3 min read
Like many pros, Jessica Alpert took a meandering path to design. While her childhood was ripe with a love of decor—she has distinct memories of falling hard for Michelle and Stephanie Tanner’s purple sponge-painted bedroom on Full House—her first act found her as an event planner for Paramount Pictures, working on cultural mainstays like My Super Sweet 16, the MTV Awards, and large-scale charity events on the studio lot before moving onto event planning for a dating company (“Oh, the stories I have,” she laughs).
While it may seem far removed from a world of swatches, paint decks, and construction documents, Alpert insists a thread between the two was always there. “I realized I thrived on the project-oriented side, building something from conception to completion and assembling the right team to bring it to life,” she adds.
It wasn’t until she had her first child, however, that the itch for something more became too hard to ignore. Alpert found herself reevaluating what kind of creative work fit the life she wanted to build alongside her family—and interior design, it turned out, had been waiting for her all along. Soon, she stepped into a role assisting an interior designer, refining her eye and gaining a better grasp on the industry as a whole before taking what she calls the biggest leap of all: launching her own firm.
Her first major project came through a referral from a friend in real estate: a client had just purchased a home in Hancock Park and wanted it furnished from the ground up. “It was a huge opportunity and a thrilling challenge,” Alpert says. “Suddenly, I was responsible for shaping the look and feel of an entire home, curating everything from furniture and lighting to art and accessories. That project not only gave me invaluable experience but also set the tone for the kind of thoughtful, full-scale work I strive to do for every client.”
Since then, every project—and yes, even the inevitable setbacks along the way—has sharpened her approach and made Alpert more sure that this is her true path. “There hasn’t been a year in my career without a major learning moment that challenged me, but ultimately made me a stronger designer, business owner, and leader,” she adds. “Each one has shaped how I approach projects, clients, and my team with more clarity and confidence.”
Get to Know Jessica
House Beautiful: How do you define your aesthetic in one sentence?
Jessica Alpert: Functional spaces with unique identities, timeless elegance, and a layered, lived-in sense of style.
HB: What materials, palettes, or details are you drawn to again and again?
JA: Layered materiality! Stonewashed linen, plaster, limestone, marble, and more—things that add visual intrigue, depth, and texture.
HB: What do you think the industry gets wrong about “good design”?
JA: I think the industry often mistakes trends for good design. True, lasting design is about creating spaces that feel authentic, functional, and adaptable—homes that grow with you through all the phases of life, rather than simply following the latest aesthetic.
HB: What do clients hire you for that they can’t get anywhere else?
JA: Clients often tell me they value the care and attention I bring to each project. I focus on creating homes that are not only beautiful but feel genuinely tailored to how people live. I also prioritize transparency in both design fees and process, so clients know what to expect and feel confident every step of the way.
HB: What emotion do you most want someone to feel when they enter your spaces?
JA: Above all, I want anyone who steps foot in a space I’ve designed to feel at ease.
