Jethro Huie launched Huie Designs after refining his skills in developing and designing real estate for over 20 years. However, it is Jethro’s childhood spent in Jamaica that influenced him to eventually relocate there, where he develops luxury properties on the Southern coast of the island.
We caught up with the London-bred designer to hear about his influences, design company and the best places to visit in Jamaica.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself, including where you are today, professionally, and what inspired you?
I grew up on a council estate in the middle of Notting Hill, West London, surrounded by multi-million-pound homes. So even the school commute gave me constant exposure to a multitude of varied and beautiful properties. I believe observing this juxtapose made me curious about space, environment and how it makes you feel, from an early age.
I’d return home and observe the angles of the buildings in my estate and question window sizes, ceiling heights and the layout within our flat. There’s not a house, shop or waiting room I haven’t entered and mentally reimagined, adding texture and colour, extending door heights or repositioning windows to maximise light intake etc.
When did you set up your design company?
Huie Designs formally launched in January 2022, and I work alongside a close-knit team of architects and architectural designers. This allows me to ensure both the clients and my collaborative visions are brought to life. The demand is forcing us to scale, but currently, I’m blessed to work with such innovative thinkers.
What inspired you to develop luxury properties in Jamaica, and to eventually relocate?
When I was aged 14, my father sent me to his birth country Jamaica for two months in the summer. As a family, we had been visiting since I was a child but this time, I was alone to see things through a fresh lens. My father had built a house for my grandparents and, although modest, the home sat on over an acre of land. I began to think about the concept of owning land. For me, it represented opportunity, freedom and a canvas on which to create.
A few years later back in the UK, I had purchased my first flat, redesigned it and continued this with others. The novelty soon wore off and I dreamt of larger spaces to make my mark on, so Jamaica which was my home from home naturally called me. I’d been exposed to the concept of ocean and mountainous views versus condensed city apartments with neighbours on either side of you and above and below, Jamaica was always the goal.
Since the age of 19, I’ve travelled to Jamaica annually for months at a time, and today I live between the island and the UK.
Where in Jamaica are your properties based?
My properties are all on the south coast, but we now have design projects popping up across this island and have just started offering our design services internationally with our first one in another Caribbean island underway which is extremely exciting!
Describe your signature style?
I’ve always been inspired by Californian modernism and tropical modern architecture, I like sharp clean lines, angles and lots of glass. I put a real emphasis on detail as that’s where luxury can be found. Our designs are hybrids with elements of this and make a strong connection to the surrounding landscape. The landscapes in Jamaica are breath-taking, and our creations are designed to wrap around the natural beauty, to spotlight and elevate it. Our entire approach is about working with, rather than imposing on, nature. I believe clients feel that through the designs.
What challenges have you faced relocating or running a business in Jamaica?
The main challenges I’ve experienced were on the developing side of my business. The concept of my design projects are very contemporary and new to what is still ultimately rural Jamaica. This can cause logistical challenges, and at times make the building process lengthier. These challenges, along with the many years as a developer, have gifted me with priceless knowledge on how functionality can challenge design. We incorporate the use of the island’s local materials, and put a major focus on seamlessly creating a relationship between the building and its surroundings.
What’s next for Huie Designs?
We’ve just finished our first large commercial design project which was great, so I’d like to do more commercial projects. I want to design outstanding hotels that create experiences and lasting memories for the people who visit them. Doing more international projects is also part of our planned expansion. I’m currently focusing on the design side of my business but in the future will do a very special development, something that hasn’t been done before.
Overall, I just want to feel proud of what I’ve created and know that it has positively contributed to the local community, the country and, of course, the happy clientele we serve.
Where would you recommend as the top five places to visit in Jamaica?
I have to start in St Elizabeth, stop at Border and get some fried fish. Ask for Grace! Portland is a tranquil paradise, try Bamboo rafting in Blue Lagoon. Whilst in Portland stop at Frenchman’s Cove, a beautiful quaint beach. I’m not sure if there’s any other city that has nightlife like Kingston. For after-hours, check out Dub club in the hills as it has an amazing view of the city. A must-visit in St Elizabeth is Pelican bar, a bar made from wood in the sea that you have to take a boat to.