Designing with a Democratic View

Jessica Shaw is a Canadian interior designer currently living and working in New York City

Jessica Shaw is a Canadian interior designer and a graduate of Interior Design from Ryerson University, now known as Toronto Metropolitan University. Her passion for interiors has been a lifelong journey, possibly sparked by childhood visits to castles, churches, and historic villages in England. Growing up in a creative household with supportive parents, she was exposed to diverse cultural influences from an early age. Vivid memories of family outings to theatrical events left her captivated by the magic of theater, and she briefly considered pursuing theatrical set design. However, in high school, she decided to channel her creative energy into interior design—a field where artistic expression serves as the cornerstone of transformative spaces.

After moving to New York to design interiors for a cosmetics company, she expanded her expertise to include production and video design. In the 1990s, a project with architect Wayne Turett led to a fruitful and enduring partnership. Today, as the Director of Interior Design at The Turett Collaborative, she is fortunate to design high-end residential and public spaces.

Working from her Tribeca studio and living in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, with her husband and son, she leads a team that thrives on blending artistry with functionality to create exceptional spaces.

A sunroom continues the beachy cream and blue color scheme, gathering an off-white sofa and chairs around a modern floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace and TV unit for family time. Throughout the lower level, elements of nature, such as intricate branches and seaside plants compliment Shaw’s clean, cool colour choices.

Who Are Your Company’s Targets and Goals?

We specialize in high-end residential projects in New York and beyond, with a growing interest in hospitality and commercial spaces. Our target audience includes clients and organizations seeking bespoke, thoughtful designs tailored to their unique needs.

A key goal of our firm is to introduce clients to sustainable living practices through mindful design. This involves selecting eco-friendly materials and integrating energy-efficient solutions. Additionally, we prioritize ongoing education in innovative processes and technologies to minimize our environmental impact.

A blue child’s bedroom and third loft bedroom adhere to Shaw’s water-inspired palette while maintaining their own individuality. In the backyard, a deck is made into perfect entertaining space with two white tables and wooden chairs that compliment the house’s exterior.
Photos by: Costas Picadas

What is the Most Important Aspect of a Commercial Project?

Understanding and addressing the client’s needs is paramount. Effective design begins with a clear understanding of who will use the space and how it will function.

Shaw took advantage of the space’s floor-to-ceiling entryway, choosing all-white walls and a gradient blue circular area rug for the foyer, complimented by a hanging light fixture composed of small, circular discs.

How Influential are Client Comments on Your Projects?

For residential projects, client input is the guiding force. Their vision shapes the design, ensuring it aligns with their personality and requirements. As the project progresses, professional expertise and intuition refine the design. Collaboration is essential to creating a space that resonates with the client and exceeds their expectations.

In commercial projects, a more democratic approach is often required. Engaging with multiple stakeholders provides a well-rounded understanding of the space’s needs, ensuring the design effectively serves its intended purpose.

A well-designed space should intuitively guide its users, influencing actions, movements, and emotions.

What is Essential in Space Design?

A clear sense of purpose is crucial. A well-designed space should intuitively guide its users, influencing actions, movements, and emotions. Great design is functional, aesthetic, and psychologically impactful.

Favourite Projects

Residential: A vacation home in the Hamptons, completed over four seasons, remains a favorite. Inspired by the client’s love for a resort in St. Barts, the phased approach allowed for thoughtful evolution and refinement of the design.
Commercial: Civic Hall, a non-profit technology hub, stands out for its community-focused mission. The scale, budget, and collaboration with exceptional partners made it especially rewarding.

What Makes a Good Client?

A good client has a clear vision but trusts professionals to bring it to life. They maintain an open mind, actively engage in the process, and foster trust, allowing the team to execute the project successfully.

Sustainable design begins with careful material selection—considering composition, sourcing, and environmental impact.

What is the Priority in Interior Design?

Interior design requires a balance of creativity and logistics. Harmonizing artistic vision with meticulous planning ensures smooth execution. Poor logistics can undermine even the most brilliant designs, while effective organization enhances creativity and delivery.

The first incarnation of Civic Hall gave TTC the opportunity to assist founder Andrew Rasiej and co-founder Micah Sifry with their goal to create a collective workspace and forum for people interested in developing technology that could serve the public good.

How Does Sustainable Design Work?

Sustainable design begins with careful material selection—considering composition, sourcing, and environmental impact. This extra effort results in spaces that are healthier, more ethical, and built to last.

Thoughts on Green Buildings

Green buildings and designs that emphasize energy efficiency, air quality, and waste reduction are essential. Our firm actively incorporates these principles into projects to benefit both the environment and our clients.

A good client has a clear vision but trusts professionals to bring it to life.

What is the Meaning of Future Design?

Future design is marked by increasing automation and voice-activated technologies, such as Google Nest. Additionally, I foresee broader adoption of sustainable practices like Passive House standards, driven by growing global awareness of environmental responsibility.

Who is Your Favourite Designer?

Antoni Gaudí is a personal favourite. His visionary work transcends time, combining Gothic elements with modern innovation. The Sagrada Familia in Barcelona is a masterpiece that evokes awe and serves as a testament to his unparalleled creativity.

Emma Gotham, Centréto