If you were not an interior designer, what would your alternate career be?
JY: To be a perfume creator. I love the sensual nature of it and I am fascinated with Scent Memory. Mine is very strong.
What do you believe is the most valuable trait as an interior designer?
JY: Being an editor, knowing what is the best combination of elements with no more than is required.
You just won a free trip, where would you go?
JY: Japan, I’ve always wanted to see Kyoto.
If you could make one significant change in the world, what would it be?
JY: Paid maternity leave for 12 weeks for new mothers to bond with their babies.
What languages do you speak?
JY: English, but I know some French and have learned some Arabic working on our project in Cairo.
When you are away from work, what can you be found doing?
JY: I am found outside in my garden with my 2 sons Oskar and Oliver in tow. We planted A LOT of Lily bulbs last fall and they are popping up now. I love the anticipation.
What book(s) are you currently reading?
JY: I read a lot to my sons at bedtime so we are into Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone, along with Scarecrow Pete. For me it’s been “The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up”
What songs are most listened to on your playlists?
JY: Have to admit… It’s Justine Beiber. But also Sia, Tove Lo, Lana Del Rey, LCD Soundsystem, Andrea Bocelli and Fleetwood Mac are in heavy rotation.
What was one of your most defining moments in life?
JY: My first trip abroad for a semester at the Edinburg University for Art and Architecture.
What is your best childhood memory?
JY: A family trip one summer to nearly all the National Parks in the USA in a camper. We arrived to our camp site in Yosemite at night and woke up with a view of El Capitan at sunrise. Truly awesome and beautiful.
What’s the best concert you’ve ever been to?
JY: Coachella
What’s your favorite holiday and why?
JY: Thanksgiving for the food, the tradition, and it not being a gift holiday. Just the being together with family at a big table.