Hello, my name is Jemma du Plessis, and I hope you enjoy browsing through this portfolio as much as I have enjoyed working on each of these projects. To share a bit about myself, Jemima Interiors was established in December 2024. While I am known as Jemma or Jems, my family calls me Jemima, a name that is both deeply personal and special to me. This reflects the essence of my brand and my work, as interior design has become a personal journey. I connect with every project on a profound level, whether through the use of color—often seen in my outfits—or by understanding cultural and historical contexts, which I express through a blend of influences, from Saturday jives with Miriam Makeba to my favorite leather vellies.

 

The projects at Jemima Interiors cannot be simplified, and for good reason: we, as designers and as humans, are not simple. Each project reveals a different character of my personality and expertise. They showcase my love for playing with color, my evolving skills in new technologies, and my ongoing connection to my roots. They also reflect new experiences, such as trying beer for the first time and learning valuable lessons from studying various cultures and townships. Above all, these projects have deepen my appreciation for nature, especially the Lowveld.

 

At Jemima Interiors, our decision-making is rooted in people—not in trends or material things. Personally, I tend to shy away from trends, as they can sometimes detract from individuality. My question to clients are always: "If it weren’t a trend, would you still want it?" This mindset encourages both my clients and I, to dig deeper and discover what truly represents who we are.

One lesson I have learned over the years is the importance of embracing criticism. Accepting feedback earlier on would have accelerated my growth, both in design and in technology, while also helping me understand my evolving identity.

The name "Jemima" means "dove," a symbol of peace, freedom, and hope. Through my work, I aspire to bring peace and freedom to my clients' spaces, helping them create environments that create a sense of well-being. My mission is to always remain mindful of the world around me and to create designs that reflect this awareness, bringing harmony to both my clients and the community.