Jamie Taylor's journey to founding J Taylor Designs was one of organic growth and passion for design. After working with a local design firm, Jamie moved into the lumber supply industry, which was a pivotal moment as builders sought her expertise for custom house plans. After building relationships and expanding her construction knowledge, Jamie started her design firm in 2009.
As head of J Taylor Designs, Jamie’s inspiration comes from the unique needs and preferences of her clients, fueling her creativity to produce distinctive homes.
Jamie draws immense inspiration from coastal and historical-style homes from her travels. "These architectural styles exude character and depth, each telling its own story," said Jamie. "When I encounter an old home with a rich narrative, it ignites my creativity to reinterpret it for a newer home. Revitalizing old homes or styles for a new generation is deeply rewarding."
Jamie’s design philosophy centers on understanding and responding to clients' needs, creating timeless exteriors that evolve with the family. She prioritizes client engagement from the start through comprehensive questionnaires and inspirational photos to set a strong foundation for collaboration.
One standout project involved designing a farm home with stunning views. The challenge of maintaining uninterrupted sightlines led to a creative placement of rooms to preserve views of the pond and sunrise over the river.
Over the years, Jamie has worked with clients who truly needed someone to listen and understand their family’s unique needs. Whether it’s parents caring for disabled children or adults seeking a comfortable space for their elderly parents to live out their lives, these are the moments when conventional design principles take a backseat to personalized solutions.
"It's these families that leave a lasting impact on me," said Jamie. "The gratitude they express or the heartfelt hug they give show me they felt heard and understood. Knowing that the home we design will truly serve them reminds me why I do what I do."