Inside JAM Shop, a store that showcases the architecture studio’s vintage collection

By Kayla Curtis-Evans

There is no adrenaline high quite like the one you get when you discover a one-of-a-kind vintage find. But for many who suffer from thrifting fatigue or even apprehensiveness, the process is anything but euphoric. Though there are countless vintage furniture stores peppered around Brooklyn and Manhattan, stepping into some of them can often feel overwhelming.

This is exactly why Dumbo-based design and architecture studio — and vintage curation duo — JAM Shop, has refined that process. Founders Megan Prime and Joe McGuier scour the world for one-of-a-kind pieces to bring back to Dumbo, enhancing the neighborhood’s creative scene one mid-century chaise at a time. Located at 20 Jay Street, JAM (which stands for Joe and Megan) opened its brick-and-mortar spot in the spring. The homey space is set up like an intimate abode, welcoming all levels of vintage furniture collectors from novices to experts.

We kicked up our feet in the comfy shop to speak to the founders about their approach to curation and tips for interior design beginners. Excerpts:

Megan Prime and Joe McGuier (courtesy of JAM Shop)

You started JAM eight years ago but opened up this interactive space this year. What have you learned in those eight years? How have your tastes evolved?
Megan Prime: As architects and interior designers, we’ve had a longstanding love of vintage because of the heirloom quality and thoughtfulness of design that so many vintage pieces have. Rather than sourcing online only, which can feel risky and intimidating for many, we wanted the process to be more accessible and fun. We started sourcing what we loved and keeping an inventory for our clients to shop privately, in person. That experience has been really successful and rewarding for us and our shoppers and we now want to share that same experience with everyone.

You have said that “design from all different periods can coexist peacefully,” as you collect pieces from various eras through time. But what are your favorite design styles or time periods to draw inspiration from?
Joe McGuier: We draw inspiration from a variety of styles and time periods. Some of our favorite styles to draw inspiration from include brutalism, Art Deco, Alpine folk and Scandinavian modern. We usually weave in mid-century vibes that lean toward Italian and Brazilian roots. The Amsterdam school style of furniture, as well as the American Studio Craft movement also provide us with lots of inspiration and a real richness of materiality and detail to pull from.

Courtesy JAM Shop

Give me the JAM-approved method to sourcing the best, most reliable and, ultimately, the most comfortable furniture or home decor fixtures.
McGuier: The best strategy with vintage is sitting in, testing out and being able to interact with each piece in person. A core reason we opened JAM Shop is to have a place for people to experience each piece in person and understand the comfort and quality these pieces have to offer.

What are some of your favorite vintage finds from your travels throughout the years?
McGuier: Our favorite pieces are usually the ones from unknown makers or one-off studio-made pieces. We have a great pair of Italian club chairs right now. No one knows who made them, but they’re some of the most comfortable and beautiful pieces we’ve ever found.

Can you list some examples of your favorite current pieces in stock and price ranges?
Prime: The Alpine folk pine dining chairs, which are surprisingly comfortable for that style of furniture, a 17th-century oil portrait painting, and the Italian modular sectional that is incredibly fun to move around and rearrange because of the fun trapezoid shaped pieces!
McGuier: My favorite pieces in the shop right now are the monumental stoneware lamps, the Sean Kratzert abstract mixed media oil painting, and the Paul McCobb rosewood credenza with cantilevered end cabinets. The prices of these favorites range from $5,000 to $14,000.

Courtesy JAM Shop

What is the craziest client request you have fulfilled?
McGuier: I had a client who wanted us to look into moving an old stone house to a new site — turns out it is possible!

What are each of your personal least favorite design eras and why?
Prime: Neither of us gravitate toward postmodernism because there’s not a ton of material honesty in the designs or celebration of craft.

For those who may be new to interior design, what characterizes a balanced living space for you both? Where do you start if you want to give your home space more personality?
McGuier: We find that vintage pieces are the best place to start if you want your space to have a unique personality. Balancing vintage pieces either with new items or items across other eras will help avoid the feeling of a time capsule unless that’s what you’re going for!

What are the future plans for JAM Shop, and what impact do you hope to bring to Dumbo’s blossoming, vivacious creative scene?
McGuier: We want to take lessons from all of the amazing furniture we’re sourcing to create new pieces of our own design that are heirloom quality and hope will be sought-after vintage in 75 or more years. We also want to expand our presence in Dumbo with a retail space that offers a place to source, gather and be creative. We want to be a part of that energy and help draw design lovers to the neighborhood.

Courtesy of JAM Shop