When most people hear the word “luxury,” they picture rare stones, exotic woods, or high-priced finishes. But for designer Summer Jensen, founder of Hawk & Co, an interior design firm in Laguna Beach, true luxury has nothing to do with the cost of materials. It has everything to do with the human hands behind them.
In her recent interview on KBB’s From the Tap Podcast, Summer shared how her early years as a jewelry designer shaped her philosophy. She spent countless hours counting tiny findings, threading beads, and teaching others the delicate craft. From that experience, she learned that luxury isn’t defined by what an object is made of but by the mastery, technique, and years of skill required to bring it to life.
This people-first definition of luxury shows up consistently in the homes she designs, whether she’s working with clients in Beverly Hills, Pacific Palisades, or Los Angeles.
Luxury, according to Summer, is about designing environments that feel deeply considered; homes that elevate daily rituals like stepping out of bed, brewing morning tea, or washing your hands under perfectly crafted bath fixtures. It’s not about accumulation. It’s about experience.
This philosophy naturally intersects with sustainability. When luxury is about craft rather than consumption, homeowners naturally gravitate toward long-lasting, well-made pieces rather than fast-furniture or trend-driven disposable décor. That shift (choosing significance and longevity over consumerism) is one of the most powerful ways high-end design can support environmental responsibility.
If you’re looking to incorporate meaningful craftsmanship into a luxury home redesign, Summer’s perspective offers a refreshing and deeply human redefinition of elevated living.
This article is inspired by:
From the Tap – A KBB Podcast: How Sustainability & Luxury Can Coexist in Design – A Talk with Summer Jensen (Apr 2, 2025)
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