How it started...
Jessica's background started with her study in Architecture, later Interior Design at New York Institute of Technology. Jessica grew up with two influential men in her life. Her own late father who owned a successful screen printing company and her stepfather who owns a successful contracting business helped forge the path for her to become a business owner and creative. Jessica has been working alongside her stepfather from an early age. "Working with my dad has given me the opportunity to really understand the logistics and construction within a home. It's so important as a designer to understand the practicality of creating something especially in a world where budgets are a factor." Jessica learned extensively from working for NYC’s top Urban Developer, high-end residential designers, furniture manufacturers and even a startup home staging company in Long Island, NY. After honing in on her craft, Jessica decided to open the doors to her own parent company Claude Designs. Which later evolved into Claude Home Staging and Claude Living for Interior Design. "The thing I want most is for a person to have a space that is curated and designed in a practical and achievable way. Nothing gives me greater joy than having people truly connect with our spaces.” You will usually find Jessica in the evening exploring creative outlets such as ballroom dancing, making furniture, or simply sketching out new ideas.
Jessica Claudio
Dominique Bentivegna
With a BA in Business Communications from Farmingdale State College and experience in both Real Estate and Event planning, Dominique has built a strong project management foundation before ever entering the world of design. Upon graduation, Dominique began working for an event planning company in Long Island, NY overseeing large scale events such as weddings, trade shows, benefits, and more. Her more impressive projects include work with Facebook, Instagram, Benefit Cosmetics, The Make-A-Wish Foundation, and Forest Hills Stadium. With a natural eye in design, Dominique was providing on-site decorative arrangements as well as furniture, color, and accessory selections for clients. This experience has fostered her love for decorating and inspired her to pursue a career in interiors. “I love design because no two spaces are the same, just as no two people are the same. It is an artistic expression that is unique to everyone and I love helping people create that experience for themselves.” Since then she has taken time to hone her skills with design certifications and completing several design projects. Dominique offers a great deal of knowledge in design while excellently coordinating the logistics and details of projects from start to finish. When not working on the latest design project, you can find Dominique spending time with her partner and their frenchie looking for the newest local event, thrifting antique finds, or hanging out by the River.
Jessica’s favorite things:
You can find me:
Swooning down thrift and antique aisles or dancing (or both at the same time)
Drink:
Pinot Noir
Holiday:
Christmas and Halloween- duh!
Weekend Activity:
hanging with family and friends fully immersing outdoors somewhere
Dominique’s favorite things:
You can find me:
Checking out local events like farmers markets and music festivals
Drink:
Margarita
Holiday:
Christmas and Halloween
Weekend Activity:
Reading a good book or design magazine by the river
“Jessica and her team at Claude Living are simply the best when it comes to design! I’ve worked with them for almost a decade—with home staging, residential and commercial interior design —as well as hospitality design of our bridal suite tied to our event space. There isn’t a design professional locally that is more qualified and with a finite eye for detail, than Jessica and Claude Living.”