our mission
Interior design is often misunderstood. To demystify the process, we invite you to enjoy our brief video. Yes, we love to furnish homes with beautiful pieces and adorn the surfaces with special finish materials. But our work digs deeper than that. It’s helpful to think of us as interior architects. We are trained to consider the many needs of daily life unfolding within. We design our clients’ homes, one by one, to support their lifestyles, both real and aspirational.
our portfolio
what clients say…
We added only 10% but people say it feels like twice the house it used to be. Josette’s help during the design phase absolutely paid off during the construction phase. We are in love with our new house!
~Margaret Dano
Josette never tried to push any style on us…she always started with ‘what is your vision?’. I am just amazed and overwhelmed by the results we achieved…everywhere I look it is beyond my expectations.
~Jim Deustch, MD
Josette got involved with the design of the house at a level I would not have thought of from an interior designer. We’ve got a house that we love, and we wouldn’t change a thing, it really came out perfect.
~Alan Wozniak
I was thrilled with the difference (the new layout) made. It just solved all those nagging problems. It just made this a much more comfortable and livable home.
~Elisabeth Lesser
The kind of things we had in our imagination, Josette and her team were able to make come to fruition and we were extremely happy.
~ David Campisi, MD
They take the time to listen and understand your objectives and develop creative solutions specific to your needs. Most importantly, I know I will enjoy the craftsmanship for years to come.
~Morrine Robey
We are happy with the client service, communication and efficient meetings while renovating. This team has kept in mind our monetary comfort along the way.
~Andi Moreland
what the press says…
our team
josette murphy
founder
“Good design transcends style… and true talent lies in extracting the essence of the challenge to create a unique total design solution for each client. If our finished projects all look the same, we have not done our job right!”
Josette, a professional designer for over 25 years, started about : space in 2001. She and her family love their charming hometown of El Segundo, and she often collaborates professionally with her husband, Jean-Louis, a talented custom millworker and general contractor (boudreauconstruction.com).
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Josette holds a Bachelor’s degree in interior design from ASU, where she focused on interior architecture and fundamental design principles. Fresh from university, Josette first honed her craft at Gensler for 7 years, where she also learned the business side of design. Josette is very active at her two young daughters’ school. She teaches art and gardening, devotes many hours to the PTA, and proudly supports the Ed! Foundation. Josette is also passionate about fine art. She helped organize the first two summers of the El Segundo Art Walk (ESAW) and continues to offer her space as a venue for this wonderful annual community event.
christina meneses
senior designer
Christina has been an integral part of about : space for nearly 15 years. She was promoted to Senior Designer in 2013. Christina earned her Bachelor of Arts in Interior Architecture from Woodbury University and started her career at an architectural firm. Her first projects included the interiors of Dodger Stadium and the United States Tennis Association.
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Her early career was focused on commercial spaces, but she now specializes in extensive residential remodels and custom home design. With an eye for design and attention to detail, she guides her clients through all phases of a project, to create unique and thoughtful design solutions.
Shortly after joining about : space, she married her high school sweetheart and put down roots in El Segundo. She and her husband look forward to raising their young son in the wonderful South Bay community.
jade natal
designer
After nearly a decade in her first career running content marketing and social media campaigns for tech companies, Jade decided to follow her true passion and go back to school to learn the craft of interior design. Jade completed her undergraduate studies at the UCSB, then earned her Associates Degree in Interior Architectural Design at Santa Monica College.Â
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Prior to joining the about : space team, Jade worked as a design assistant for an independent designer, then as an associate at a custom window treatments showroom.
Jade lived in Kyoto, Japan during her college years. While her Asian language skills may be a bit rusty, she has deep appreciation for Japanese design aesthetics.
over 20 years in
the south bay
We work as a team and believe in collaboration! We honor our trusted craftsmen, contractors, vendors and workrooms. We value our studio team-mates and take care of each other. Our clients are integral to our team, and we take care of them, too.
love in wood
Josette and her husband, Jean-Louis, are uniquely matched as perfect partners in marriage and in business. He builds what she designs! They love to share their talents with clients who appreciate fine custom craftsmanship, understand the value of quality work, and want the experience of this like-minded couple who sweat all the details so they don’t have to!