Designing with Intention: An Interview with JDG Interior Designer Elysha Lepper

At the core of every well-designed space is a great idea—but at the core of every great idea is a great person. At JDG, we know that exceptional design is only possible when it's powered by people who bring not only creativity and expertise to the table but also heart, collaboration, and a genuine love for what they do.

Our team is a blend of diverse voices and talents, and this month we’re proud to feature one of them: Elysha Lepper, Interior Designer. Elysha’s approach to design is thoughtful, balanced, and incredibly well-rounded. Her appreciation for both creative concepting and technical execution makes her a key part of the JDG team, and her drive to keep learning has been evident since day one.

Originally joining JDG as an intern, Elysha has grown into her role with confidence and a sharp eye for translating big ideas into buildable solutions. We sat down with her to hear more about her journey into design, her take on balancing beauty with real-world constraints, and the tools that keep her organized and inspired.

Q&A with Elysha Lepper

You started with JDG as an intern — what was one moment early on that made you think, “This is where I want to be”?

The small team at JDG creates an ideal environment for learning, offering quick exposure to many facets of the design process. I was also drawn to the variety of projects for similar reasons—it has allowed me to gain insight into diverse environments and understand how design influences each one. Together, these factors have played a significant role in my development and have supported my goal of becoming a well-rounded designer.

What’s one project that’s shaped your design voice the most so far, and what did you take away from it?

One project that stands out to me is our work with Luxe Artisan Chocolates / Dandy’s Artisan Ice Cream. The clients brought a highly creative vision to their branding, which gave us an exciting opportunity to design outside-the-box. The compact space required thoughtful space planning and layout development, challenging us to balance function with aesthetics. This project was a rewarding experience that pushed both my creative thinking and technical design skills. The best part—it turned out beautiful and I even got to visit the space while in Regina!

As a designer, how do you approach interpreting a brand’s identity into physical space — where do you start?

Asking the right questions at the beginning of the design process helps me understand the client—their values, brand, vision, and goals. From there, I translate their ideas into inspirational imagery that visually communicates these foundational elements through color, texture, massing, lighting, and more. With a strong creative foundation in place, the design process flows more smoothly, allowing decisions to align naturally with the brand identity and overall objectives of the client.

You’ve worked on both conceptual design and technical drawing — which side of the process excites you most, and why?

I genuinely enjoy both the creative and technical sides of design, as they engage different parts of my skill set—my creativity as well as my organizational and technical abilities. One of my favorite parts of the creative process is translating a list of logical goals into an emotional, visual “feeling” through mood boards and concept development. On the technical side, I especially enjoy creating millwork drawings, as they teach me how to transform conceptual ideas into tangible, buildable solutions.

In your opinion, what separates a good design from a great one — even in the smallest details?

In commercial interior design, good spaces are functional and on-brand, but great ones create immersive, memorable experiences. The difference lies in details like intuitive flow, sensory layering (lighting, sound, texture), and storytelling through materials. Great design anticipates behavior, supports adaptability, and ensures every element—from layout to lighting—feels intentional. It's not just about how a space looks, but how it feels and functions over time.

What’s one design challenge you’ve had to problem-solve creatively, and how did you approach it?

Working with existing spaces presents challenges that demand creative, thoughtful design solutions. For example, by carefully considering structural and base building elements during layout planning, designers can streamline construction, reduce costs, and minimize change orders—leading to a more efficient and client-friendly process.

How has being part of the JDG team shaped your approach to collaboration in design?

At JDG, collaboration is at the core of everything we do—from brainstorming sessions to final design execution. Working alongside such a talented group of designers has taught me the importance of not only listening to others' ideas but also contributing my own while staying open to feedback. The collective creativity within the team has helped me refine my ability to adapt my designs, ensuring they align with the unique needs and goals of each project while maintaining a cohesive and innovative outcome.

What’s a tool, technique, or workflow you’ve picked up that you now can’t imagine working without?

Organization is my happy place, so I love using task management systems to keep track of my tasks and remind me of tasks that need to be completed further in the future. There are also many shortcuts that my team members have taught me that have enhanced my drafting and 3D modeling skills.

Design is often about balance — how do you personally balance aesthetic ambition with real-world constraints like budget, timeline, or client preferences?

I believe that good design is never overcomplicated. It's not about fitting as many patterns or finishes into a space as possible—it's about creating a harmonious foundation that allows key features to truly shine. By focusing the budget on impactful focal points and keeping the foundation simple yet functional, you can maximize impact while minimizing unnecessary costs. A thoughtful, streamlined design base lets statement elements stand out and tell a compelling story.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone just stepping into the interior design industry?

Make sure to ask plenty of questions and take the initiative to learn. Always review feedback and markups with your senior designers to fully grasp their insights. Bring your boldest and most creative ideas to the table, but also think about how they can be simplified or adapted to align with the project's goals and budget.

Conclusion

Elysha’s work is a strong reflection of the JDG ethos—curious, collaborative, and deeply committed to thoughtful design. Her growth from intern to interior designer is a reminder that when the right person joins the right team, great things happen. We look forward to seeing more of Elysha’s brilliant ideas come to life!

To learn more about our team and the people behind the work, visit our About Us page.