Make Life Beautiful with Joy Moyler

Designer Joy Moyler has created beautiful moments time and time again… 

In beginning her career working for some of New York’s most prominent architectural and interior firms and leading the Giorgio Armani Interior Design Studio, Joy learned the ropes and honed her skills before taking on clients of her own. Her work and experience span every style and discipline — from Beaux-Arts to Modernism and everything in between.  

You may recognize Joy from the Elle Decor A-List, as an AD 100 Designer, or even from her capsule tabletop collection Joy Moyler Atelier. We’re inspired by Joy’s bold use of color, textiles, and keen attention to detail in everything she touches. To get to know Joy more, read through our recent conversation on her career and explore a few of her favorite things below. 

From Joy’s Portfolio: Old Barn | Photography: Simon Upton

What was your very first job — ever?  

I worked at the New York Times, assisting the in-house interior designer William Tate-Mitros. It was great fun. That was my introduction to the D&D Building and incredible craftspeople around the world. Of course, I spent a great deal of time pulling samples and scheming palettes. But we had a lot of very long lunches to ward off the fatigue. Ha! Ha! I attended many incredible design events in the days when “there were no budgets” and social engagements. It really trained me for what I do now! I got spoiled very early in my career. But I’ve worked super hard ever since. 

Tell us about your journey into the creative industry; when did you realize that you could turn your passion into a career?  

I have always been interested in design and architecture. I was keenly aware of people who already had legendary careers in the industry. A trip to Europe really opened my eyes to global architecture, its effects on people’s lives, and just the natural beauty of it all. Upon graduation from architectural university, I worked at Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill. A premier architectural firm. It was intense training. I still have bags under my eyes from those week/weekend-long charrettes! That training remains part of my ethos and practice today. So I never get overwrought when the going gets tough. It’s in my blood. Cue Destiny’s Child’s “I’m a Survivor”! 

From Joy’s Portfolio: Old Barn | Photography: Simon Upton

If you could go back in time and give your young creator self one piece of advice, what would it be?  

To be more patient. To be patient with people who haven’t had the training I’ve had. Patience working with craftspeople who truly value the quality of the work they produce. Because passion cannot be rushed, and their efforts are so worth it. 

One of Joy’s Projects in Raevo, Moscow

Where do you find the most inspiration for your work?   

My biggest inspirations come from old dusty books on architecture, vintage Cartier jewelry, art, and sculpture. I love spending a Saturday morning hunkered in a dusty corner of the library with rare books on Classical and Moorish Architecture. Also, getting on a plane and traveling is glorious.  

One of our favorite portraits of Joy aspiring creativity | Photography: Courtney Yates 

What does your creative process look like?   

It always starts with the architecture for me. That’s my training, I guess. Then I imagine the light, the lines, translucency of light, and the feeling of the space and develop the palette from there. I hand draw initial plans, and elevation renderings in Schematic Design, before introducing the work to Autocad in Design Development. I work with craftspeople all over the world and ateliers with incredible textiles to make it come alive. 

What was the most significant business or creative challenge that you have encountered and grown from?   

Honestly, it was starting my own business. I loved working for the top design and fashion firms. I was a real dedicated ’employee.’ I breathed it, smelled it, worked it, and learned it working for other firms. I was the Head of Interior Design at Giorgio Armani US. A client told my old boss at Giorgio Armani I was leaving the company. He was my first client. Truly, I had no intention of leaving, but he wanted me to work on his home independently. Luckily, I have come to design four residences for him throughout Europe, so it was a good move. But he saw it before I did. We are working on a villa now in Portofino, Italy. 

What has been your biggest achievement? When was the last time you thought, “wow, I can’t believe I just accomplished that!”   

Some days my biggest achievement is that after thirty years, I’m not jaded and I still love what I do. I am blessed to work with incredible people every day. Travel the world and be taken care of by great clients, who continue to value me personally and the service I provide. That really does it for me! 

Discover how Joy Moyler Interiors came to fruition here. 

Which upcoming project or endeavor are you most excited for?  

I have been working on a villa in Portofino for almost two years now. We started just before the pandemic hit. It is an amazing property for a repeat client. It truly has my heart. It likely will not be completed for another year. Which is fine with me. 

From Joy’s Portfolio: Old Barn | Photography: Simon Upton

To learn more about Joy and her outstanding work, visit her website at joymoylerinteriors.com, and keep up with her on Instagram @joymoylerinteriors