This week, meet …
NAME: Christina Johnson
TITLE/COMPANY: Founding partner and creative director, Private Label International
WEBSITE: https://privatelabelintl.com
SOCIAL MEDIA: www.instagram.com/pl_studiolive/; www.linkedin.com/company/private-label-international-/
Christina Johnson is a founding partner of Private Label International, a Phoenix- and San Francisco-based interior design group comprised of architects, landscape designers, furniture and product designers, graphic designers, and chefs, all hand-selected based on the project. Johnson is a multifaceted designer who creatively infuses spaces with personality while balancing the functional and financial needs of a project.
Design to you is …
Creating something thoughtful, that adds to our quality of life.
You knew you wanted to get into this industry when …
I always gravitated to something creative, even as a little kid. I considered many different things, like writing, psychology, or teaching, but I realized those things are part of our built world so I could still learn about them and integrate them into what I do, not in the exact same way, but in a way that helps me be a better designer.
Favorite project you’ve worked on?
It’s hard to pick a favorite, but we recently finished one of the most ambitious projects I’ve ever worked on that was an office to residential conversion project in Falls Church, Virginia. The project is called Three Collective. The scale and design aesthetic were a welcome challenge, and the result is something I’m really proud of.
Your biggest accomplishment?
Professionally, getting Private Label off the ground and helping to grow it to what it is means a lot to me. Seventeen years and some of my favorite people.
When you’re not working, we’d find you …
Hanging out with my family, traveling or going to concerts.
Advice to someone thinking of starting their own business?
If you really believe in what you’re doing, then go for it. The hardest thing is staying motivated on the hard days, so being emotionally invested in your work and knowing it’s something you care about can help you push through and be successful.
Your favorite places around Scottsdale?
I love The Mission restaurant in Old Town—the feel of the space and, of course, the food.
One thing we’d be surprised to learn about you …
I’ve played the clarinet for 32 years. If I ever have some extra time, I would love to join a local symphony to get back into playing more.
