Jerad Gardemal (JG): My interest in art and design began when I was 8-9 years old. The concept of an interior’s “soul” has captivated me since childhood, igniting a lifelong quest for the elements that imbue a space with palpable life and presence. I discovered that the art and soul of great design is a symphony of very specific details that animate a space: ones that shine and crackle with a sense of time, place, and humanity.

JG: I learned from a mentor and had two decades of experience prior to starting my firm. That mentor taught me invaluable things about how to run a business, how to refine my eye, to understand and see things of the highest quality, to elevate appreciation for fine textiles and accessories, and how to merge a client’s vision with the highest design principles to create a truly exquisite and exceptional home.

 JG: Follow your passion, because you can and will build a successful career following what your heart is telling you to do with your life. I built my business and my brand on my passion, Creating an artful, livable salute to your past, present, and future. My company is renowned for delivering exquisitely crafted homes that are, without exception, inherently purposeful and comfortably opulent. With expert guidance, we lead you through a journey marked by time-honored traditions, joyful collaboration, and the inception of your very own tailor-made living environments. My 20 year old self would be proud of the business I have built and more importantly, the values that clearly defined me.

HTI: Please tell us about your family and your personal life.

JG: I have been married to an amazing man since 2017 and we have been together since 2003. We divide our time between our homes in Louisiana and NYC. We have one child, our fur baby, Mr. Bates a cockapoo. Named after the charming character from Downton Abbey. Mr. Bates is more than just a furry friend — he’s an integral part of the JF Gardemal Designs family. With his wagging tail and infectious energy, Mr. Bates greets each customer with enthusiasm, spreading joy and warmth throughout our showroom. As our loyal companion, Mr. Bates embodies the spirit of hospitality and companionship. Whether he’s cuddled up on his favorite chair or charming visitors with his tricks, Mr. Bates is truly an angel in our midst. With his endearing personality and boundless love, he’s sure to make your experience with us even more memorable. My husband and I could not adore him more.

HTI: What is the best advice you have received?

JG: The city, I am not much for the country. Although, I can design a gorgeous farmhouse, you will not catch me vacationing there.

HTI: What recent project or transaction are you most proud of?

JG: The technological advances have made it easier to work on our projects and presentations for clients. We can manage jobs from any location and communicate seamlessly with vendors, subs, and clients. What has not changed and is even more important than ever before in this digital age is a true human connection with our clients. People with discerning taste expect exceptional service. Embark on a purposeful journey guided by genuine connection, emotive design, and an unwavering dedication to your experience. Crafting a home that defies the ordinary requires a commitment to excellence at every turn. Whether you’re building, renovating, or furnishing a home, we pledge to provide you with a peerless experience that enriches your lifestyle from project inception to beyond completion.

JG: The thing that means the most to me is the Nativity set I got from my grandmother. It used to sit in the window of the flower shop she owned at Christmas in the 1950’s. It was a part of my childhood and is the one material item that I would be devastated to lose.

JG: Oscar de la Renta had impeccable stye, was a gentleman, and knew how to run his business with confidence and elegance.

JG: Textiles are the single most important element in a room to clearly define the client’s point of view, character, and set the mood of any space. Textile options are endless and allow us to create and craft an extraordinary space.

JG: My favorite place is the Cloisters Museum in NYC. It houses the remains of the Abbeys that were torn down so it is a place that houses irreplaceable Middles Age and Renaissance art. It is a place of quiet and spiritual solace which highlights craftsmanship and devotion that cannot be replicated in our current time. I visit each year and it serves as somewhat of a retreat. It also helps to reengage and reenergize me as a creative.

JG: I have a few:

Museum: The Art Institute of Chicago, their collection is exceptional, but not overwhelming. The have the Thorne Miniature Rooms on their ground floor which is remarkable. As a designer, it is a truly unique experience.

Artist: Edgar Degas, I love his scenes of French daily life but also you can see the work of the artist and his process over perfection. He was unafraid of leaving evidence of his process on the final piece and I love being able to see a brush stroke or pencil outline on an incredible work of art.

Author: Colleen McCullough wrote my favorite book series called The Masters of Rome. Seven books that bring the history of ancient Rome to life in beautiful prose.

City or place: NYC, I love the access to collections of world class museums, theater, and the architecture. Every part of Manhattan has its own unique flavor.

Food: Smoked salmon, cream cheese, bagels, and lox. If someone told me I had to live on an island alone and could only bring a few foods, I would be good for life.

JG: Ralph Lauren is the gold standard of a luxury lifestyle across all categories. He clearly defined luxury lifestyle early on and was a trendsetter of exposing me to an aspirational lifestyle early in my career.

JG: I love to travel, and I love to entertain and cook for friends at home in NYC and Louisiana.

JG: Clearly defined roles and responsibilities and a clearly defined ideal client. Unimpeachable integrity and a sterling reputation. Under my guidance, the JF Gardemal Designs team upholds a commitment to honest, deeply connected, and top-tier design experiences. Our passion lies in crafting homes with profound meaning and intention, reflecting a soulful and livable experience of the place you call home.

JG: We want to be associated with and represented by a company whose values align with ours. The Home Trust is just that.

JG: I would love to volunteer as a docent in a museum.

JG: My husband who holds an MBA. A local art gallery owner. A handful of clients that are successful businesspeople. My team at the office. And my most precious dog, who is more like a human child, Mr. Bates.

JG: I love high quality expensive bed linens. So much so, that I actually enjoy pressing them myself. There is nothing more luxurious than the feeling of getting into a freshly made bed.

JG: Comfortably opulent. Time-honored yet current. Personally significant. Our strong client relationships lead to interiors that are layered with soulful personality, touched by history, and deeply livable.