"Engineers take care of buildings. 'Interior designers take care of people." - Ying Hua Tseng, RN, LNP.
A proficient designer is like a symphony conductor, not a virtuoso who plays every instrument perfectly. Nevertheless, a conductor needs virtuosos [skilled contractors] to bring ideas to life.
Emerging in 1984, James Underwood Design is a multidisciplinary design collective based in Southern California. James' projects include commercial and residential interiors in San Francisco, Santa Barbara, Beverly Hills, Capistrano Beach, New York-NY, London-UK, and Sau Paulo, Brazil.
James's career background includes hospital and public health care, graphic design, fine art, couture fashion, floral design for events, TV/Film, costume design, production and product design, and architecture.
My portfolio is a testament to versatility, including residential, retail, healthcare, and hospitality interior design, from serene retreats to bustling dining spaces, residential buildings to private residences, retail stores to showrooms and offices, I have also had the privilege of designing live event spaces for renowned artists and performers.
I believe in taking an adaptive, holistic approach to each project. I start with a clean slate, exploring every aspect and challenging all limitations to create a design that is both universal and classic, yet unique to each project.
James studies and employs layered modalities from the ancient to the cutting edge, including permaculture, feng shui, biophilia, chromotherapy, bio-geometry ergonomics, Universal/ADA, and age-in-place integrative design.
Meaningful work and joyful play are essential to well-being. Each person's equilibrium is unique. I strive to design interiors and products that enhance the lives of the people my work touches. Sustainability means responsibly made, timeless, low-maintenance design that can mature and evolve beautifully.
As in life, I take an observer's approach to every project. I evaluate the existing resources, incorporate the client's patterns, and consider the program's purpose, utilizing existing and new products and methods.
I strive to produce works incorporating personal and collective history with fresh, forward-leaning perspectives.
By Appointment