Javier Burkle – 20 Under 40
Burkle Creative
32 | Education: University of Dallas
Javier Burkle’s interest in interior design and architecture began before he started collecting Architectural Digest as a child. It runs in his family, too.
“My grandmother and mom were both involved in art and design, so I grew up surrounded by the excitement and creativity of the design world,” Burkle said. “It didn’t take long for me to come to a crossroad and decide to just go all in.”
And ‘go all in’ he did. He was a designer for the 2021 Kips Bay Decorator Show House in Dallas at 5138 Deloache Ave. The Show House doubles as the nation’s leading design event of the year and Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club’s top fundraiser.
“I am so honored to have had the opportunity to participate with such a great organization as well as work alongside many of the designers I’ve idolized throughout my career,” Burkle said.
He also uses his skills to help the nonprofit Dwell With Dignity, which designs and installs complete home interiors for families in need. This year, he’s involved with the agency’s Thrift Studio event set for Aug. 26 to Sept. 24. Thrift Studio is a pop-up shop featuring donated furniture, housewares, accessories, and high-end designer finds.
Burkle also uses his design skills to help his mother, who operates the nonprofit Mater Filius Dallas, provide provisional housing for pregnant women in need.
What was your first job, and what did you learn from it?
My first large-scale project was for the general manager of Ralph Lauren Home in Highland Park Village. I oversaw the design and renovation of his West Highland Park townhome one summer — it was a privilege to be given complete trust for such a large design, and the end product left me energized and eager for a future in design.
Where do you see yourself and/or your career 10 years from now?
In the next decade, I’d love to launch my own line of furnishings, fabrics, and home accessories to even better deliver turnkey designs for my clients and their projects.
My goal is also to maintain the boutique feel of the firm — a tone that enables us to form deep, personal relationships with vendors, clients, and the design community.
What are you most excited for in the future?
As a firm, we have such a range of projects coming up in the future, from commercial projects (a new restaurant in Snider Plaza) and the official opening of Miron Crosby’s showroom in Aspen, and we’re also donating a decorated table for a dinner party to the Bradfield Elementary auction this spring.
Next month, we’ll be designing a table for the New York Botanical Garden’s annual gala, The Orchid Dinner, at The Plaza Hotel.
Which leadership skills were the most challenging for you to develop and why?
The ability to delegate! I’m deeply involved in every aspect of each design—but my incredibly talented team makes successful delegation possible because of the level of trust I place in them as individuals and as creatives.
If you could buy a book (or rent a movie) for your neighbor, what would it be and why?
The Fabric of Civilization: How Textiles Made the World by Virginia Postrel. This fascinating book explains the evolution of society through the lens of textiles—their interpretation, use, and decoration. It’s a fascinating read for anyone and a fun book to have on the shelf!
What is your favorite local store?
I can’t live without Nicholson Hardie or Scout Design Studio! My team and I are always popping by to pick up the perfect greenery at Nicholson Hardie, and we love Scout’s own furniture line, vintage pieces, and accessories to create the perfect layers in a design.
Toughest business/personal challenge?
The delays we’re experiencing in shipping and product availability truly continue to acutely affect the design industry. As a designer, I’m constantly balancing lead times with product selection, striving to ensure excellence overall for our clients.
How do you motivate others?
My genuine passion and energy for every project motivates not only my team but myself! I am insanely honored to work in an industry I not only adore but alongside amazing clients—these aspects of my work exhilarate me and I think, in turn, create momentum in everything we do.
What would you tell your 18-year-old self?
Everything happens for a reason! Trust your path and embrace the journey along the way.
