Jessica Wylie
Jessica understands interior architecture to mean creating spaces which evoke feelings and creates an experience.
Jessica says, “A well-designed space should intentionally influence how people perceive their surroundings. An interior can tell a story and play with the senses to create something memorable.”
Jessica recalls an early interest in interior design since a young age, playing with dolls’ houses and the world-building computer game Sims. Her interest concentrated on restaurants and shops as a teenager and was drawn to expressive and captivating narratives in these settings.
“I would always watch design shows and request design magazine subscriptions for my birthday. I liked how interiors can change the way we experience space, and this interest influenced my decision to study interior architecture.”
Jessica chose to study at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington because of its speciality in interior architectural design.
“My favourite course was Interior Architecture Studio III / Te Taupuni Mahi Whakaniko ki Rō Whare II as our lecturer Mercia Abbott was very effective at pushing us to imagine how every single element of an interior can contribute to an overall design narrative - from the obvious, like colour and lighting, right to the smallest details like doorknobs and accessories.”
As part of the course, Jessica redesigned Huka Lodge, a luxury lodge near Lake Taupo.
“I decided to create a five-course dining experience, where each course is served in a different room, meaning guests travel through the space as they eat. Each space was intentionally designed to suit the course being served and to respect the setting and history of the lodge.”
The emphasis on sustainability in the Master of Interior Architecture inspired Jessica to explore creative ways to re-use and recycle materials in retail and hospitality interiors.
“The course cemented my belief that sustainability and beauty in design are not mutually exclusive. Sometimes sustainable design is perceived to be solely utilitarian and industrial looking. Still, there are increasingly sustainable materials on the market that can create beautiful interiors without negatively impacting the planet’s natural resources as much as other products.”
Jessica’s project formed the basis of her entry titled ‘Through Five’ in the 2023 Dulux Colour Awards, where she was a finalist in the New Zealand Student category and flown to Melbourne to attend the awards in May.
Her next steps are to complete her Master of Interior Architecture and move into professional practice designing high-end hospitality and retail environments. She aims to utilise her skills in adaptive re-use to build on existing design narratives and enhance sustainable outcomes.
“I would love to work in a practice where there is the ability to tell the story of a brand through design, and I would also welcome the opportunity to work on residential projects, particularly villas or character buildings.”
Interested in studying Interior Architecture at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington? Find out more about our Bachelor of Architectural Studies in Interior Architecture and Master of Interior Architecture degrees.
