From Runway to Residence: How Jenn Brings Fashion Thinking to Interior Design
Creativity has a way of finding new outlets. For Jennifer, what began in New York’s fast-paced fashion industry eventually evolved into a career in interior design, where strategy, storytelling, and creativity come together to shape meaningful spaces.
In this conversation, Jennifer reflects on her path from fashion buying and brand management to interior design, sharing how experiences in New York and Miami have influenced her perspective, why timeless design matters, and how the lessons learned from one creative industry continue to shape her work today.
Q. What first drew you to fashion buying in New York City, and what inspired your transition into interior design?
I was naturally drawn to NYC from a young age, visiting the city for shopping, theatre and creative classes I would take during my summers at FIT. I was attracted to the business side of the fashion industry; after my college concentration and multiple internships in the industry, I landed on product development and brand management. I was craving a more creative outlet in my profession and was naturally exploring a transition into interiors. I would have been a fit working on the vendor side but wanted to be in a fully creative position as a designer.
Q. How did your experience influence the way you approach design concepts today?
The industry moves very fast and is highly competitive. We would be developing new products for in-store launches every month to refresh the store floors. Working in such a fast past industry has given me the skills to approach concepting and strategy from a realistic perspective, mindful of how the design will be executed, the cost, and how it will be perceived by the end user and client. Overall ensuring the end design can and will be successful.
Q. Many of our projects begin with fashion-inspired concepts. How do you translate inspiration from the runway into a physical space?
I usually look at the details rather than copying fashion directly. It could be a color, a texture, a pattern, or even a silhouette. Then I find ways to bring those elements into the interior design.
Q. What makes a fashion reference strong enough to influence an entire project?
Any reference can be pulled to influence a design. It could be color, texture, pattern, or material. If something gives you a strong feeling or a clear direction, you can build a whole design around it.
Q. Have you noticed any fashion trends or cultural movements that have had a lasting influence on the way people design their homes and commercial spaces?
I think people are really looking for timeless design. Trends come and go, but people want spaces that will still feel good and relevant years from now.
Q. Having worked in both New York and Miami, how have these two cities shaped your design perspective?
New York gave me an appreciation for layering, detail, and a little more contrast. New York is a bit bolder in its design sense, as trends are sometimes born there. Miami taught me to embrace light, color, and a more relaxed way of living.
Q. As we work on projects across the country, how do you balance national design trends with the unique character of each client and location?
I don’t want every project to look the same. Our team defines our design direction client, the location, and how the space is going to be used first. Then I bring in trends where they make sense.
Q. What advice would you give professionals considering a creative career pivot similar to yours?
Be patient. Don’t feel like you have to figure everything out right away. Your past experience will always come with you, and you never know how it will help you in your next chapter.
“My past fashion career is a highly collaborative profession, much like interior design is. We must be efficient in our process and communication to ensure seamless execution.” - Jennifer Platonoff
Jennifer, a graduate of Parsons, New York and Boston Architectural College, brings over a decade of experience in the fashion design industry, merchandising and interior design of high-end residential, commercial and educational sectors. From New York City fashion houses to our Miami design studio, Jennifer joins the One Line team passionate about color, biophilic design and trend forecasting and shares a fresh perspective to the interior design field.
One Line is a full-service interior design firm located in Miami, Florida and Detroit, Michigan. Our Co-Founders bring their collective 35+ years of extensive experience, offering a fresh approach to the evolving landscape of interior design and project management expectations.
We have developed a strong foundation based on the strength of our creative capital, approaching each project through the authenticity of our teams’ collective lens. It is the fusion of these dynamic creative minds that drives our approach to every project we work on, and our firm
Jennifer Platonoff, Interior Designer
Jennifer early in her fashion career
Jennifer participating in an interior design charrette