B A C K G R O U N D:

In 1997, Joe enrolled in the UC Berkeley Extension's FIDER-accredited interior design and interior architecture program to pursue his love of design and architecture that has followed him since childhood. While at UC Berkeley, Joe was on the Student Advisory Board, which helped in curriculum development in light of the ever changing requirements of the design profession. His student work has been published in UC Berkeley Extension catalogs and course guides. Additionally, he received a design award for his entry in the yearly ASID Student Design Competition.

Joe began his career at Studio Guell Interior Environments as a design consultant and project manager, where he managed a number of bathroom, kitchen, and condominium remodels; as well as a few commercial design projects. He then worked as a principal designer under Geoffrey DeSousa of DeSousa Hughes. In this role, Joe was given primary responsibilty in managing the firms current client projects, as well as assisting with showroom activities such as marketing photo shoots, showroom design and expansion, furniture grouping, and winter market planning. In both jobs,Joe introduced AutoCAD into the office environment, helping to bring both firms more up to date in current technology and design practices. Joe started his own interior design business, Jounetsu Design, in 2003.

He has 22+ years of project management, people management, and customer support experience. Skills he carries with him into his interior design and interior architecture business. Joe prides himself for his attention to detail, and is a problem solver at heart. Today the problems he enjoys solving are for his clients - how to create comfortable efficient livable spaces that reflect the individuality of his clients.

P H I L O S O P H Y:

"Life is to be enjoyed. Surround yourself with the things that bring you joy and peace and comfort."

I truly believe my main objective is to be of service to my clients. My joy comes from working with clients and transforming their surroundings to create an environment that is unique and fits their lifestyles.

J O U N E T S U:
I felt the name of my business should reflect my deep-rooted passion I have for design. In addition, I have always been interested in Asian and ethnic influences in design and decided to look toward the Japanese language for inspiration. "Passion" is the one word I use to describe design for me. The Japanese word for Passion is Jounetsu.