Jeffrey Tuballes CF ’18

What led you to become a student at NBSS?

Originally, I’m a Fine Arts baccalaureate and pursued a career in interior design. After being in the industry for 15 years, I became a little fatigued with the office atmosphere and the big city. I had an urge to go back to my roots of building things with my hands. Initially I thought design school, but after taking a few continuing education classes, I felt there was a lacking of technical training which I was after. Hence the obvious choice of NBSS.

What was the best part of your education?

The city of Boston, friends I made while I was there, and fulfillment of creating beautiful objects.

What are you up to now?

Immediately after graduation, my previous employer asked me to run his new west coast operations, designing and building homes from the Hollywood Hills to Malibu. I still work in interior design, but I’m primarily working with contractors, millworkers, and tradespeople directly. The education at NBSS has not only made me a stronger designer, but has given me the knowledge and vocabulary to speak confidently, catch problematic issues on shop drawings, as well provide design and build solutions.

What advice do you have for NBSS students?

There is only so much one can learn at NBSS within the 2 year period, and the instructors have an abundant amount of knowledge to share. [When you arrive,] try and get a syllabus of all the material that will be covered and ask yourself what you want to get out from the program. Do you want to focus on anything specific, or do you want to dabble in a little bit of everything? Ask early on for the instructors to help you reach those goals, but be ok if the plan changes.

Can you describe your work in just three words?

In regards to interior design…detailed, thought-out, refine.

Where do you get your inspiration?

See more of Jeffrey’s current work on his website.