In this insightful episode of Built for This, Carly Pepin sits down with Joy Lynskey, founder and CEO of Jewel Toned Interiors, an award-winning interior design studio known for creating people-centered environments that combine creativity, psychology, and purpose.
Joy shares how her early fascination with psychology shaped the way she approaches design today. Rather than focusing only on aesthetics, she examines how environments influence how people think, feel, and interact. From corporate offices to commercial spaces, Joy explains how intentional design can reinforce company values, improve employee wellbeing, and transform customer experiences.
The conversation also explores Joy’s entrepreneurial journey, from growing up as the daughter of a business owner to leading a design firm in the traditionally male-dominated construction industry. As the first female president of the Construction Executives Association, she reflects on the importance of mentorship, leadership, and building teams that empower people to grow. This episode reveals the powerful intersection between psychology, leadership, and design and how the spaces we create ultimately shape the cultures we live and work within.
Key Themes:
Design Begins with Emotion: Why every project starts with a single question: how do you want people to feel in this space?
Spaces Communicate Culture: How the built environment can reinforce company values like collaboration, innovation, and wellness.
Leadership Through Empowerment: Why mentorship, empathy, and continuous growth are essential for building strong teams and thriving businesses.
Memorable Quotes
“Interior design is really a blend of art, math, science, and the study of people.”
“We always start by asking clients one question: how do you want people to feel in this space?”
“You can’t just put your core values on the wall. Design lets you actually bring them to life.”
About Joy Lynskey
Joy Lynskey is the Founder and CEO of Jewel Toned Interiors (JTI), an award-winning, women-owned interior design studio based in Fort Lauderdale. With more than two decades of experience across design, construction, and planning, Joy leads JTI in creating inspiring, people-centered environments with a focus on serving underserved communities. Her work extends beyond design through partnerships with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Be Strong International, Junior Achievement, and Make-A-Wish.
A passionate mentor and advocate for leadership development, Joy became the first female president of the Construction Executives Association in 2023. Her impact has been recognized through numerous honors, including Entrepreneur Organization’s Entrepreneur of Excellence and IIDA South Florida’s Star of the Year.
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Host: Carly Pepin
Co-Founder & Host Built For This
West Coast Growth Advisors
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