Today we’d like to introduce you to Pierre Jean-Baptiste.
Pierre, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Hi, I’m Pierre Jean-Baptiste. and you may know me as the Interior designer that built a successful interior design firm. But I wanted to reintroduce my self
Before the awards, before the publications, before PJBI…
I was just a kid growing up on the South Side of Chicago, living a normal life in a place where opportunities were limited and survival came first.
Nothing about my background was flashy — but and you may know me as the Interior designer that built a successful interior design firm, creativity was always my escape.
Growing up, my environment was shaped by violence, gangs, and drugs.
It was easy to get pulled in — but instead, I poured myself into drawing, painting, and building models.
Then in 8th grade, everything changed.
An architect visited my school for career day.
She rolled out blueprints and explained how ideas become real spaces.
In that moment, I realized there was a world beyond what I saw every day.
That day, I realized design could change lives — starting with mine.
I knew architecture and design were more than careers; they were tools to create opportunity, structure, and purpose.
From that moment on, I knew exactly where I was headed.
pursued architecture in college, attending Morehouse, before returning home due to my mother’s illness.
I later earned my Bachelor’s in Architectural Studies from UIC, interning at architectural firms and working on major projects — including Disney Quest, ESPN Zone, and Toll Brothers.
Then the recession hit.
I lost my job.
The industry collapsed.
So I pivoted.
I moved to Washington, DC, started my own interior design business, and later earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design from the Art Institute of Washington.
Over 18+ years, that decision led to 500+ completed projects, national recognition, awards, and publications.
Design gave me a way out — and a way forward.
Design gave me freedom.
I went from a kid on the South Side of Chicago with limited options
to building a firm that’s completed 500+ projects
There are talented designers everywhere
who have the creativity…
but not the roadmap
So I made it my mission to help people in need of an interior designer as well as aspiring interior designers go from
being overwhelmed, underpaid, or unsure of their next move
to building sustainable, respected, and profitable design businesses.
I don’t just teach design
I teach what I learned the hard way.
This is only the beginning of the journey.
And now, I’m bringing others with me.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
See the last question, however in lieu of that the struggles have been
1. COVID and the market changing in at the commencement
2. Growth and learning marketing strategies the work
3. Client management and
4. Learning to connect with vendors and manufactures to build relationships
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Building a creative base style in interior design. I am known for a transitional / contemporary style with sophisticated interiors, using geometric patterns and furnishings throughout the design. I am most proud of this evolving style. The unique sophisticated interiors sets me apart from other designers.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
In the next 5-10 years I see more e-commerce & consulting solutions for clients as well as more implementation of Ai in the design industry.
Pricing:
- Low Per room for design services and furniture averages 6k-10k
- Medium Per room for design services and furniture averages 10k-13k
- Low High Per room for design services and furniture averages 12k-20k
- Medium High Per room for design services and furniture averages 20k-40k
- Low—high end per room for design services and furniture averages 40k-80k
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Pierreji.com
- Instagram: @PIERREJEANBAPTISTEINTERIORS (NEW PERSONAL BRAND STARTING AT PIERREJI_
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pierreji/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/pierreji
- Other: https://houzz.com/pro/pierreji
Image Credits
Pierre Jean-Baptiste Interiors, Ltd.
