We recently had the chance to connect with Jessica Love and have shared our conversation below.
Jessica, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
Integrity without a doubt. Without integrity, everything else loses its foundation. Intelligence and energy are valuable, but if someone isn’t grounded in honesty, character, and doing the right thing- even when no one is watching- then none of their other strengths truly hold up. Integrity is what allows trust, accountability, and meaningful relationships to exist.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Jessica Love, and I’m the Principal of Urbane Design, a full-service interior design firm based in Austin, TX. We specialize in new home construction, remodels, and furnishings, but at the core of our work is something deeper: a belief that your home should support and inspire the best version of you.
Our process is highly collaborative—we listen closely, ask thoughtful questions, and design with intention. Whether we’re guiding clients through the details of building a new home or transforming an existing space, our focus is always on creating interiors that feel personal, functional, and uplifting.
Leading Urbane Design has allowed me to blend creativity with purpose, building a practice rooted in integrity, clear communication, and meaningful relationships. Every project is an opportunity to elevate the way people live, and I’m grateful for the chance to help clients create homes that truly reflect who they are and who they want to become.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
I believe the bonds between people break when trust is lost—whether through dishonesty, lack of communication, or not showing up for one another. Misunderstandings, unmet expectations, and unspoken feelings can quietly create distance. When integrity slips, even in small ways, relationships can fracture.
What restores those bonds is the opposite: honesty, empathy, and genuine accountability. When people are willing to listen without defensiveness, communicate openly, and take responsibility for their actions, healing becomes possible. Grace, compassion, and consistent follow-through rebuild trust. At the end of the day, it’s integrity and heartfelt communication that reconnect us.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Failing taught me lessons that success never could. It showed me who I am when things don’t go according to plan, and it forced me to develop resilience, humility, and patience. Failure teaches you to listen more closely, adapt more quickly, and approach challenges with curiosity instead of ego.
Success feels good, but it doesn’t shape you the same way. Failure reveals your blind spots, sharpens your character, and reminds you that growth often comes from discomfort. It taught me that setbacks aren’t endpoints—they’re redirections, opportunities to refine my vision, and reminders of what truly matters.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
For me, authenticity is the only way. The public version of me is the real me, because I don’t believe in presenting a curated or diluted version of who I am. What you see is who I am in my work, my relationships, and my daily life.
Authenticity creates trust. It allows people to connect with you on a deeper level and removes the pressure of performing or pretending. I’ve learned that when you lead with your true values, speak honestly, and show up consistently, there’s no separation between the ‘public’ self and the ‘real’ self.
Being genuine isn’t always the easiest path, but it’s the one that allows me to move through the world with integrity, confidence, and clarity. Authenticity keeps me grounded—and it’s the foundation of both my personal life and my work.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I’m absolutely doing what I was born to do. I truly believe my purpose is to design safe spaces for people—both emotionally and physically. This work was never something I pursued because I was told to; it’s something that comes from a deeper place within me.
Design, for me, goes far beyond choosing finishes or arranging furniture. It’s about creating environments where people feel protected, understood, and at ease. A well-designed space should support your emotional well-being just as much as it supports your daily life. When I’m able to create that balance—where a home feels both secure and inspiring—I know I’m living my purpose.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://urbanedesignstudios.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theurbanedesign/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/urbanedesign
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theurbanedesign/?fref=ts&ref=br_tf
Image Credits
Avery Nicole and Molly Culver
