Amy Jakubowski joined interior design studio Pierre-Yves Rochon (PYR) two years ago to lead the Paris-based firm’s Chicago office. In that short time, she has overseen the renovation of the Dorchester in London as well as the ongoing revamp of Manhattan’s Waldorf Astoria New York. Here, Jakubowski discusses projects past and present, trends she’s paying attention to, and more.
Where did you grow up? Did it influence your career path?
Amy Jakubowski: I was born just outside New York City in New Jersey. Growing up, I was always creative and lucky enough to have friends who had parents that were contractors and architects, which only furthered my curiosity in design. I have been drawing my whole life and [took] design classes all through high school, which led me to the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York.
What is your first design memory?
AJ: My first interior design course at FIT, Saturday Live—a weekend program for high-school students—lit up my life. I had been drawing my whole life and was enamored with art and design, but here I learned how to put it all together in a physical space. My teacher in this class was my inspiration for pursuing my degree at FIT.
Give us a bit of your background: college, first jobs, early lessons learned.
AJ: I’ve always been an ambitious person and took on drafting jobs in high school to get ahead. From there, I went on to get my first fulltime job with JDA Associates during college and worked my way up during my 10 years there. I did everything from office tasks to drafting, to FF&E selections to renderings, and everything in between. To me, this was such a fundamental part of my career trajectory as it taught me the importance of hard work and that no job is too small or more important than another. I worked my way up from intern to a senior designer and project manager.
The Artists’ Bar at the Dorchester in London
When did you join Pierre-Yves Rochon?Â
AJ: I joined PYR two years ago. Prior to PYR, I was at BBMG for 18 years. I was able to see [the firm’s] exquisite work while working on the Peninsula Shanghai, where BBMG was the design architect and PYR was the interior design firm. Fast forward 13 years, while I was living in Los Angeles, the studio approached me to head up the Americas studio, based in Chicago. I was so excited at the prospect of leading this famed design studio and to get back into the luxury market.
Describe your recent hospitality projects.
AJ: Our team is currently working on a luxury hospitality project in Saudi Arabia, which has allowed us to expand our team in Chicago. Our creativity has flourished in a new way as we create a new environment while honoring the distinct heritage of KSA [Kingdom of Saudi Arabia]. Additionally, I have had the pleasure of being a part of the Waldorf Astoria New York renovation. This has been a dream of mine for a long time, so to be able to bring their new vision to life is truly amazing.
What is your favorite part of hospitality design?
AJ: My favorite part is the diverse journey each and every project takes. I love creating narratives and crafting human experiences in terms of how someone feels and interacts with the space they are surrounded by. Each project is so different based on location, guest profile, and client vision so being able to create a unique experience for every guest is amazing.
The Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills
What trends are you seeing in hospitality right now?
AJ: The social aspect of the hotel and having a sense of purpose and place in the community is so important. Hotels are taking their programming to a higher level, which in turn requires designers to create the spaces to support these programs. People want to engage with and in spaces, and experience things as a community. Designers are being asked to put in elements such as sound studios in lifestyle spaces because people want to work from a hotel. Yoga studios have been added to hotel gyms so the neighborhood can come in for classes. We are moving back to a time where hotels are once again becoming pillars for connection in the community.
What architect or designer do you admire most?
AJ: In terms of contemporary architects, I admire Peter Marino. He was an emerging force in the industry when I started my career and I have always admired his work. What he has done with the new Tiffany’s flagship store in Manhattan is stunning. I am always an admirer of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. His attention to detail and precision is admirable and something I love in all his work. I would be remiss in not including Charles and Ray Eames. [They created] functionally beautiful pieces of furniture from unusual materials. I find that inspiring as I do have a couple pieces myself.
What’s your dream project?
AJ: I have always wanted to work on an eco-resort that embodies the natural landscape.
If you weren’t in your current career, what would you be doing?
AJ: I would’ve been a photographer or more specifically, a photojournalist. I minored in photography while at FIT and still carry a camera with me wherever I go. I am energized by the world around me—the action, the people, the places—and so I would have spent my career capturing our significant moments in time.
The Waldorf Astoria Lusail Doha in Qatar
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