Back in July of this year, our hardware designing friend Jessica Ahnert Davis introduced me to a talented up and coming designer from Texas, Jordan James. Later, when I spotted Jordan’s rustically glam, crystal-ball-laden Lynlee chandelier, I knew I had to ask her and and the Lynlee to join the new D Shop. Today, almost exactly four months to the date, I’m thrilled to introduce Jordan and her work to you. If the pictures alone haven’t made you fall head over heels, Jordan’s down to earth charm will. As Jordan informed me not so long ago, “Everyone loves a Texan.” And now, without further ado, I present you one Texan that proves that adage very true.

D: Jordan, please tell us a bit about your background…

JJ: My family is in the construction business, so I spent time with my dad on job sites growing up. I like places where things are built. I find excuses to hang around places like lumber yards, welding shops, construction sites – anywhere that things are made. I grew up and currently live in Texas [and] was fortunate enough to be raised around big personalities that cultivated a sense of rugged individualism and hard work.

D: How has your career trajectory evolved over the years?

JJ: I have a marketing degree from Texas A&M. Out of school I worked for Allergan in pharmaceutical sales. I think the draw there was that I like people, and it was a great environment to build relationships. I worked with them for several years before my husband and I had children – twins, Hank and Margot. It was then that we decided I would get off the road traveling with my job, and raise our children.

D: What spurred the dive into design?

JJ: River & Road’s first chandelier was born of necessity [when] I could not find lighting for above my dining table. It was never an option to settle for a fixture that was simply the best of what was available. When I get an idea of how I want something to look, it seems a shame for a space not to be as great as I’ve imagined it. So I created my own chandelier.

D: Can you offer a glimpse into your design process?

JJ: I read an article about Peter Dundus at Pucci that said he always designs with his “it girl” in mind. I kind of imagine the same thing with my chandeliers. I don’t just see it for the table it hangs above, but for who is sitting under it. I see my “it girl” sitting at a dinner party – her outfit, her cocktail, the music that’s playing , and always with a great laugh. The chandelier hanging above her is [all] part of that…

For sheer cuteness sake… Jordan’s twins, the inimitable Margot and Hank.

D: What are your primary sources of inspiration?

JJ: The lighting is not just a fixture, it is setting the scene for a lifestyle. And lifestyle touches everything. I really love fashion – Emilio Pucci, Isabel Marant, Balmain. But most importantly, I like how someone puts it all together. Elin Kling, Emmanuelle Alt, Kate Moss (to give you an idea what I lean towards). I have a client right now [whose] home I am decorating, and when we meet to look over furniture, I will stop halfway through to show her pictures of looks I think she could wear.

My biggest style influence is my mother. I love to look at her old pictures from the 60s and 70s. I love everything about them – the clothes, the backdrop, the mood. She has a great eye for everything. She can see it all – the vintage and the modern.

D: What’s next for Jordan James?

JJ: I would really love to see some [of my] pieces in a commercial setting, like a restaurant or hotel lobby. The fixtures are generous[ly] [sized], and could be really striking. My husband and I are hoping to build a new home soon. I suspect when I can’t find just the right piece – hardware, mirror, table… I’ll have to go to the drawing board. And so [my] inventory will grow out of my own dwelling’s demands. That is the best design quality control I can think of.

D: Much agreed.

A big thank you to Jordan for letting us all get to know her and her beautiful work a little bit better.

We look forward to what’s in store!