J.D. Ireland Interior Architecture & Design, one of Washington’s most sought-after design teams, is led by Joe Ireland, Julie Weber Gligor, and Edith Gregson.
The team has transformed some of the area’s most desired homes, restaurant spaces and retail shops into timeless works of art and architecture. Critics have described their work as “elegant and comfortable,” “soothing,” “fresh,” “hip,” “clean” and “a blend of contemporary with traditional.”
J. D. Ireland has been featured in The Washington Post, praised on the pages of exclusive magazines, and featured on local and national TV programs, including HGTV’s “Curb Appeal.”
We had a chance to chat with Julie Weber Glibor to learn more about the firm’s unique approach to interior design.
1. How would you describe your signature style, why clients most often choose J.D. Ireland?
We don’t really have a signature style! If you look at a collection of our work you’ll see it’s eclectic. Clients choose us because we bring to life a style that expresses who they are and what makes them feel good. We bring expertise in scale, balance, colors and detail.
2. What are the challenges of designing a public space, like a restaurant or bar vs. a residential one?
We approach all projects the same, who’s the client. Just like a PR agency we are creating a brand for our client so that it expresses who they are and stands on its own.
3. We love how you juxtapose art and lighting in your McLean residence. Tell us about the collaboration with your client.
This project was a lot of fun. The house is a center hall colonial and the client has more contemporary taste. In order to bring balance between the two we merged the existing architecture with contemporary details, lighting and artwork.
4. What are the differences in designing for a pied-à-terre vs. a residence on a tree-lined street?
There’s no difference other than one has a driveway and one has a doorman.
5. What’s your favorite phase of a project?
Our favorite phase is installation! Pulling it all together and finishing a project down to the last bud vase on the nightstand then seeing our client’s faces light up is why we do what we do.
5. What’s your favorite phase of a project?
Our favorite phase is installation! Pulling it all together and finishing a project down to the last bud vase on the nightstand then seeing our client’s faces light up is why we do what we do.
6. We love your bold eclectic use of color. How do you decide on a color palette?
Thank you! The client’s wardrobe often leads us to knowing how adventurous they are with color. We use that as one of many springboards. The same goes for pattern. All of it is decided through our design process and collaboration as we get to know our clients.
7. What’s one of your favorite design elements or pieces of furniture in your own home?
We love the pieces that have a story and meaning. In Julie’s home she has a mid-century dining table and chairs at which she grew up celebrating holidays in her grandparent’s house. They acquired the set when they designed their home in 1950 and she has reimagined it in her own interiors for the last 15 years. Incorporating into new interiors furniture, art and objects that have meaning to our clients always keeps things fresh!
8. What are the most often requested features when a client is remodeling?
Multi-functional rooms. Dining rooms that can be used as a library, music rooms that can be used as evening retreats for their family. We find that people want a house where every room has a purpose.
9. How important is ageless design to your clients?
We think everyone wants something “ageless” but the fact is even “ageless” changes every 10 years. We anchor our designs with furnishings that can be reworked so they can evolve with our clients.
10. What is one of your favorite projects and why?
The house in McLean because it allowed us to successfully marry a traditional home with a contemporary client who was brave, allowing us to push her out of her comfort zone. The client once told us that we showed her things that she ended up absolutely loving where in conversation she would have said it wasn’t her taste.
