James R. D’Ambrosio’s passion and love for design began when he started working for Macy’s in their visual merchandising department. He worked on displays throughout the store between 1986 to 1988. After realizing how much he enjoyed putting together displays and working with other creative and talented people, he then decided to take some design classes at a local community college.

While enrolled in the community college, James also discovered his love for floral design. In 1993 he decided to start D’Ambrosio Designs out of his home. His vision at the time was on event planning & floral design. Through this process he realized that his true love was Interior Design.

In the summer of 1993 James was offered a part time position as a design assistant for a local designer & began learning the Interior Design business. In the summer of 1994 James decided to go out on his own and pursue his love of Interior Design full-time.

From June of 1995 through the spring of 1997 James was hired to work for a developer from Culver City, Ca., that was developing a luxury condominium project in the heart of downtown San Jose. The $60 million/210 unit project included the task of setting up and running the Design Center for this project. James’ duties included assisting the buyers with the process of designing a new home from construction to completion while consulting the buyer on flooring, lighting, paint color selections and bathroom & kitchen redesign and upgrades.  James also worked closely with the general contractor and subcontractors to ensure that the unit was completed to the client’s specification. James’ attention to detail was instrumental to achieve a high level of quality. Through D’Ambrosio Designs, James was also able to assist the buyers with window coverings and anything else that was not available though the developer.

Upon Completion of the condominium project in the spring of 1997, James returned fulltime to running D’Ambrosio Designs. Designing homes as far south as Salinas to as far North as Marin County. James is also available to consulted on projects outside of these areas. James enjoys working with people and views being hired by a client a true honor. His goal is to use his scope of experience, knowledge & expertise to accommodate the wishes & needs of his clients, to reflect their personality, lifestyle and to express their individuality to their homes.

James invites projects small to large, from accessorizing a living room to redesigning a 5000 sq ft home. In his design proposals he enjoys the challenge of working with a specific budget while not sacrificing quality or style to achieve the desired look. In the course of James career he has also worked at 3 retail furniture stores in the Bay Area doing inside Sales / Design. He has also worked for a local design firm, with retail showrooms / design centers in both Campbell Ca. and Los Gatos, Ca.

Community Service:
OUTNOW Magazine
Home Edition Featured “Interior Designer”
August 2003 and August 2004

Board of Directors
Rainbow Chamber of Commerce 1999-2001 & 2003-2004 (I was one of the original Board Members when the Chamber was formed in 1999).
San Jose Gay Pride 1999, 2001
Co-Emcee of the Pride Parade 1999/2000

Projects
Design Response (Non-Profit Organizations) Projects
Lead Designer for Bill Wilson Center: Santa Clara, Ca in 2004
Billy DeFrank LGBT Community Center Design Team in 2003

Interior Design Show Homes
Silver Creek Valley Country Club in 1995
Atherton in 1996
Los Gatos in 2002
Northside Homes Tour September 2007
Designed and staged a 1924 Craftsman Style Home for the Tour

Financial Support
Billy DeFrank LGBT Community Center, San Jose, Ca
Rainbow Chamber of Commerce, San Jose, Ca
Design Response, San Jose, Ca
Gay Pride Celebration Committee, San Jose, Ca

Focus Groups
OUTNOW Magazine, 2002
Design Response,2004