Joel Contreras ASID, LEED
Partner, Architectural Interior Designer
“Our clients often intuitively recognize good design, and I find it especially rewarding to help them expand their understanding and appreciation of quality, sustainability, beauty, and function. There’s always so much to explore.”
Since joining Julie O’Brien Design Group in 2017, Joel has helped clients across the country enhance their projects. “Listening to a client, bringing their vision to life is a creative process I enjoy. Expanding clients’ ideas in ways they have not imagined is thrilling, but it’s about creating a space or place that feels right at home to my client. They will come home to it every day—it’s not solely about my vision, but a synthesis of the two.”
An artist at heart with a mind for mechanics, Joel constantly finds inventive ways to merge his skills into stunning results for our clients. “Planning, designing, and executing a home or even a commercial space is like creating art on a large scale,” Joel says. Collaboration with clients to meet their unique needs is a large part of the inspiration.
“Traveling gives me another form of inspiration—I love exploring the calm expanse of nature and absorbing the energy of vibrant cities. I think successful design brings those two feelings together somehow.”
Empathy, Passion, and Skill
Joel builds trust with clients by helping ensure they find the process as effortless and enjoyable as possible. From the initial meeting and walk-through to the final home delivery, experience has taught him to anticipate the many potential problems of a design project and proactively solve them before they reach the doorstep.
“I’m acutely aware of the fact that our clients have invited me into their homes. It’s where they go to escape the stressors of their lives, so I do everything I can to keep the disruption to that space to an absolute minimum.”
Beyond the design process, clients have come to rely on Joel’s exceptional, on-site project management skills, honed over his many years of planning and overseeing building construction management.
“When it comes to construction, I am a very hands-on person,” Joel says. “I can go to a job site and speak with construction managers with complete confidence. I’m a native Spanish speaker, which can be very useful out in the field.”
So, what does Julie O’Brien Design Group’s architectural designer see for the firm's future?
“Clients are tuned into the importance of sustainability—of keeping the future of our earth in mind in everything we do together—and finding creative ways to do that beautifully is a great passion of mine.”
Where to Begin?
Joel loves to talk about ideas; expect to find him endlessly curious about yours. His advice? Get in early; you’re always better off creating plans than fixing misfires. No commitment is necessary.
Our firm undertakes projects of all sizes and complexity and at any stage of progress. We’re always happy to discuss your particular situation privately.