Meet Jacqueline Funkhouser: Interior Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jacqueline Funkhouser and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jacqueline, do you think college was worth it?
While being an Interior Designer is largely a gift of talent, having a formal education in Interior Design was critical in completing the resources and techniques used in the industry. My formal education at AIID was definitely worth the price tag.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Jackie Funkhouser, Owner and Interior Designer of Scottsdale Interior Design Group – I am an ASID award winning designer, a Midwestern native and transplant to Scottsdale, Arizona from nearly 30 years ago. I realized my love for and gifts with Interior Design began early in my professional career. After a successful career as Marketing Manager, I left the corporate world behind and began my retail business, Scottsdale Fine Living Home, formerly FMF Compagnie, as a purveyor of fine English, French, and European Antique imports where I work first-hand with Interior Designers to offer authentic and one-of-a-kind pieces and provides my clients with unique design elements for their residential and commercial spaces. To bring this concept full circle, I attended and graduated from the American Institute of Interior Design with Honors and subsequently founded the Scottsdale Interior Design Group. I am also a faculty member at The American Institute of Interior Design as an Adjunct Professor of Drafting and Space Planning, Color Theory, and History of Furniture. “It brings me pure joy to contribute to the Interior Design community by teaching, guiding, sharing, and inspiring new Designers in the classroom.” While my specialty and focus began in antiques and vintage elements, my appreciation and love for all types and styles of Design are evident in my work. I purpose to make my expressions in Design sophisticated, traditional, and transitional; yet with a fresh and somewhat modern twist. I like to think that I meet my clients’ needs by providing homes and spaces that reflect their individual needs and styles. I have also designed table scapes for the Independent Women’s Luncheon held annually at the Phoenix Art Museum as well as IFDA’s Charitable Event, Take-A-Seat for several years.

Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
My favorites…… Ruth’s Chris Restaurant on Indian Bend Road in Scottsdale is my favorite spot to dine and meet special friends. I also love the art galleries in Old Town Scottsdale, meandering in and out of them during the Scottsdale Art Walk evenings. My all-time favorite Arizona town is Prescott! It maintains it’s small town feel and some of the best people live in Prescott! Getting out onto the trails around Prescott with my friends is where I love to be.

Every Saturday night at the McDonald’s on Talking Stick Way in Scottsdale is an awesome car show in the parking lot.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
While being an Interior Designer is largely a gift of talent, the formal education behind the talent in essentially necessary to complete the circle of knowledge for success in business. I would like to thank the Founder and Director of the American Institute of Interior Design, Judy Thompson, for her mentorship and inspiration during my tenure as a student at AIID. Judy is a consummate teacher and well-accomplished Interior Designer herself. Judy has recently invited me to be an Instructor at AIID with Drafting and Space Planning, Color Theory, and History of Furniture. I am delighted to also be part of the faculty at school.