The year 2024 has reached its midpoint, and things have been exceptional for Yuni Jie, founder and principal of Jie Design. Many great opportunities have coincided for her, from serving as the muse and local interior designer for the Louis Vuitton flagship store at Plaza Indonesia to designing a show unit for Savyavasa. Adding to that, the chic designer is preparing to launch her sixth interior design book in September. Indonesia Design spoke with Yuni to delve deeper into her creative projects.
STORY BY Vira Tanka | PHOTOS BY Various Sources
Aside from interior projects, what other kinds of other projects have you been working on lately?
One Fine Sky has kept me very busy. I co-founded and initiated this design and collaboration- based non-profit organization back in 2017. Sustaining and expanding a social project is an enormous task. Creativity, innovation, and branding are key factors. One Fine Sky celebrated its seventh anniversary last May, in conjunction with National Education Day. This initiative is a perfect channel for me to give back to the community. Every purchased One Fine Sky item is converted into a set of school uniform and they are distributed to rural areas in Indonesia. Per April 2024, One Fine Sky has donated more than 22,000 uniforms. Our motto is “Let’s do good, look good!”
You recently completed the interior design for the Louis Vuitton (LV) flagship store in Plaza Indonesia. How was the experience for you?
The LV commission was a dream project for me. It was my chance to elevate Indonesia’s reputation to an international level, which makes me even prouder as an Indonesian. I hope my contribution inspires many to pay more attention to and appreciate the beauty of our country. All in all, working with the LV headquarters design team in Paris, despite the time difference and lengthy process, was beautiful and smooth.
Did you take a different approach in the LV project compared to other showroom projects you’ve done?
The main difference was incorporating local elements into the prestigious international brand. I had to balance them and seamlessly weave traditional elements into the LV ‘canvas’. Together, we explored Indonesia’s craftsmanship and integrated it into the LV spirit. To me, that was something very special and a perfect opportunity to showcase what Indonesia has to offer to the world.
You also completed the interior project for a show unit at Savyavasa residences. What sets this project apart from your other residential projects?
This was my first time designing for a show unit. Designing for Savyavasa was a delightful experience and a dream come true. I love that this project is open to the public, exposing more people to it and potentially inspiring them. And, of course, it was an honour to design for a joint venture company between Indonesia and Hong Kong. The standards I set for this project, both in design and craftsmanship, are for the global and international market.
You have a signature design style, which you describe as ‘the art of casual elegance’. Yet, you always bring something creative and unique to your projects. How do you maintain your creativity and imagination?
For me, a project is successful if it can inspire others. My aim is always to showcase how good design can improve one’s quality of life. My vision is to use design as a tool to encourage and inspire a better way of living. The real key, for me, is to do what I love, give my best, and be the best version of myself. I always strive for excellence with something distinct.
If time and budget were not constraints, what one creative project would you like to undertake?
One of my dreams is to design furniture for international brands whilst exploring Indonesian craftsmanship.
Hopefully, that dream will come true. For now, could you tell us about the projects you are currently juggling and will be juggling in the near future?
Right now, I am preparing my sixth book on interior design after a decade-long pause! The past ten years have been a wonderful journey with many milestones. I believe it’s time not only to document my body of work but also to craft a legacy and inspire the younger generations of upcoming designers.