ABOVE: This view into the drawing studio showcases the white palette and simple textures that provide a blank canvas for the JKW team’s work. A picture ledge at the rear of the room puts suppliers’ latest and greatest on display.
Janice Kumar-Ward, the talented interior designer, has embarked on countless projects throughout her career. However, one particular project stands out as a favorite - the refurbishment of a modernist building. With her company JKW Interior Architecture & Design in Auckland, Janice's passion and dedication are evident in her work. She not only manages her firm, but also runs a bespoke furniture business called Mr & Mrs Ward alongside her husband and brother-in-law. The multi-talented Janice is also a devoted mother to her children Stella and Ted.
A Journey of Creativity and Collaboration
How long have you been director at JKW Interior Architecture & Design?
I started the business 11 years ago under the name "The Recipe." In 2015, when we purchased our current building in Newton to serve as our workshop/studio, we rebranded as JKW Interior Architecture & Design. This was an exciting opportunity for us to renovate a modernist building and embark on a new path. Today, I am fortunate to be surrounded by a hardworking, kind, and loyal team of seven staff members who bring invaluable skill sets to the table.
What sort of projects do you work on?
At JKW, we have the versatility to handle any project, whether residential or commercial, big or small. We also offer peer reviewing services where we collaborate with architects, construction teams, project managers, and other designers to help clients fully comprehend their vision. It's a thrilling experience to collaborate with some of Auckland's best architects, artists, tradespeople, and, most importantly, our amazing clients.
Recent Highlights and Transforming Spaces
Janice finds immense joy in working on projects in various regions. Last year, she completed the restoration of a historic house in Dunedin. This grand old dame, previously divided into three flats, was transformed into a warm and inviting home for expat Kiwis returning from Hong Kong. Another notable project took place on a fourth-generation sheep station in a remote part of Gisborne. The house had its ceilings lowered in the '70s by a practical farming family, and the new generation desired a timeless feel with a touch of modernity. The selection of bold wallpaper, textiles, and classic finishes dramatically transformed the space. Currently, Janice and her team are working on a Brent Hulena-designed house in Whangapoua on the Coromandel Peninsula. The goal is to honor its original design while enhancing its functionality and ensuring it stands the test of time.
A Creative Collaboration with Mr & Mrs Ward
Janice, together with her husband, operates Mr & Mrs Ward, a bespoke furniture business that offers beautifully crafted pieces made in New Zealand. To celebrate the 10th anniversary of their business and their 10-year marriage milestone, they embarked on the "10 Favourite Things" project. This project brought together their regular collaborators to create timeless objects, including art prints, candlesticks, pillowcases, marble trivets, cutting boards, a kindling axe, and a fire pit. These pieces not only reflect their shared creativity but also celebrate the meaningful relationships they have built along the way.
A Studio with a Story to Tell
The JKW studio operates from a building that holds a special place in Janice's heart. Originally, she and her husband planned to build a new house in rural West Auckland. However, they stumbled upon a remarkable 1967 building that once served as the headquarters of Wattyl paints. The building's high stud, abundance of natural light, ample parking, and strategic location near major motorways convinced them to seize the opportunity. Unable to afford it alone, they purchased the building with another like-minded couple. They transformed the 300m2 floor area into a 150m2 studio, keeping the other half as a tenant space.
The Beauty of Restoration
Reviving the building required a substantial renovation effort. Janice and her team completely stripped the interior, removing a suspended ceiling that contained deadly asbestos. They revealed the building's stunning concrete-ribbed subfloor and restored the original steel windows and doors. The result is an inspiring space that perfectly showcases their creative endeavors.
Inspiration from All Around
When asked about her sources of inspiration, Janice's response is simply, "Everything!" Her family, clients, fashion, art, gardens, and even her fellow designers on Instagram provide constant inspiration. She finds joy in browsing magazines, browsing Pinterest, and watching films in bed on lazy winter days, particularly classic Bond films for the interiors. Travel, too, fuels her creativity. A recent trip to New York left her in awe of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Whitney Museum of American Art.
ABOVE: A pull-down bed by Mr & Mrs Ward is hidden behind sliding doors in a space that provides privacy and extra storage — and houses Janice’s weekday wardrobe of meeting attire and activewear. The lights overhead are from Mr Ralph, the bolster is by You’re Welcome and the printed pillows are by Christian Lacroix.
Janice Kumar-Ward and her team at JKW Interior Architecture & Design continue to push boundaries, embracing new challenges with enthusiasm. Their passion, creativity, and commitment to delivering exceptional design are evident in every project they undertake. Whether it's transforming historic homes, working on remote sheep stations, or creating bespoke furniture, Janice's dedication shines through. Through collaboration, inspiration, and a desire to innovate, she creates spaces that not only honor their past but also embrace the future. To learn more about Janice Kumar-Ward and her work, visit jkw.nz.
Interview by Claire McCall | Photography by Duncan Innes
