Today we’d like to introduce you to William Baker.
William, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I studied architecture in Austin at UT, after graduation I came back to Dallas and worked for a small firm doing high end residential and gallery design. I started a vintage resale business on the side and my second career job was working for an interior design firm that specialized in restaurants and nightclubs. Many of these projects had unique decor so I was able to combine both of my interests. After 5 years I teamed up with one of my coworkers and we formed Jones Baker. This was in 1998 and we have been focusing on creating engaging and successful venues for the food and beverage industry ever since. We understand the operational side of the business and our strength is integrating a unique design with a smart space plan that works. We have evolved with our clients over the years creating many new concepts. Our success in the restaurant world has afford us the opportunity to move into the hospitality design world and we have worked on several boutique hotels.
We moved to The Cedars area of Dallas about 8 years ago as stakeholders and we have been a part of its evolution into one of the most creative areas of the city with huge potential.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Building our reputation for the first couple of years was a challenge but the largest struggle was after 9-11 when the economy really took a nosedive. In 2008 when the economy again dipped we were fortunate to have a British client with several projects in the Caribbean.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Jones Baker Design – what should we know?
We are a small firm of 9 designers and architects. We specialize in the food & beverage industry but also work on salons, spas, hotels and retail projects. We are known for listening to our clients and creating unique solutions for each challenge. We don’t have a style or specific look. We like to use humble materials in creative and unique ways.
We repurpose elements when we can to add soul and authenticity to a space that would otherwise be shiny and new. We integrate architecture and design into a cohesive composition which creates a more meaningful and memorable experience. We have a studio of equals who collaborate on projects that I think sets us apart from a typical design firm. I am very proud that we still work with many of our clients that we started with over 15 years ago.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My business partner JB Jones deserves a huge credit. He is the steady keel to my scattered creativity and our different temperaments have worked well together. Our former mentors Turner Duncan and Kimberley Miller also played a big role in my formative design years. Our clients that give us almost free reign and push us to explore ideas and concepts also deserve great thanks.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1922 S. Akard St
- Website: www.jonesbaker.com
- Phone: 214-426-5600
- Email: william@jonesbaker.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonesbakerdesign/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jones-Baker-Interiors-Architecture-306902198175/
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