Interior design, landscape design. Creative direction.+
James Kieran Pine has been building his career since his first job at age 15 with The Dorothy Draper Company,
Born in New York City and Raised in Purchase, New York, James has been fortunate to travel the world, Living in Tehran, Iran as a child and being exposed to cultures as vast as Persia itself. The experience of seeing the world at such an early age. James has been able to break the rules stylistically and intuitively and create Interiors and Gardens for both High profile Residential Clientele as well as Creating Large scale Commercial/residential projects for of some of the Worlds largest Real Estate Development companies.
Working for Mr. Varney President of Dorothy Draper and Company made an indelible Impact on the course of his now 35 year career. He credits Mr. Varney for exposing me to Design and the business it is. For Mr. Varney there where no limits, Pine continues that legacy
James went on to attend the Carleton Varney school of Art and design, in Charleston, West Virginia. Under the auspices of CVSD James attended the American Educators Guild of International Studies, based in Rome, where Pine studied Art History for the the balance of his college.
After completing college James returned to New York continued to work for Mr. Varney and a year later began a Dimensional stone Company stone company in long Island City, Colona & Co alongside his Mom. James was Designing and selling stone projects throughout New York. He developed a broad knowledge in Stone and worked on projects internationally, specifying and designing floors for Architects and Interior Designers. Notable clients Harrods of London and kitchens and Baths for Smallbone of Devises.
James was ultimately was recruited by Smallbone at age 23 to help open and introduce Smallbone Kitchens and Baths to the American Market. Designing Kitchens and baths throughout the country and leading sales as the youngest in the company.
James went on to further his career in Interior Design and became an Assistant to JP Molyneux. Working on extraordinary projects throughout the United States.
At age 27 with the help of his first Private client James opened his firm James Kieran Pine ,Inc. It was a 6,000 sq. ft Penthouse in midtown Manhattan , with that project underway more clients and projects began.
in 1992 a Phone call that changed the course of Pines career. Fayal Green who was a friend and had been helping with P.R. recommended me for a concept project. A Boutique hotel in a Historic Home, that would be a living breathing Interior Design retail show house. Mr. Varneys Voice in Pines ear said this is great but we need a showroom / retail store too! this was Mr. Varneys trademark he always negotiated a retail store in all the hotels he Designed!! lol
Buying an Historic House built in 1714 with Partner Chadds Ford ,Pennsylvania
The Pennsbury Inn and Trade secrets was born! Trade Secrets was housed in The White Barn across the street.
The interesting concept where offering typically “ Trade Only” merchandise to the street. James used the “all the furnishings” within the house as a springboard. Guests coming from far and wide to visit the Brandywine Valley and nearby Longwood Gardens, Winterthur Museum , and The Brandywine River Museum.
“Trade Secrets” was a 8,000 sq ft Interior Design showroom incorporating all the vendors showcased at the Inn and more. Pine designed custom Bench made Upholstery “The Pennsbury Collection” James Began working on Private Interior Design projects in the area Wilmington, Greenville, Chadds Ford , Unionville and also maintained Clients Back in NYC.
“The Coffee House” at the Pennsbury Inn, to complete the experience Pine added the coffee house to give all retail customers a taste of the Inn across the street. Great Coffee, warm Muffins and Light fare.
East Hampton
In 2000 JKP Made a big move back home to New York, but much to his surprise not the City but to the East End of Long Island. East Hampton became the next chapter. With all the inventory from Trade Secrets James bought a Small house in the Springs, and rented a retail store in East Hampton. The concept change slightly JKP rebuilt the house into a “Palladian Follie”, It was not an Inn but everything was always still for sale!! The garden was extensive and it was named “The Ponds”. There where two large man made Ponds. JKP had definitely caught the Gardening bug while in Chadds Ford, after all “Longwood Gardens was a Nieghbor”. designing Gardens became a part of Pines passion and business.
As in Pennsylvania Pine began working with residential clients out on long Island and then in New York City and began splitting his time between both. Ultimately He landed an office and home on east 62nd street. From there Pine has built a business that has evolved with the times. Designing Retail Stores for Friends Nina Griscom, Restaurants for Sarah Beth’s Central Park South, Hampton Coffee, Watermill, “Page” and Back Page, Sag Harbor.
In 2007 JKP once again said yes to an extraordinary opportunity presented by a friend. He asked would you be interested in doing model apartments for a development project at 90 west Street. Pine always reminded of Mr. Varney, said Sure!! 90 West street is an Iconic building, the sister building to The Woolworth tower Designed by Cass Gilbert. Having been damaged by the destruction of 9/11 it was a massive restoration, the Developers have won awards for their efforts and it will always be Pines first Development Project!
Pine not only designed the model apartments but also designed the lobby, lounge ,gym and hallways for the project. The primary Partner Kibel Company made introductions to there Partners and all of a sudden JKP was being brought into development projects throughout the city. JKP has since designed multiple residential & Commercial projects for these partners as well as their private homes for the Kibel and Levensen Family’s. At the opening of the Greystone on 92nd street and Broadway. He was introduced to Larry Gluck by The principles at the time of Brack Capital, a partner of 90 west and Owners of the “Greystone” which he had just completed.
Several weeks passed and JKP got the call that changed everything, Larry Gluck wanted to meet me at his office! At our first meeting i wasn’t even seated and he said I just want you to know I hate designers. JKP laughed and said you wont hate me because i will make you a lot of money!! They both laughed and its been 12 years and JKP was made Creative Director of Stellar Management about 9 years ago JKP has clearly kept his promise for those who know Larry!! I JKP has rebranded approximately 30 buildings in the portfolio and designed and oversaw construction of The Glucks summer compound in Watermill.