About
Jean Liu Design, LLC was established in 2007 as a full-service interior design firm, specializing in high-end residential and commercial projects. Since then, the firm has grown to become a party of five, all of whom would do almost anything for a pretty picture–of interiors, that is. We are also a group of design aficionados whose talent, experience, and training make us uniquely qualified to work alongside clients, builders, and architects on all aspects of interior design, whether it is new construction, historical renovation, space planning, furniture sourcing, or staging. We pride ourselves on creating modern, edited, comfortable, and inspired spaces, and nothing makes us happier than helping clients translate their vision and lifestyle into a place they can call home. From time to time, our work has even graced the pages of publications such as House Beautiful, Traditional Home, Town & Country, Architectural Digest, and The Wall Street Journal.
Team
Jean Liu / Principal
What inspires you?
Peanut butter filled pretzels
What’s one item you can’t leave your house without?
Peanut butter filled pretzels
Favorite way to unwind after a busy day:
Peanut butter filled pretzels
What energizes you at work?
Peanut butter filled pretzels
What trend do you hope makes a comeback?
Peanut butter filled pretzels
If you could add one thing to the studio, what would it be?
Peanut butter filled pretzels
If you could invent a holiday, it would definitely involve:
Peanut butter filled pretzels
If you could only eat one item for every meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Salad
Lisa Neison-Smith / Senior Designer
What’s your job title?
The other half of Jean’s brain
What was your favorite toy as a kid?
A fresh box of Crayolas and a coloring book – Poochie, Rainbow Brite, the back of a Bob’s Big Boy (or Shoney’s) menu, didn’t matter…
What’s the most inspiring part of your job?
Discovering artists, designers, patterns, and furniture from the early to mid-20th century and current up-and-coming artisans in preparation for a project or forecasting trends
What’s one item you can’t leave home without?
Pumpkin pie chapstick… I have ordered in bulk since I discovered it 7 years ago.
What is your favorite saying?
“Quick, put that in your handbag.” (the more ridiculous the item, the better)
What’s your favorite word in the English language?
The f word… Fabulous. What did you think I meant??
The most important thing you learned before high school was:
A sense of humor will get you through the most awkward or stressful situations in life.
What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
I was fortunate enough to be on one of the original HGTV design shows, designer’s challenge, in the early 2000s. It was an exhilarating, soul-crushing, and eye-opening experience behind the scenes of reality television.
Alfredo Rodriguez, Jr / Senior Designer
What would you do if you won the lottery tomorrow?
I would apply to get on the show my lottery dream home!
What’s your least favorite chore around the house?
Laundry. Too many steps. Wash, dry, fold then put away. Can’t it just be one thing like vacuuming?
What’s your favorite TV show—the one you’re always watching on repeat?
Will and Grace
Which way does your toilet paper hang on the wall – over or under?
Over!
How do you prefer to start your day?
Coffee and a run!
What’s the best concert you’ve been to?
Brand New
Are you able to keep a secret?
It depends; who’s asking?
Cats or dogs?
Porque no las dos?
Karen Johnson / Accounts Manager
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A national park ranger.
If you could invent a holiday, it would definitely involve:
Food, family, and a four-day weekend!
What advice would you give a candidate who wants to join our team of superstars?
Every day is an adventure. Be flexible, keep a good attitude and bring snacks.
What’s your favorite TV show—the one you’re always watching on repeat?
3-way tie: Doctor Who, The Librarians, Sleepy Hollow
The most important thing you learned before high school was:
The importance of teamwork.
What’s your go-to productivity trick?
Work from home with the “Do Not Disturb” feature activated on my phone.
If you could only have three apps on your smartphone, which would you pick?
Waze, Camera, Safari
What are three things still left on your bucket list?
Visit Santorini, Greece; hike Camino de Santiago (Way of St. James) with my son; see my son happy with a family of his own.
Cayce Davis / Studio Manager
Do you have any hidden talents or hobbies?
I can juggle. It’s mostly limes and lemons, or small to medium-sized balls. Golf balls work really well.
What’s your favorite memory?
When my daughter’s high school soccer team won state.
Do you have any phobias?
I’m terrified of throwing up. This is why I haven’t done it since the 3rd grade. Ha, as I am typing this I realize you probably don’t want the words “throwing up” on your site.
What’s your favorite word in the English language?
CUTE!
What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
I am an Army Brat.
What’s one thing you are currently trying to make a habit of?
Going to the gym.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Long John Silvers
What’s one item you want to own that you don’t?
A lake house.
What are three things still left on your bucket list?
Skydiving, traveling to New Zealand, and being a bartender.