Longtime friends and collaborators, Joelle Kutner and Jesse Rudolph are the co-founders of Ome Dezin, a Los Angeles–based design-build studio dedicated to restoring homes with soul and structure. Since launching in 2020, the pair have become known for their sensitive approach to L.A.’s rich architectural heritage — working across Mid-Century, Spanish Colonial, Art Deco, and Tudor styles with an eye toward character, restraint, and modern livability.

With a focus on natural materials, timeless proportions, and a strong sense of place, Ome Dezin’s work balances historical integrity with quiet, contemporary elegance. Their projects — from a 1927 Tudor once owned by burlesque star Lili St. Cyr to an original A. Quincy Jones home in Brentwood — reflect a shared philosophy: that beauty lives in subtlety, and good design should feel both grounded and generous.

Ome Dezin, photo by Ori Harpaz

In this interview, Joelle Kutner and Jesse Rudolph of Ome Dezin reflect on the personal habits and philosophies that help them stay grounded in the pace of creative work. From early movement and restorative meals to therapy, travel, and long walks with family, they explore how presence and perspective shape their daily rhythms — and how self-care becomes a quiet foundation for meaningful design.

AS: What are some self-care practices that you find most benefit your work & creative output?

JR: For me, self-care is very physical. If I’m neglecting my workouts or eating whatever’s convenient, my creativity and focus suffer almost immediately. When I’m tuned into my body — moving regularly and fueling it with food that feels good — my work reflects that clarity and energy. Then on weekends when there is less work happening, there are a lot less rules around what I’m eating.

JK: Time away from work. Travel, nature and being around art brings me back to a place of peace and creates space in my mind to think and be locked into whatever project is in front of me. I often travel to Paris to visit family and a walk along the Seine never gets old.

AS: In what ways do you nurture your mental and emotional health to maintain creativity and inspiration?

JR: I think this probably comes from the projects we take on. Inevitably, based on our work, we go pretty deep in whatever we are doing, so if we’re not inspired or intrigued by the project, it’s hard to then feel creative throughout. So when we take on work that genuinely sparks intrigue or excites me, it naturally nurtures my mental and emotional health.

JK: I recently started Therapy, I sort of go through bouts of Therapy but I think it helps me clear my head. Spending time with friends and family is also really rewarding in making me feel emotionally safe. My son is my eternal inspiration in maintaining mental and emotional health in order to create and work well.

“WHAT IF THE END GOAL IS THIS? MAYBE WE'RE LIVING IT RIGHT NOW.” - Joelle Kutner

AS: What practices or routines do you incorporate into your daily life to support your work while maintaining your creative energy and mental well-being?

JR: Movement first thing in the morning and eating well are my anchors — they keep me clear, steady, and creative.

JK: I don’t do this as much as I would like to, post larger life events, like having a child, starting a business etc. but Hot Yoga, Walking and healthy eating are all routines that help maintain my overall wellbeing. I’ve been a vegetarian for 25 years, which naturally encourages healthier choices; people often assume it’s primarily for health reasons, so many of the options and habits around it naturally support that lifestyle.

Ome Dezin, photo by Nils Timm

AS: How do you handle setbacks or challenges in your creative endeavours while still prioritizing your well-being?

JR: Every project will always have setbacks, so knowing that they will happen and we will be able to overcome them, allows me to move through them when they happen.

JK: Within the course of a day or a week there are many positives and negatives so reminding yourself of the natural balance of life is comforting and helps you not get too overwhelmed by any challenges or setbacks. Also, leaning on Jesse to talk through work challenges is helpful in seeing different perspectives.

AS: What specific environment or settings do you find especially conducive to both self-care and creative inspiration?

JR: It’s always inspiring to work in a thoughtfully designed space. We’re fortunate to have a unique setup where we can spend time in our completed projects before they sell, which gives us both a sense of care and creative energy.

JK: I like the ability to work in spaces where I can see outside, even if that’s a city skyline, trees or ocean. I need to take glances to the exterior and imagine I’m in another place for a second. Helps clear my mind.

Ome Dezin, photo by Yoshihiro Makino

AS: Best self-care advice you have received?

JR: Truly something cliche like, listening to your body…generally the body has a way of showing itself when it’s in need of extra support.

JK: I definitely come from a family of work horses and feel like I grew up where the subtext was always just “Work Hard” but I also married a Parisian and he stands up against my ‘live to work’ tendencies and we are constantly asking what the end goal is? Because maybe we’re living it right now. So best advice ? Slow down, longer lunches, more dinners with friends, wine, park hangs with my son in the afternoons.

Joelle Kutner and Jesse Rudolph's portrait photo by Richie Lee Davis

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