Today we’d like to introduce you to Leslie Graham.
Hi Leslie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
From a very young age, I knew that I wanted to be an interior designer. I grew up at the feet of my mother, Giselle Graham, who practiced in the field when I was young, helping with design decisions. I was the young girl always redesigning her bedroom, watching all the design TV shows in my spare time (in middle school), and always pointing out the beauty in the little things. When asked about my dream career choice throughout grade school, I was constantly told mine would change before I went off to college. I knew I wanted to go into a career that would bring joy into the lives of others and that could challenge me creatively, and my vision has never changed.
I was overjoyed to finally study my field of choice at Central Michigan University. I spent my years learning the basics of space planning, hand drafting, technical skills, lighting design, and worked on many group projects. I absolutely loved my time at Central Michigan University, and could not be more grateful for my experience, as it led me to where I am today. My passion for design grew deeper throughout my education, but it wasn’t until I found Jones-Keena that my love for the world of design began to soar.
During my junior year at university, I was tasked with the role of landing an internship. I searched through many design firms throughout the Metro Detroit area and landed upon Jones-Keena & Co., a mother (Lucy Earl) and daughter (Nicole Withers) operated high-end residential interior design firm. Their story struck close to home, as my mother was my inspiration to enter the field. I discovered Jones-Keena in the fall of 2020, 7 months before internship requirements. I reached out immediately and continued to follow up monthly until I landed an interview in April of 2021. I was chosen as one of the two interns for the summer of 2021 and had my first glimpse of what my career could be. I spent the summer shadowing the designers, taking many trips to the Michigan Design Center, picking up samples, getting to know the community, attending site visits, and client meetings. During my internship, I assisted with two home installations in Northern Michigan, gaining valuable hands-on experience in the industry. Seeing the pure joy in the clients’ reactions to the final presentations of their home was priceless, and I knew then I was right where I am meant to be. I officially joined the team full-time following my graduation in 2022.
Jones-Keena & Co. is a full-service interior design firm specializing in high-end residential and commercial interiors. We pride ourselves in creating timeless interiors, designing from traditional to modern and everything in between. Jones-Keena was founded by principal Lucy Earl 35 years ago and is successfully run with her daughter, Nicole Withers. We service clients in the Michigan area and beyond, dedicated to both new construction and renovation projects. It is so meaningful to bring our clients’ vision to life, not only making a beautiful space, but one that is functional for generations to come. There are 26 employees on staff, ranging from interior architectural designers and interior designers to in-house upholstery and an on-site warehouse/installation team. It is rare to find a workspace where the whole team feels like a family, and that’s how special it is working at Jones-Keena.
Our day-to-day varies, which is one of my favorite parts about our work. Some days are spent in the office, space planning, order tracking, and project management. Other days are spent on-site, collaborating with builders, architects, trades, and artisans. We are continually curating and collecting for our clients, and travel all over to acquire rugs, art, antiques, textiles, and furniture. I have had the opportunity to attend 7 High Point Markets (the largest furniture market in the US), where we bring our clients to shop for one-of-a-kind pieces! I have a passion for traveling and have the opportunity to make frequent trips to Northern Michigan and Florida, serving wherever our clients take us.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The world of interior design comes with lots of challenges, as unexpected problems arise. As designers, we call ourselves professional problem solvers. What I love is the creative challenge we are faced with, thinking through how we can eloquently solve the issue at hand, as if the space were designed that way to begin with. Whether the dimensions on the plans do not align with the as-built dimensions, an order is stuck overseas, items arrive damaged, or problems come up throughout the renovation and new construction world, we do everything we can to find the best solution for each incident. I find it important to always be thinking three steps ahead to avoid any future problems, triple-checking before making a final decision. Our job is to take on the load of any issues head-on and alleviate any stress for the clients.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am proud to say that I have been at Jones-Keena for 5 years, and I love what I do more every day. My bread and butter is new construction. I love getting the opportunity to build a space, completely customized in every detail of the home to best fit the client. From millwork designs to electrical and lighting layouts, tile design, plumbing choices, etc. I love getting to pick every single detail from start to finish in the home. I also enjoy the collaboration between contractors, architects, trades, and artisans. It is the seamless collaboration between the team that helps bring the client’s vision to life.
Outside of construction decisions, the design elements are where the personality of the home begins to shine. We love to build a room around a piece of inspiration, oftentimes an antique rug, fun theme fabric, or an important piece of art. It is so fun getting the opportunity to work in so many different styles. At one point in my career, I was working on three new construction projects on the same timeline, all with completely different aesthetics. One being a traditional, preppy, Northern Michigan residence, another being a rustic hunting lodge, and the third being a transitional French country home. I am passionate about bringing creative, fun, and meaningful interiors that stand the test of time.
I wake up each day grateful for the privilege of doing what I love every day. I pour myself into everything that I do, and my design work is no shy of this. I am confident that my passion for design and developing strong interpersonal relationships sets me apart. I am proud of all the projects I have been a part of and my personal growth and confidence as a designer. I am most proud of pursuing my dream career and never losing sight of my vision, something the younger version of me would be so proud of.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I have been lucky to surround myself with such powerful and hardworking women throughout my life. Growing up, my mother, Giselle Graham, was my inspiration to pursue interior design. I watched her from a young age working in the field and knew this was my path. I not only watched her as a designer but also watched her change her career and start her own business. Her dedication, drive, and passion in everything she does have helped shape me as the woman and designer I am today. I could not be more grateful to have her as a role model.
From the moment I joined forces with Jones-Keena, my boss and mentor, Lucy Earl quickly became my biggest inspiration. With over 50 years of design experience, she is truly the best mentor I could ask for. I am constantly soaking up her wealth of knowledge and feel grateful to be working directly alongside her. Watching her strong design eye, the way she eloquently presents her concepts, and how effortlessly she commands a room continually inspires me. Lucy was recently granted Detroit Design Magazine’s first “Inaugural Detroit Design Icon” award, and it was so special watching our community celebrate her well-deserved legacy. I am grateful for her mentorship and so excited for all the spaces we will continue to design together!
I strive to surround myself with people who inspire me and bring a strong work ethic to everything they do. Strong connections and community mean everything to me, and I am passionate about being part of spaces that uplift others. Get involved and make connections; You never know where those relationships might take you!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jones-keena.com
- Instagram: @joneskeenacompany
