Jessica Tompane is the founder and principal designer of home-décor J Hill Interior Designs (JHID), located at Liberty Station. Her design assistant, Amy McKnight, assists with multiple facets of the business and is currently working toward her National Council for Interior Design Qualification.
When Tompane first opened her doors during the down economy of 2010, she offered affordable design and “focused on using home décor in a more creative and resourceful way.” Now, nurturing a thriving business, she continues to offer creative, versatile solutions for a variety of budgets, including high-end projects.
JHID is a full-service firm that offers everything from consulting packages to full design concepts. Given Tompane’s referral network of contractors and vendors, “Clients don’t even need to lift a finger, although some do enjoy being part of the hands-on process.”
The firm has worked with clients ranging from the historic communities of Point Loma and Coronado to the more modern, gated communities of Del Mar. One of the keys to JHID’s success is that it provides scalable, budget-friendly and versatile design concepts. Tompane and McKnight said they are passionate about tailoring their designs to people’s tastes and aesthetics. Whether a client wants to enhance a room’s comfort level, create a practical functional space or provide a design concept for an entire home, JHID is dedicated to assisting the client with bringing a vision into being.
Tompane said communication is an essential part of the process with customers. “At the end of the day, design services are a luxury, but well worth the money to create a space that reflects the client and their lifestyle needs,” said Tompane. Clients benefit from Tompane’s project manager-style of design services. “It’s important to have someone with a professional eye who can create a cohesive look,” said Tompane. “My services can assist clients with avoiding costly mistakes. It’s also about knowing where to put your money. For example, a client might think they need crown molding or new banisters when repainting and bringing in a colorful accent rug may [be more suitable to] revitalize the space.
“This is more than just a job,” she said. “There’s a larger purpose, a calling, behind Amy and I being designers. We’re really providing a lifestyle service and are 100 percent dedicated to satisfying our clients. While we want the client to be happy with the end product and the design reveal, we also want them to understand all facets of the process.” Tompane said she loves “unconventional design with high-color” and would welcome the opportunity to work on a mid-century modern retro design project. As a successful entrepreneur, Tompane said she believes “everyone has a strong set of natural strengths. It’s about putting those in motion, working hard and having faith. It’s also about doing what you know and love. Just go for it. There may be a great risk, but there’s an even greater reward.”
As military spouses, Tompane and McKnight are involved with The Rosie Network, a nonprofit organization founded by military spouses to promote their business, as well as those of other veteran-owned businesses. Given their desire to be more involved with the Peninsula community, Tompane and McKnight are in the process of moving JHID to Shelter Island and plan to be open for visitors and walk-in clients in March. J Hill Interior Designs is located at 2400 Historic Decatur, Suite 107-310. The newest location is located on Shelter Island at 1227 Scott St. For more, call (619) 718-0647, or visit jhillinteriordesigns.com.
