Today we’d like to introduce you to Jason Valentin.
Hi Jason, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My story at One Line Design Studio is a unique one, and in many ways, it feels like a reminder that certain things truly happen for a reason. I graduated in 2013 with my bachelor’s degree in Interior Design in Orlando, Florida. I had my heart set on moving to Miami, a larger city with greater opportunity and a more established design market.
When I started applying for jobs in Miami, I went through six interview processes, often making it halfway or even completing full interviews, only to not receive an offer. Then, unexpectedly, I received a call to interview with Susan LaFleur at a firm where we would later work together. There was an instant connection, both professionally and personally. A few days after that one-hour phone interview, I received a job offer and finally started my career in Miami in 2015.
When Susan and Karrie later decided to start One Line, it felt natural for me to continue working alongside her. Our working relationship was strong, and I believed in the vision. One Line Design Studio officially opened in February 2019, and by July of that year, I became the first designer to be hired. Joining a newly formed boutique design firm came with its uncertainties, but I took the leap of faith. Today, I am proud to say I was part of the firm’s foundation and have witnessed its growth from the very beginning.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Starting a business and building a client base takes time, patience, and a lot of trust in the process. The first year at One Line Design Studio was steady and exciting. At that time, I was the only designer working directly under our co-founders on projects in Fort Lauderdale, downtown Miami and Atelier in the arts district of Dallas.
Coming from a larger firm, time management became a major learning curve as I balanced multiple phases of projects, coordination, and decision making all at once. About a year into the company’s growth, we entered the pandemic. Like everyone else, we were navigating an entirely new way of working. Being remote adds another layer of complexity to managing workloads, communication, and personal wellbeing.
As we continued to grow, we were very intentional about how we built the team. Our goal was never just to hire people to get work done, but to invest in individuals with shared values and saw a long-term future with the firm. In return, One Line’s core values are to invest in our team’s personal and professional growth, their wellbeing, and maintaining a healthy work life balance. Burnout is very real in this industry, and it is something we take seriously.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about One Line Design Studio?
You can find our project portfolio on our website:
https://www.onelinedesignstudio.com/portfolio
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Support and collaboration at One Line Design Studio have been fundamental to both my professional growth and personal fulfillment. That support begins with our co-founders, Karrie and Susan. Susan took a chance on me early in my career by hiring me after a simple phone interview and trusting my potential. That moment truly changed the course of my professional journey, and I often reflect on how pivotal her belief in me was at that stage.
Karrie’s support has been equally meaningful. Before One Line Design Studio existed, I was a client of hers when she worked as an industry art consultant. It is a reminder of how small and interconnected the design world can be. To now call her a mentor and leader has been incredibly rewarding. Together, Karrie and Susan have always encouraged me to grow authentically and pursue the aspects of design that genuinely excite me.
Beyond the studio, my personal support system has played an equally important role. My husband has been by my side throughout much of my career journey since we met in 2018, offering constant encouragement and perspective. I am also grateful for my close friends within the industry who have supported me, shared insights, and provided honest and positive feedback along the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.onelinedesignstudio.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designwithoneline/ and https://www.instagram.com/jstudiosdesign/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/designwithoneline/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onelinedesignstudio/about/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-valentin-iida-40570946/
- Email: hello@onelinedesignstudio.com and jason@onelinedesignstudio.com
Image Credits
Headshot and team photography by Michelle Citrin Studios.
Project photography by Barry Grossman.
