, and multicultural influences sets it apart in a league of its own. When showcasing LA to visitors, I aim to highlight its eclectic charm.
Day 1 – A visit to downtown LA. Our first destination: Grand Central Market, a food paradise! Arriving hungry is a requirement. Grand Central has everything from currywurst to ube cheesecake to pupusas and more. Once we’ve fully indulged, we’ll amble over to the Last Bookstore, where a treasure trove of books awaits. Upstairs, we can explore artist studios, brimming with creativity and inspiration. If there is time, we head to The California Science Center to check out the Endeavor Space shuttle (hopefully no longer under construction). Finally, a trip to Perch for cocktails with a panoramic downtown skyline view.
Day 2 – We head to Malibu for the day. First stop is the Getty Villa. After soaking in the ancient artifacts, we’ll cruise over to Taverna Tony’s for Greek delicacies, like flaming saganaki cheese. Finally we can head over to tour the historic Adamson House, which offers a glimpse into Malibu’s rich heritage, complete with handcrafted Malibu tile.
Day 3 – Let’s go rollerblading at Lake Balboa, and have a picnic lakeside, under the shade of the cherry blossom trees while we people watch. Come evening, we’ll indulge in authentic Mexican cuisine at Las Fuentes in Reseda, a local gem.
Day 4 – Onward to Burbank, with its eclectic array of shops, including the treasure troves of studio costumes in nearby thrift stores. Sample some pastries at Portos, before concluding with an evening of indulgence at Lawry’s, in Beverly Hills, for their legendary prime rib.
Day 5 – We explore old Pasadena, starting with a tour of the Gamble House, a gorgeous internationally recognized masterpiece of the American arts and crafts movement, and glimpse into the city’s past. We follow that with high tea at the Rose Tree Garden, where we can enjoy delicate tea sandwiches and warm scones with clotted cream.
Day 6 – Next we turn our gaze to the sky, with a trip to the iconic Griffith Observatory, famous for its stunning cityscape views featured in countless TV shows and movies. While there, we can head over to the hiking trails and disappear into nature, completely out of sight of the urban sprawl.
Day 7 – Lastly, we’ll conclude our visit with a visit to the Santa Monica farmer’s market, for fresh honey, flowers, eggs and the occasional celebrity sighting. We’ll take in the stunning ocean views as we lunch at The Huntley Penthouse Restaurant, explore the Santa Monica Pier, enjoy a few quarter’s worth of arcade games and some amusement park rides along the way, finishing with a stroll along the beach.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Both of my parents are entrepreneurs, each serving as a significant source of inspiration for me, in very different ways.
My mom taught me the art of being a “bad-ass girl boss.” Her business acumen surpasses most, and she’s guided me through navigating challenging situations, particularly in male-dominated environments.
My dad exudes charisma. He’s taught me the value of forging connections by seeking out common ground. A simple conversation about the quest for the best tacos in LA can unexpectedly lead to not only eating some incredible tacos, but also to the cultivation of new relationships.
Website: https://www.jlpdesign.net
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jlpdesigninc/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-patterson-leed-ap/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JLPDesigninc/
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/jlp-design-inc-north-hollywood
Image Credits
Lauren Pressey, Digisstudio