17 Jan Q&A with Jillian Van Dresser and Julia Essien of Van Dresser

About the Designers
As founding Principal and Creative Director of Van Dresser Company, Jillian’s sense of style, unwavering focus and attention-to-detail underscores the culture of the firm. She is involved at all levels of the design process ensuring refined design with a current dialogue.  Her extensive travels and love of art and music strengthen the design experience she shares with her clients and her design teams. Jillian is also enthusiastic in her support of the hospitality industry.  Having served on industry boards and organizations in many capacities both locally and internationally, her network is extensive.

Julia Essien’s first degree was in economics which led me to an 11-year career in the commercial lending market as a financial analyst. After obtaining a second degree in interior design, I began my hospitality career in 2009 when I joined Innvision Hospitality as a Project Manager where I held two roles – one purchasing and the other designing. Several years later I joined the Van Dresser Company team.

In these times, where the tone of the world is somewhat disordered … we wanted to create a design that felt energetic and hopeful. Nature, and specifically flowers, represent these sentiments. In our design, the garden fruits and florals were hand sketched by the Lebatex team, which gives the pattern a sense of authenticity and depth. The garden grows over a subtle geometric “latticework” to add a modern touch. The large-scale nature of the design is intended to provide a bold, artistic opportunity within a space – as an upholstered chaise, as drapery, or as accent pillows. We love the design printed on the textural Baldwin base because it adds to the garden’s richness – visually and to the touch.

About the Company
VDC works as a team, employing the creative richness found in our team member’s diverse backgrounds, philosophies, experiences and in their extensive knowledge of current design development and technologies.  Our projects incorporate timeless, yet current design principles. We listen and we deliver – exactly… actually, more than what our clients are expecting: creative, beautiful designs, well documented and within the established budget.

Where did you get your start in the design industry?
JVD: Frank Mingus, Mingus Design, a brilliant, sometimes difficult designer, was working with Viking Cruise Line, Hotel Nikko, Chicago Hilton & Towers and other five-star properties. I was in the right place at the right time and became a partner with Frank in the firm based in Atlanta with a branch in Chicago.  He taught me to build a design in my head, 3-dimensionally and to design with visual and textural balance.

What made you start Van Dresser Company?
JVD: 2002 was not economically vibrant for our industry, but a decidedly good time to start my own firm and focus on creativity, respectful client relationships and team-design success.

What attracted you to Van Dresser Company?
Julia: Prior to joining VDC, my experience was primarily with limited service hotels – FF&E purchasing as well as design. I was attracted to VDC because I wanted to focus solely on design (by eliminating my purchasing responsibilities) and to gain experience in the full service segment of the industry where I believed I would have more creative opportunities. Additionally, everyone told me that I would love working with Jillian Van Dresser and that has been true. Jillian pushes you professionally, creatively, and really gives you every opportunity to be a successful designer.

Can you tell us about one project you are extremely proud of? 
JVD: Working with Francesco Molon in Italy, blending Italian artistry and craftsmanship with hospitality sensitivity. My second answer is ALL of our current projects, I love the process of creativity.
Julia: I’m proud of, but even more grateful for, The Marquee Resort by Bluegreen Vacations, which is located in the historic theater district of New Orleans.  We really pushed the creative boundaries to provide unique, interactive experiences for the guests which were centered around the concepts of theater and performance. Personally, I had the opportunity to engage with and learn from the wide variety of consultants (lighting, media, A/V, etc.) that were involved in making the project successful.  The GM and her staff at the property embrace and also take pride in the design which is really fulfilling to observe.

If you weren’t designing, what would you be doing?
JVD:  Traveling the world … exploring art influences and catching up on lots of good reading!
Julia: I would love to be a museum curator so that I could work with and be surrounded by art all day, every day. If I were science-minded, then I would do something in the sustainability field to help fix the environment on a bigger scale.

What is one thing you love about the interior design community?
JVD: You used the word in the question … community –  friendships and collaboration. My life is rich with industry friendships.
Julia: Aside from the obvious creativity element, I love the relationships with people. Everyone makes you feel like you are family.

What is one piece of advice you would give to designers starting their career?
JVD: Listen first, understand and never stop learning. Your ideas will grow, and your talent will become relevant.
Julia: Be a sponge for knowledge and ask tons of questions.

Are there any design trends you are starting to see that could alter the industry?
JVD: One I would like to see:  An inviting environment that promotes conversation; different from electronic conversation. We are so electronically focused and connected that creating a nurturing environment, be it contemporary, urban hip or transitional, offers a much needed balance to our focused “connectivity”.
Julia: Technology continues to change the industry. As the conveniences of technology grow in the home, guests are expecting and prefer these same conveniences (ie: app-controlled amenities) in the places they stay when they’re away from home. Sustainability has been altering the industry, but I’m hoping the changes will become quicker and greater because the world needs it now.

---

 

Check out Van Dresser’s textile design for the Lebatex, Inc. 20th Anniversary Designer Collection!

For more information, visit www.vandressercompany.com.