Jack Ovadia is the founder of Ovadia Design Group, a Brooklyn-based studio known for creating interiors and environments that combine detailed craftsmanship, intentional design, and timeless elegance. Inspired by his early fascination with storytelling and emotion, Ovadia designs spaces that shape human experience, from luxury residences to community-centered projects. His approach blends architecture, interior design, and a focus on materiality to craft spaces that are functional, elevated, and uniquely personal.
(Image above: Jack Ovadia | Image courtesy of Ovadia)
As a kid, what did you answer when asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”
As a kid, I wanted to be an actor. I was drawn to the idea of creating a feeling for someone, that moment when a space, a scene, or a story shifts something inside you. Over time, I realized it wasn’t performance I was looking for, but the ability to shape emotion. Architecture and design became the natural evolution of that instinct, a place where I could build environments that influence how someone feels and experiences a moment, in ways that are lasting and captivating.
Which designer and/or piece of work inspires you? Why?
Louis Kahn has always inspired me since my college days. His work has always felt sensible yet monumental, simple in form but powerful in presence. I followed his work closely throughout college, and one of my early college projects was even built around his architectural language. Looking at ODG’s style today and Louis Kahn’s, it’s vastly different, but I continue to deeply admire the quality, detail, and intention he brought to every project.
How would you describe your design philosophy?
I believe great design begins with understanding how someone truly lives. We look closely at our clients’ routines and needs, designing spaces that support them and simplify their routines. Our signature approach includes a strong foundation of interior architecture, detailed craftsmanship, and a focus on designing environments that feel intentional, functional, and timeless.
Who are the three designers you follow on Instagram?
I follow Pembrooke & Ives, Ken Fulk, and David Collins Studio. Each brings a different perspective, from refined modern luxury to immersive storytelling to timeless, detail-driven architecture. Their work always sparks something new for me.
Give us some context about where you live: How long you’ve been there and how does it influence your work?
I grew up in Midwood, Brooklyn, and I still live in New York today, now with my wife and our four kids. Our home has actually become a big source of inspiration. Living in a space where every inch matters makes me think differently about how people move, what they need, and how design can simplify daily life. When we work on these grand homes with generous square footage, I’m always aware of the luxury of space and how thoughtfully it can be used. That contrast keeps me grounded and pushes me to design environments that feel both functional and elevated.
Was there a moment when you realized you wanted to be a designer? If so, what was it?
There was a specific moment. After finishing my first project, a home I designed as a wedding gift for my cousin, something clicked. Seeing how it transformed the way they lived and how personal it felt made me realize I wanted to move beyond architecture and fully into design. That project showed me the power of creating environments that shape someone’s experience, and it set the direction for my career.
Deal Retreat in New Jersey by Ovadia | Image courtesy of Ovadia
Which of your projects or products are you most proud? Why?
I’m most proud of The Wave Resort “The Bar.” For a long time, I wanted to be involved in the hospitality and hotel industry, and creating something so amazing, so close to where I spent summers with my family on the Jersey Shore, was very meaningful. Another project I cherish is the Edmond J. Safra Synagogue in Brooklyn, a true community effort. It’s a legacy space built to serve generations, creating a meaningful environment that lasts beyond my own lifetime.
What are your favorite materials with which to work? Why?
Marble and wood. They’re both natural materials with an honesty to them, beautiful on their own without needing much added. Marble brings depth and permanence, while wood brings warmth and a grounding dynamic. Together, they create a balance that feels timeless, tactile, and effortlessly elevated.
What piece of advice do you wish someone had given you at the start of your career?
I wish someone had told me to stay true to who I am, to trust my instincts and not compromise my approach just to satisfy a client’s requests. Maintaining your voice and vision is what ultimately creates work that’s authentic and lasting.
What is the most pressing issue in the interior design field today?
One of the most pressing issues in interior design today is the lack of exclusivity — so many products are widely accessible, making it challenging to create spaces that feel truly unique. That’s why we believe customization is so important in this industry: it allows us to craft interiors that are personal, distinctive, and tailored to the individual client, ensuring every space is one-of-a-kind.
What’s now? (What are you currently working on?)
We’re currently working on a handful of projects, including a luxury spa on Fifth Avenue in New York City. For this project, we’re exploring unique natural materials to elevate the sense of luxury. The goal is to create a space that feels connected and intuitive, improving how people experience and interact with the space.
What’s next? (What’s in your future?)
Next, I’m focused on finishing my own home in Brooklyn. It’s a personal project that allows me to explore ideas freely and experiment with design in my own way, while collaborating with our incredible, trusted vendors and artisans.
What is your favorite movie? And your favorite band or/and song?
My favorite movie is The Sandlot — a film that reminds me that life is what you make of it. While U2 isn’t my favorite band, I recently saw them perform at the Sphere in Las Vegas, and it was an unforgettable experience.
