Joe Ireland is a Washington, DC native who, along with his childhood friend, launched a successful interior design firm in the nation’s capital. JD Ireland is made up of a close-knit team of six designers who bring a fun and light-hearted approach to design. Joe is known for his client-focused approach, blending the spirit of the client with the architecture of the space. He enjoys taking on a challenge – from designing the inside of an igloo to beachfront estates. His work has been recognized by national magazines and television programs. In his off-time, Joe enjoys long weekends with his family and traveling to tropical locations.
Q
Best compliment you’ve ever received?
A.
A long-time client of mine, and now a very good friend, once said to a perspective client that “Joe designs and proposes objects that I never would have known I’d fall in love with”
Q
How did you get started in this field?
A.
I am a self-taught designer. I first entered the design world as a freelancer in merchandising and window display. As my displays were becoming increasingly popular, people would ask me if I could help them design their homes. Fortuitously, I ended up working as a design assistant for a very talented pair of designers. While there I learned the day-to-day of having an interior design company. Shortly after, I began working with my business partner, Julie Weber, and created JDIreland.
Q
What was the first project you worked on?
A.
I had totally forgotten about this! I rejuvenated the old CHINA CLUB in NYC for a party promoter who threw a weekly Thursday night party.
Q
What’s the best thing about shopping in person?
A.
I love shopping in person to see the scale of an item and to find out the backstory of an object. I also love meeting people behind the scenes, who make my job easier, like Kiel Wuellner, who is first to come to mind 😉
Q
What modern design trend makes you cringe?
A.
SHIPLAP
Q
How do you maintain a work/ life balance?
A.
My business partner, Julie Weber and I have a strict 9-5 work day set for the entire office. We let clients know up front that we have normal business hours, and that we are aware there will be times that we will be working outside of those hours, but it is never to be assumed.
Q
What are three things you can’t live without?
A.
White. Converse. Chucks.
Q
How would you define your work in three words?
A.
Lighthearted. Diverse. Lasting
Q
What is your favorite time of day?
A.
Twilight
Q
A book that everyone should read?
A.
The Devil in the White City
Q
What is your spirit animal and why?
