The Story Behind House of Aurelia

It’s quite miraculous when the life meant for us finds its way — no matter how far we roam.

My career began at Gensler, where I worked alongside world-class architects and designers, developing proposals for global projects that exposed me to the foundational principles of exceptional design. It was a remarkable education in creative excellence and strategic thinking.

At the time, I planned to pursue a master’s degree in interior design. But like many stories, mine took a detour. A series of well-intended voices outside the industry discouraged the idea, nudging me toward more “practical” work. One decision led to another, and I eventually found myself in the world of corporate consulting — sharp, fast-paced, and rigorous.

In 2020, I met my now-husband Brian. He was living in an investment property he’d long planned to renovate — a century-old home with undeniable character and equally undeniable disrepair. The interiors were mismatched, confused, and disconnected from the home's architecture. I felt an immediate need to restore it to its full potential.

Six months into dating, we were deep into a full-scale renovation. That home —affectionately referred to as the Historic River House — became a kind of turning point. The process of restoring it, of learning to trust my instincts, and lead a design vision from the ground up, gave me the confidence to return to the path I’d once set aside, and marked the beginning of J. Ackerman Design.

Since that initial renovation, I've worked at a luxury interior design firm in San Francisco, taken interior architecture courses through the Academy of Art University, and fully engrained myself in the world of interiors. However, I will note my most valuable training didn’t come from the design world — it came from my eight years in consulting. They taught me how to communicate clearly, manage complexity, and lead with precision. Today, that foundation supports every project I take on — not just in the beauty of the design, but in the integrity of the process.

So as the studio that started as J. Ackerman Design evolved, so too did its creative vision —and with that, the need for a name that reflected the emotional richness, layered storytelling, and design depth that defined our work.

House of Aurelia was born from this evolution.‘Aurelia’ — meaning golden, or the golden one — evokes the sensorial warmth and timelessness that guide each project. And ‘House of’ anchors the studio in legacy, structure, and a deeper creative point of view. It’s a name that holds both the past and the future — just like the homes we design.

Whether you're seeking inspiration, a design collaborator, or a trusted guide through a renovation, I hope this studio can be a resource to you.

Warmly,

Jordan Collier

Founder & Principal Designer