Jody Hays, an Interior Designer who specializes in antique textiles, founded her company, Pensieri Design, in California in 1999 and recently relocated to Austin, Texas. A native of Louisiana, the Southerner first discovered her love of textiles and beautiful objects as a little girl. She would often visit her grandmother who indulged Jody's passion for playing dress-up with treasures from her fabulous antique and vintage clothing and jewelry collection. Jody moved to the coast of Central California in 1992 where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Art and Design at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo. Her interest and knowledge in antique textiles was further enhanced through studies in textile restoration and conservation at the famed Hearst Castle in San Simeon.

"This experience proved invaluable when making purchasing decisions for my clients, as well as for my own personal collection. I have always been fascinated by hand work of any kind especially works of European and Turkish origin. As I studied how these textiles were constructed, their complexity and combination of certain materials, dyes, stitches, embroidery, weaves, trims, buttons, etc. I began to understand the rarity of certain pieces. Most are irreplaceable, historical works of art that will eventually be lost forever unless they are properly cleaned, restored and displayed. For this purpose I work very closely with a team of professionals. Quite often I find beautiful and rare textiles that have been butchered simply for decorative and/or retail purposes without regard to their age, rarity or condition and without being properly cleaned, backed or reinforced. These are a waste of effort, history and your money because they will soon deteriorate. Not all textiles should be chopped up and made into pillows. For me, the condition of the piece dictates how it should be used. We must preserve these textiles today if they are to survive tomorrow."

Jody currently provides fine wall hangings, tapestries, pillows and other accessories to Interior Designers, Showrooms and collectors throughout the United States. She also collaborates with her clients to create stunning visual and textural effects using antique textiles in unusual ways. In both commercial and residential interior design projects, Jody creates comfortable yet elegant environments by combining modern elements with Old World accents.

Jody Hays of Pensieri Design is available for design consultation by appointment only. Her antique textiles are available at various showrooms, antique stores and design firms in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, California, Austin, Texas, and by appointment at her homes in Austin, Texas and San Luis Obispo, California.

On a personal level, Jody is an avid and devoted horsewoman who enjoys an active lifestyle that includes her two Greyhounds and four horses. She has been involved in equine, Greyhound and wild life rescue for over 14 years. Her greatest passion aside from collecting antique textiles is exploring various tribal cultures around the world especially those involving horses. Other hobbies include photography, cooking, hiking, and Yoga.

jodyh0806@gmail.com