Introducing Julie Jones: The Visionary Virtual Designer Revolutionising Modern Interiors

Photo Credit: Jalea Photography / Image supplied by Anderson Group

In the rapidly evolving world of interior design, Julie Jones stands out as a visionary, redefining how spaces are conceived and created. As the founder of Julie Jones Designs, she has swiftly positioned herself at the forefront of the virtual design movement, using cutting-edge technology and a highly personalised approach to transform the industry. Launched in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, her business has thrived by embracing a digital-first model, offering clients worldwide a fresh way to reimagine their spaces without the high costs typically associated with traditional interior design services.

Julie’s rise to prominence began on social media, where her willingness to share free design advice resonated with a growing audience. Her unique combination of architectural expertise and an impeccable eye for aesthetics quickly captured the attention of followers. A single interior design video, which went viral overnight with over 600,000 views, marked the beginning of her journey from online influencer to a leader in virtual interior design. The influx of inquiries from her followers eventually inspired Julie to establish her business, which has since garnered a global clientele spanning the United States, the Middle East, Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and France.

Julie Jones is far from a conventional interior designer. With a strong background in architecture and a deep understanding of both form and function, she brings a distinctive approach to every project, effortlessly blending practicality with elegance. Her real innovation, however, lies in her use of advanced virtual design tools and techniques, allowing her to offer clients an immersive, interactive experience no matter where they are located. She uses video conferencing and augmented reality platforms for virtual consultations, providing real-time design advice and virtual walkthroughs of spaces. Her use of sophisticated 3D modeling software creates photorealistic renderings that give clients a vivid sense of their transformed spaces long before any physical changes are made. Additionally, her expertise in space planning ensures that every layout is optimised for maximum efficiency, harmony, and style.

Julie’s passion for art and design has been a constant throughout her life. She began her career with a firm that recognised her exceptional communication skills, which enabled her to connect with clients in ways that set her apart from her peers. After nearly a decade honing her craft, a friend offered to help her establish a social media presence in exchange for a commissioned piece of artwork. This collaboration led to her first viral moment, and from there, Julie’s career took a dramatic turn.

Recently, in an interview with StarCentral Magazine, Julie discussed her journey, sharing insights into how she built her business during a global pandemic, her unique approach to virtual design, and her plans for the future.

Julie, you launched Julie Jones Designs during the Covid-19 pandemic and quickly became a trailblazer in virtual interior design. What inspired you to transition from traditional interior design to a digital-first approach, and how has this shift impacted your business?

Since Covid, clients have become increasingly more comfortable to take things virtual. A lot of what we do anyway is done digitally. From floor plans, renderings, and even communication is all done in a program. The only thing missing that could not be done virtual is the personal aspect. How we get to know the client and their wishes. Physically being in their space and seeing their space from their perspective. These were the hurdles to overcome launching a virtual design business. We have streamlined our process since starting, and have hopefully shown that we can still provide an extremely personalized design experience to each client.

Photo Credit: Jalea Photography / Image supplied by Anderson Group

Your use of advanced technology like 3D modeling and augmented reality has set you apart in the industry. How do these tools enhance the client experience, and what role do they play in bringing your design visions to life?

We use CAD and Photoshop for our room makeover visuals, and a 3D rendering software for our exterior designs. Photoshop was a program that I learned when I started the virtual business. I had never used it, but it seemed to fit the bill for what I was looking for my client visuals. I am able to take their exact space and perspective and adjust it to my new design. I am able to import the exact furniture and decor that I am using in their design in my visual. Many of my clients keep some things that they currently have in their space, so this also allows us to keep it in their space along with the new sourcing. It also is not a 3D program with a rendering time which allows us to work faster and have a shorter turn-around time. It really has been a great program to use for our needs.

You’ve gained a global clientele, offering your services to people in the U.S., Middle East, Australia, and beyond. How do you ensure your designs resonate culturally and aesthetically with clients from diverse backgrounds?

We get to know our clients before we even touch their space or start on their design. We ask the important questions about their lifestyle and needs. This is a universal approach that allows us to personalize each design to our clients needs no matter their location, preferences, or culture.

Photo Credit: Jalea Photography / Image supplied by Anderson Group

Your background in architecture gives you a unique perspective on space planning. How do you balance architectural integrity with aesthetic appeal when designing a space, particularly in a virtual environment?

We need functional spaces before beautiful ones. So planning comes first no matter what, then aesthetics. Interior design is first about creating functional and safe spaces for human use. Everything else is personal preference. It’s why I don’t worry about trends and embrace my client’s aesthetic.

Social media played a pivotal role in the rapid growth of your business. Can you share more about your journey to virality and how you leverage social platforms to connect with potential clients and showcase your work?

I think Tiktok has a lot to do with the virality of regular people and allowing business to be started because of it. I am very grateful to that platform. It is why I have a business today. The power of social media should not be underestimated. I don’t have to pay for marketing advertising my services. Nor actually advertise my services. I show what I do for clients on my socials, and people want the same done for them. It is basically an active portfolio on display. I do try to give helpful information that I base my design decisions on, so those who cannot afford interior design services can still find value in my content.

Photo Credit: Jalea Photography / Image supplied by Anderson Group

As someone who started offering free design advice online, what are the most common mistakes people make when trying to re-imagine their spaces, and how do you guide them to achieve the best results?

Most people are struggling with something when they come to me. It’s not that they like me and want my advice purely because of that, they want help with something they can’t figure out. Whether that is their style or space planning. The most common struggles I see are- not having a cohesive or tight color palette, and the imbalance of positive and negative space. As you can see in my content, I usually explain the problem and how I’ve solved it for the client’s needs. Interior design is a lot of problem solving.

You’ve mentioned that your communication skills were a key asset in your early career. How do you maintain clear and effective communication with clients in a virtual setting, and what challenges have you faced in this aspect?

I’ve learned you can never ask too many questions, and you can never over-communicate. In the virtual world, we like to be digital with our communication as much as possible. This is so we have evidence of the client’s wishes and needs and we can study our clients more. We still have face-time with them, but we like to be able to reference our clients lifestyle and needs while designing for them.

Looking ahead, how do you envision the future of interior design evolving, especially with the continued advancement of virtual reality and other digital tools? What innovations are you excited to explore next in your practice?

In my 19 years in this field, there has always been new technology coming and going. I have learned to embrace the continually evolving digital programs and tools and use what works for you. Everything can be a tool, even AI created interiors. They have actually helped my clients in many instances find their style inspo. I’m sure there will be more to come with that subject, but I am hopeful and excited to see how we can use it to help people.

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