A Journey through the Creative Process with POP Architecture's Jessica Pleasants

Unveiling the Artistry: A Journey through the Creative Process with POP Architecture's Jessica Pleasants

Embarking on a new project is akin to exploring uncharted territories, and for design firms like POP Architecture, the creative process is not just a series of basic steps but an expertly choreographed dance of imagination and innovation. As we delve into the captivating world of design, Jessica Pleasants, a Director and co-founder of POP Architecture, along with her husband and co-founder, Okan Oncel, graciously guide us through the firm's distinctive approach to crafting spaces that transcend the ordinary.

Listening with Precision

At the heart of POP Architecture's creative journey lies an unwavering commitment to understanding the client's vision. Jessica and Okan emphasize the importance of attentive listening, challenging design choices, and presenting each choice in a new light. The process begins with an immersive experience of the client's aspirations, exploring a space's existing conditions and contemplating design possibilities that extend well beyond conventional boundaries.

Pushing Boundaries

Creativity, as Jessica describes it, is the catalyst that propels their designs into unexplored realms. The team at POP Architecture dares to think outside the box, challenging the expected to foster a breeding ground for innovative ideas. With creativity as its guiding star, POP navigates uncharted waters, confident that even in the most unexpected of ideas, there lies a seed of brilliance waiting to be nurtured into being.

Multiplicity of Options

In the realm of design, variety is the spice that transforms a single concept into a complex masterpiece. POP Architecture thrives on generating multiple options, recognizing that not all clients possess a clear vision. To that end, the firm excels at refining intentions, providing clients with an array of choices, and, most importantly, instilling a sense of possibility in the design process.

Visualization as a Key

The power of visualization cannot be overstated. Leveraging cutting-edge software, POP Architecture brings their ideas to life, offering clients a glimpse into the potential of their space. From massing variations to custom-tailored solutions, every visualization serves as a stepping stone toward realizing the client's dreams.

A Personal Touch

For Jessica Pleasants, design is not just a profession; it's a lifelong affair cultivated through exposure to her father, Rod Pleasants’, world of interior design. Her early experiences, from antique furniture excursions to summers in Southern Italy, have shaped her unique perspective. With nearly two decades of experience in architecture and construction, Jessica brings a profound understanding of both the artistic and logistical dimensions of her craft.

The Upper West Side Chronicle

One notable project exemplifies POP Architecture's prowess – a prewar co-op on the Upper West Side. POP ties this venture to a New York Times article from June, showcasing how the firm maximized space to suit the client's needs, setting a precedent for transformative design within confined spaces. Architect Okan Oncel reimagined the space, changing out the living room for the primary bedroom, which allowed for a continuous open space between the living room, dining room, and kitchen. By turning the former living room into the primary bedroom suite, POP was able to provide a large walk-in closet, a larger bathroom with double vanity, and side-by-side laundry.

POP Architecture's creative process is an intricate dance where each step contributes to the symphony of design innovation. With Jessica Pleasants and Okan Oncel at the helm, the firm continues to redefine spaces, leaving an indelible mark on the canvas of architectural brilliance.


POP Architecture may be reached at 212-977-6775 in New York City, or by email at info@popdpc.com. The website is popdpc.com, and you can follow POP on Facebook and on Instagram at @poparchitecturedpc.