Joshua Shannon

James Street Interiors

Central New York Chapter

Yes, Joshua Shannon played with Legos as a child. He watched HGTV, too. But what really drew him into the world of design were behind-the-scenes documentaries about the elaborate stage sets of Hollywood blockbusters like the The Lord of the Rings and the Harry Potter films. That glimpse into the magic of make-believe led him to realize that everyday design could be equally exciting. “As designers, we create the stage where life is experienced,” he says, “and that is truly inspiring to me.”

“As designers, we create the stage where life is experienced and that is truly inspiring to me.”

Joshua got his chance to create in 2016 when he was hired as a designer at Home Depot in Watertown, N.Y., helping customers build or renovate kitchens in both historic and contemporary residences that ranged from log and timber-frame homes in the Adirondacks to island retreats in the Thousand Islands region. His passion for history and architecture — and his ability to fulfill his clients’ desire for modernity while respecting the historic character of their homes — helped him become one of the top-rated kitchen designers in upstate New York. And in July 2020, he founded James Street Interiors, which specializes in kitchen and bath renovations. “Now is the perfect time to develop a brand and invest in myself and my career so that I can confidently begin a new chapter,” says Joshua, who never formally studied design and credits his mentors and the NKBA Professional Resource Library for giving him the tools to succeed.

Joshua has also carved out time to serve as Communications Chair of the NKBA’s Central New York Chapter, where his technical expertise aids him in managing the local group’s website, newsletter and social media accounts. His other passions include hiking in Lake Placid and Watkins Glen, kayaking on Lake Ontario and hanging out with his cat, Kimball. On his to-do list: “Write a novel. Travel. Be my own boss.”