Born and raised in District 5 of Worcester, I have lived and learned all things design. My name is Jamie Harrity Burke, and I am the owner of District V Design and District V HOUSE. I was born to design, most of which has been self taught in my beautiful city of Worcester. I have been designing for most of my adult life. I have been designing, since I was 4 or 5, according to my Barbie Dream House. Going hand and hand with design, I recently opened a home decor store in Sutton, MA. Although its not in Worcester, my name District V House brings all the wonderful city vibes to my new town. House is a fun mix of vendors and some new items of everything design. Vintage, antique, handmade, hand crafted artistry and just straight magic fills the store. Their styles complement rather than compete and range from brand new vendors to seasoned vendors. The huge reason I wanted to have vendors here is because it helps incubate an organic introduction from a passion into a real life small business. Starting small is still starting. Economic development in small business collaboratives has been a huge catalyst to make the jump into their own stores or business growth. The mantra which I have kept in my mind throughout this whole process has been “Alone we are but one drop. Together we are an ocean.” I truly believe in supporting each other in this process, and we will go further. All but one of my vendors are women. We all have some sort of kismet story that has connected us, and I am grateful and excited for all the ways we will grow together and individually. I am so thankful and grateful for being able to follow my passion and dream.
Please tell us about your current career and what you love most about what you do?
I am an interior designer for commercial and residential clients- and owner of HOUSE, a home decor retail store. When you are one person, there is only so many projects I can take on. With a store, I am able to service everyone. I love all things design, and I am able to reach a broader audience bringing all design goods to everyone.
What is your favorite restaurant in Worcester, and what is your favorite dish?
Coney Island- 3 Up, On the Rise- Cinnamon Bun, Crust- Latte and Croissant, Pepes- Cheese pizza, Vincents- Meatball & Sausage Sandwich, Regatta Deli – Regatta, no onions!
Who is the most interesting person you’ve ever met?
My clients- not one specific one. I get to make their dreams come alive through my design. It is just really special. Emotionally, I get very involved and want to give them a beautiful story of who they are and how they should be seen through design in their spaces.
If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Italy- the food, views, and friends.
What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Fleetwood Mac
What is your best advice?
Every single thing you have failed at or that has failed you will push you in the direction of exactly where you should be. Fate is bigger than anything, and truly believe and know now that failure is a great thing to embrace. With out failing, I would not be where I am- crushing life and living my dream.
What is one of the top three items on your Bucket List?
Falconry. Having my store on Chronicle. Watching my vendors open their owns stores someday.
What current/former local business makes you the most nostalgic about Worcester?
A new project I am working on is a traditional deli called Helfands. It is a deli much like the delis that were once on Water Street. I went to those delis with my grandfather. A group of lifelong friends, all who are grandfathers, are opening this deli as a legacy to their own families.
Choosing anyone alive and a non-relative with whom would you love to have lunch? Why?
Oprah. She is the queen of brands.
Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Always designing! Opening another store in the Boston area and maybe one coastal. Having a designer product line carried in my favorite retail stores.
What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you, even your friends or family.
I think everyone knows, but I am obsessed with my dogs. Alfred and Beatrix- English bulldogs.
What 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Beautifully curated, love, safe
If a motion picture was made of your life, what actor/actress would you choose to play you?
I literally have no clue- someone funny.
What is your favorite thing or something unique about Worcester?
Each neighborhood is special with so many stories. The people are the vault keepers, and I love to hear nostalgic stories of all the places here.
What is your favorite smell?
Eucalptus mint and sandalwood
Who inspires you to be better?
Me- I say this humbly though. No one can champion you, more than yourself.
