JIBE DESIGN, an award-winning firm thoughtfully designing homes.
we make buildings and remake interiors
JIBE DESIGN is a boutique architecture firm specializing in contemporary residences, interiors, and landscapes. Our work ranges in scale from kitchen renovations to new construction homes. We listen attentively and together we create spaces which support your personality and lifestyle. We take pride in deploying our aesthetic and organizational talents to help you find joy in the singularity of your nest.
Together we solve practical problems that improve how your home functions.
We strive to maximize what can be built within your budget.
We work with you to build healthy spaces that minimize harmful environmental impacts.
But our deepest motivation is aesthetic.
Style, craft, function, beauty — we never cease looking, thinking, and dreaming about how a space can speak its goals more eloquently. We believe in our fundamental need for natural light and discuss ways to open and brighten your home. Together we explore materials and finishes that express your style. We collaborate to create a home that elevates your life with order and artistry.
our services
Residential Additions, Renovations, and New Construction
Residential Interior Design
Commercial New Construction, Adaptive Reuse, Renovation, and Interiors
Landscape and Garden Design
“Jibe Design is a dream to work with. Juliet consistently went above and beyond in trying to translate all of our needs and ideas into a beautiful, functional space for our family.”
firm leadership
AS PRINCIPAL ARCHITECT, JULIET WHELAN finds deep satisfaction in both design creativity and client service. Her design work explores the juncture of utility and artistry. As a dedicated service-provider she listens intently to her clients and inventively iterates solutions to improve their properties. The process through which she finds coherent form involves directed collaboration, solitary research, and capricious insight. Before founding Jibe Design in 2005, she began her career as a construction superintendent and confidently manages her projects through the messy construction process.
“Juliet was kind, thoughtful and very professional. I think she really understood my needs and style and was able to hone in on something that was both practical and represented me.”
recognition
Texas Farm and Ranch, January 2025 pages 20-23 “Sister Style”
Philadelphia Inquirer, June 9, 2024, “This historical Fairmount home is a kids’ oasis”
Design Advocacy Group, December 17, 2021, “What the Suburbs Teach the City”
Philadelphia Magazine, March 14, 2020, “High Rise Condo Makeover”
Philadelphia Magazine, March 14, 2020, “Kitchen Addition”
Philadelphia’s Full-Scope Residential Architect, Best of Houzz 2019
Project Winner, Groundbreaker Award for Sustainable Construction, Barry Recreation Center, 2018
Third Place Winner, Commercial Walls Project of the Year, Atas Metal Panels, 2018
WHYY, May 5, 2017, “Site Visit: Orinoka Civic House and walking tour with NKCDC”
Dwell, September 16, 2016, "Pattern Play Inspired this Rowhouse Renovation"
Hidden City, Oct. 28, 2015, "NKCDC Elevates N. Kensington With Orinoka House"
PlanPhilly, July 23, 2014, "Pinning future for New Kensington on Orinoka Mills reuse"
Philadelphia Inquirer, April 12, 2014 , "Designer's aim for a better bike rack"
Philadelphia Inquirer, March 1, 2014 , "Sure it's art, but it's also a Bike Rack"
First Place Winning Entry, Sustainable Adaptive Reuse, Orinoka Civic House, 2013
Residential Architect, July-August, 2013, "Architects' Choice "
Metropolis Point of View, Aug. 20, 2013, "Eco-Conscious Trade Show Architecture "
Metropolis Point of View, April 1, 2013, "The Sexual Politics of Navigation"
Metropolis Point of View, June 7, 2012, "Coloring Outside the Lines"
Metropolis Point of View, April 30, 2012, "My Own Piece of Dirt"
Metropolis Point of View, March 28, 2012, "Beyond LEED"
Leverage: Strengthening Neighborhoods Through Design. Book published by Community Design Collaborative. 2011
Grey Area: Provocations on the Future of Preservation. Catalog published by Design Philadelphia. 2011
Grid, January, 2011, "Award Show"
Community Design Award. Community Design Collaborative, Law Firm Project. 2010
Honor Award, American Institute of Architects, Philadelphia Chapter, Markoe Street Housing. 2010
Tiny House Design, December 8, 2010, "Free Agent House"
Flying Kite Media, November 30, 2010, "Off-the-Grid Free Agent House"
Fertile Ground. Group exhibit of 12 innovative Philadelphia firms. 2009