INTERVIEW WITH DESIGNER JD BARTELL

Local Architect JD Bartell Now Global

JD Bartell’s first love was in historical preservation where he began in the Old Sixth Ward Historic District. He immediately established a reputation for restorations and remodels, working on 40-plus projects: including 10 house moves and restorations, building guidelines for the Old Sixth Ward Historic District, Houston’s first, and a model for many.

He received two Good Brick Awards from the (GHPA) Greater Houston Preservation Alliance for his recognition of the depth and breadth of knowledge about how to integrate historical architectural perspectives into the development of a growing city. JD was appointed to two full terms of the Houston Archaeological and Historical Commission and left his third term when he was appointed to the Houston Planning Commission. JD is currently the Chair of the Board of Appeals to the Houston Archeological and Historical Commission.

This precise detailing of historically accurate architecture led to numerous large new projects in Houston neighborhoods with strict aesthetic guidelines, for clients who wanted houses that referenced many visions, from high-style French and Tudor to definitive Victorian and Arts and Crafts. JD has created custom details in cabinetry, moldings, and light fixtures, and has worked with area craftsmen to create Period-referencing interiors that reflect a keen understanding of the way people actually live in houses today.

The first commission of JD Bartell Designs: 1910 Decatur Street, 1998, Old Sixth Ward Historic District. Houston Protected Landmark-Bettie E Williams House, built in 1866. Home Renovation/Restoration for a private commission by JD Bartell Designs. This home received the prestigious Good Brick Award from the Greater Houston Preservation Alliance and was featured in This Old House Magazine.

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The first commission of JD Bartell Designs: 1910 Decatur Street, 1998, Old Sixth Ward Historic District. Houston Protected Landmark-Bettie E Williams House, built in 1866. This home received the prestigious Good Bri Brick Award from the Greater Houston Preservation Alliance and was featured in This Old House Magazine.

JD Bartell has worked on the planning, exterior detailing, and interior finishing of large-scale traditional architecture in eight states and DC, the Al Thani Palace in Doha, Qatar; projects in Dubai, UAE; and London, UK, as well as an entire permitted development in Beaucaire, France. Currently, JD is working on several projects in Vietnam including two corporate offices, a residence, and several highrise condos.

In all his work, JD strives to create a clean and delicate interior that seems to have evolved over time, just like the personalities of his individual clients.

An eighth-generation Texan and native Houstonian, JD Bartell holds a Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design with a minor in Architecture from the University of Houston.

Here are the excerpts from out interview with JD.

Intown: Your recently designed home on Chilton sold for what possibly is the highest price per square foot in 2022. What is it in the design that made the house special?

JD: The residence at Chilton’s interior is designed around two main ideas, The flow of movement through the house and the introduction of light. The Exterior of the residence is designed to communicate with the architecture of the neighborhood but not directly mimic the classic architecture of River Oaks.

Intown: Most homes center around the kitchen. What is your idea of a perfectly designed kitchen?

JD: Modern kitchens are best if open and bright with a connection to living spaces and the outdoors. Plentiful Storage is also of unavoidable importance. Many of my clients are choosing to supplement their main kitchens with fully outfitted Butler’s Pantries or Cater Kitchen spaces.

Intown: Is there a particular room or area of the home that is underrated as an important design piece in the final project?

JD: I do not see spaces or rooms being ignored, I do see the emotion of the space being ignored. A home when designed well should feel connected from room to room, space to space. It is best to not get lost in disconnected social media images in the design. Create a residence that communicates uniquely as a whole.

Intown: Describe a favorite new idea in your design or is it more working and refining and recreating the historical buildings you relish?

JD: I do not design with the intent of recreating historic architecture. For the Chilton residence In River Oaks, it was important to communicate with the historic surroundings. This creates peace and connectedness. I try my best to look at each project individually and work prototypically into something unique for that project and client. Client’s in this market deserve new and non-repetitive designs. While many of my projects are traditionally inspired, I do work on a diverse range of projects often including modern, contemporary styling.

Intown: What projects are you working on or what would you like to work on in the future?

JD: I am always looking for a new creative challenge, though realistically my aspirations for the future are to continue to be able to creative and design new things for my clients. I have always enjoyed all aspects of design and let my career direct me. This philosophy has led me to work on a diversity of projects around the world and introduced me to amazing people.