3 Interior Designers Convert The Same School Bus | Space Savers | Architectural Digest

We gave interior designers Joy Moyler, Darren Jett, and Noz Nozawa a photo of the same abandoned school bus-then asked each of them to transform the space, however they pleased with no restrictions. Three artists, one canvas, each bringing something different to the space. Which bus conversion has you considering the van life?
00:00 Intro
01:09 The Plan
01:43 Flooring
02:52 Walls, Ceilings & Windows
05:56 Layout & Furniture
14:13 Lighting
15:27 Decor
16:46 Final Thoughts
18:02 Designer Round Table
Renders by Duke Renders
We Serve Busy Interior Designers With 100% Accurate Photo-Realistic 3D Renderings Of Their Creative Designs. We make you and your clients proud, confident and empowered at every step of the design process. Visit www.dukerenders.com/start
Portfolio Pictures by:
Lauren Andersen www.sencreativeco.com/
Seth Caplan seth-caplan.com/
Verasson Creative www.verasson.com/
Christian Harder www.christianharderphoto.com/
Ori Harpaz oriharpaz.com/\
Christopher Stark www.christopherstark.com/
Director: Hiatt Woods
Director of Photography: Kevin Dynia
Editor: Ron Douglas
Producer: Joel David Ahumada
Line Producer: Joe Buscemi
Associate Producer: Josh Crowe
Production Manager: Melissa Heber
Production Coordinator: Fernando Davilla
Camera Operator: Jake Robbins
Audio Engineer: Michael Guggino
Production Assistant: Shahid Barraza; Pichteeda Taing
Post Production Supervisor: Andrew Montague
Post Production Coordinator: Holly Frew
Supervising Editor: Christina Mankellow
Assistant Editor: Andy Morell
Want even more AD? Subscribe to the magazine and get a free tote ►► bit.ly/3Oh8McU
Still haven’t subscribed to Architectural Digest on KZbin? ►► bit.ly/2zl7s34
ABOUT ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST
The leading international design authority, Architectural Digest features articles and videos of the best in architecture, style, culture, travel, and shopping.

[@grahamblack5951]

I'm obsessed with how much soup Darren's pop star diva needs

[@theshypersistence]

Came here to say the exact same thing! Ain't no way Bey is eating all them Campbell's ✋️😆

[@googoogaga490]

@@theshypersistence Or...any at all😄

[@theshypersistence]

@@googoogaga490 exactly lol

[@albie100]

@@theshypersistence Bey needs space for her pre-concert sandwich and ginger shots!

[@theshypersistence]

@@albie100 lol I'm sure there's a hidden juicer somewhere

[@seriliaykilel]

What weird parallel universe are we where Noz has the practical design? You could tell she had the most actual experience on this

[@David.124]

Of course Darren is still all over the place

[@justling7]

her drawers under the bed would be where the tyre is no? what space would that be if not just very shallow drawers?

[@AllThePeppermint]

@@justling7 The rear tires on a school bus are about 2/3rds towards the back of the bus. They aren't actually in the very back.

[@TheMarizanebogdan]

Noz wins this one by far!! Her design is practical, the only one that actually accommodate a living on the road lifestyle.

[@user-qi3hf8ko3q]

agree

[@michellestevens2454]

And it is so cute and fun!

[@crazyguy_1233]

Absolutely. Practical and cozy. She was the only one to put real thought into making a bus a house.

[@jacquelinevanfossan7007]

Noz is the best. It's practical, usable, and reflects what life on the road actually is, like the need for insulation, ventilation, sturdy floors, etc. ❤

[@blindship5792]

yeah but UGLY AF!!!

[@BeantownMrs]

This is the first time I've actually liked Noz's design. I think her experience in having done this before really shows.

[@wengi_tuu]

Her apartment design, I think the first time she was featured. I loved the window decal idea.

[@myriadsofstarstarot9287]

I agree, I think it's her second project that I really like. She clearly knew what she was doing.

[@azarikaKZ]

Omg same! Finally something very consistent and functional ❤

[@Leocalamb2]

I thought the exact thing. It's a great combination of practicality & her signature quirky style. It gets first place in my opinion. Never thought I'd say that about her design.

[@saraheschweiler4939]

Not much of a kitchen in Joy's rendition.😔

[@mkeerkens]

Love all three, but Darren's was super lush. Joy's space also felt very elevated. Noz's is rustic and fun. For once I liked all three! Would love to see this series continue with: * Treehouse * Yurt * Poolhouse * Barge/houseboat * Log cabin in the woods

[@normasmith6633]

Add a potato shed to that list and its a perfect lineup!

[@soignesoigne8063]

Darren made a design for a cabin with other designers, you might want to check it out

[@juju8638]

i would also love to see these ideas too❕

[@C-rol]

The lady with the flower forgot the kitchen

[@tripletoruses]

Noz definitely has been planning to renovate her own school bus

[@fa6534]

Well done Noz. Thats stunning and practical. Darren is more like a set for a music video while Joy’s is likely a stationed Airbnb on someone’s backyard. But for practicality and everyday living and full on travel lifestyle, Noz’s

[@vivalaleta]

I gravitate to Noz's bus design the most. It's charming and interesting but practical for bus life. Joy's design is calming (but reminiscent of a high end waiting room).

[@EH23831]

Same - she put so much thought into the practicalities

[@Oogabooga814]

Joys design certainly isn't bad but it looks like it's aimed at the type of person who would never ever spend time in a refurbished school bus lmao

[@vivalaleta]

@@Oogabooga814 Exactly.

[@CH_A-ic3bk]

Darren's design is really creative, but it doesn't make you want to stay for more than 10 minutes

[@denisefalcon4748]

Omg great point when it needs to be cozy for long trips

[@jeanmkaufmann]

It looks like ice. I'm cold just looking at it.

[@Sunflower-fh1nw]

I agree, it feels very exhausting for the eyes all the collors and mirrored places. Especially for a place that is moving.

[@crazyguy_1233]

His design is too sterile and uncomfortable. I always feel uncomfortable with his designs. His style isn’t fit for homes his style fits better for party spaces and clubs.

[@AllThePeppermint]

I agree. I am stressing out every time his design comes on the screen. It's too busy, overstimulating, and I strongly suspect my car sickness would be worse if I was a passenger on that his bus.

[@lmarshall7000]

Darren's design is definitely for a certain niche; I would have a nervous breakdown in there. I like how whimsical and colorful Noz's design was. Joy's design, as always, has that homey feel to it.

[@eleanoraquitaine2966]

Me, too.

[@EH23831]

Darren’s is giving me anxiety just looking at a rendering…

[@eleanoraquitaine2966]

me, too. It looks cold, hard, and slippery.@@EH23831

[@CamoJan]

His looks like being in an aquarium. 😲

[@Ella.L.]

Noz understood the assignment. Very comfy, but also smart design.

[@emndiaye9019]

I just love Noz's personality and the way that she thinks, I always look forward to seeing what she'll do!

[@gidiess7880]

Me too! She's a great blend of charisma and artistic vision

[@tatiiii3855]

Darren is actually just a genius... like how do you even think of that?! So unique and creative

[@mainem.4513]

I don’t usually gravitate towards Noz’s designs, but this is just so ethereal! I’m immediately transported into a storybook. Love Darren’s, but the dark fur throw throws me off. Joy’s is minimal, elegant, and cozy, but totally lacks storage.

[@sandraleigh4023]

I do LOVE what Joy did with the ceiling!!!!

[@jenovapooh]

Noz's design is so much more functional and safe for a mobile space than the others. I like the other two, but they would move around so much in transit.

[@sandraleigh4023]

Her experience showed. The only other thing that would save you is if you have actually traveled in an RV of some sort. You learn a lot of lessons the hard way!

[@hellenhighwater2024]

How is Darren's design "90s inflatable furniture meets padded room meets swimming pool." It's like a really squeaky mental breakdown. Noz's design is practical and charming!

[@EH23831]

Agree - Darren’s is giving me anxiety

[@sandraleigh4023]

I love it, but it is for a very narrow audience, and not me! That's ok - everyone needs someone!

[@sarahdano55]

I can already feeling myself boiling alive in sunny days in Joy's design. And frankly it feels a bit cold, like the lobby of a big company. Love Noz design : it's practical, it's cosy, you can live in it fairly long term. Darren would be cool for five minutes and then it would ba a bit oppressive, I think.

[@Kburzon]

I need a series where someone analyzes these designs and provides a final quote/estimate for the entire project.

[@johnnyli4702]

And fully builds out all three

[@natashadame4397]

Please please please don't ever ever stop this series!

[@flippedwafflesokurr728]

Darren’s looks pretty but Noz’s is just wow 🤩

[@KatieBurd47]

I love Darren's plans to store 40 cans of tomato soup

[@ndabenhlentombela6290]

First time liking Noz's design. My favorite design by far

[@nataliaalfonso2662]

Why would a kitchenette be behind a bedroom with a bathroom instead of up front where the table is? Noz’s is the best, and very cute. Great use of space. But Darren’s use of space is amazing! I might not love the aesthetic and colors, but he really made the most of the space.

[@jessicastevens5782]

did he though? not even sure my cat would fit on the tapered part of the sofa, & w/no back, not sure I would either. plus the fur makes the drawers directly above it hard to open

[@manami_ma_shizuka568]

Noz's design is so beautiful and functional this time. I loved it :)

[@yanatheartist7783]

Loved everyones approach- but would definitely LIVE in Noz's

[@catherinequinn6102]

Noz knocked this one out of the park!

[@mannysanjose]

Noz schoolie is the most practical. I like it too

[@pascalejacquelinepetit5131]

This is a great trio - very diverse. Great humour, and the personality of each designer shines through.

[@Sunflower-fh1nw]

Noz's desing was perfect, very comfy, pratical and beautiful.

[@amyosborne9215]

My favorite is Noz’s design this time. It’s cute and practical. I love the stenciling. Those cabinets are awesome, too. Stay folksy, Noz!

[@Heroasaurus]

Definitely a scale issue on a lot of these concepts. One put pretend insulation on the walls but never actually thickened the walls in the render. These can be pretty walk through installs but simply aren’t realistic

[@Marjol]

I'm confused about the scaling too. That bed in Darren's bus would fit a toddler, not two grown adults. It looks very off.

[@aidasteele594]

As design goes, I love Darren’s. Just the curves, the relaxing color and how everything flows.

[@MrAndreCoutinho]

Love Noz's, looks cute and actually practical to live in. My only changes would be in the roof to accommodate some solar panels and a huge ceiling vent on the bed area.

[@ansbach74]

Of the three interior designers, I love Noz design handdowns. Thanks again, designers and AD.

[@browncesario]

noz is the only person who i think has seen a skoolie conversion before

[@sandraleigh4023]

Yes, and I believe she said she has actually done one before.

[@RakshadaShirley]

I would have liked to have seen their bathroom designs more.

[@Troutay]

Always love Joy's take on things. I do like the hippy vibe in Noz's bus.

[@mindfuldesignconsulting2108]

All three designs are truly exceptional without a doubt!

[@sundancita]

These 3 are my fave designers. I always love the reveal moment and they witness how different they are! I love them all for different reasons.

[@HoneyHexaComb]

Noz understood the assignment

[@EH23831]

Noz absolutely NAILED IT! 🙌🏻 LOVE 😍 (Darren’s would be a nightmare to keep clean 😣)

[@Sparklesuz]

Noz wins the big prize and Darren is next omg how FUN was this ! Joy, very sleek but the coffee table is a no-go :)

[@rabahelaawar2499]

This is the first time I liked all three designs, and that turquoise bus... Giving me Charlie's Angeld vibes... I have no problem having any of these buses... Wow!!! ❤

[@pman2916]

Yay Noz is back!!! I like Noz's set-up because its practical and secure😊

[@fredsalfa]

Darren’s really knocks it out of the park what a stunning design, futuristic streamlined usable and it actually feels like a jetliner than a bus it’s amazing. Joys is so conservative more like a static lounge room that doesn’t move. And Noz’s so eclectic and practical she hasn’t really gone overboard with anything here

[@xoxox.skinnychef]

Noz got the brief! Lived on the Mobile Broadcast News bus for 2 years running waste veggie, and Noz’s bus would be great!

[@19mx]

Joy's- practical classical taste, Darren's- let's go party vibe Noz's- the bedroom was fun

[@_wesleyhome_]

OMG I wish I could be as fearless as Darren Jett in these videos!

[@QueenSchatz]

My three favorite interior designers!!!

[@crazyguy_1233]

Noz did a perfect job here. Hers looks like she actually thought about practicality with a bus house. She made it have a practical design while still being super cozy. Joy’s design looked nice but it’s not practical for the road but I did like the storage over the wheels it helped separate the sleeping and living spaces. Darren’s style just wasn’t it. His was way too sterile and uncomfortable feeling it’s not cozy feeling at all. His style is more of a party bus or a club not a mobile bus house.

[@jackienavidad]

Transform a classroom or a yoga studio next! 😊

[@aaronjanlistanco]

I love Noz choices of designs it feels like comfortable, relaxing yet practicality just look at it.. Noz knows compatibility yet practicality at same time Noz designs makes me I want stay there

[@susanharris5926]

No. 1 and 3 immediately ignored insulation and blocking off the rear emergency exit and rear view vision. Nobody incorporated the possibility of solar panels on the roof.

[@amyherself]

I feel each person's design represents 3 different personalities. But I like all three😊

[@user-mv2tg8hc8c]

I looove Noz!! I love everything that she designs! I wish I could afford her!!

[@saraheschweiler4939]

Noz's design is excellent!😊🥰😘

[@JMJoubert]

First time I can appreciate all three designs.

[@leaneross4542]

Darren just devoured like always

[@magdalenalukaszewska3071]

Noz just wins this for me, it feels soooo homie, accept the sofa i like everything!!!

[@fantasylovemagic]

First time I prefer Noz's design! I like the materials, the colours and the practicality of it all.

[@starzmwl9327]

the lady in the blue sweater i feel has the most openness and light. i love the art on the top of the bus by the lady dressed in the blue wrap

[@barbaralangford9877]

Noz Nozewe is the best one for design, colors and functionality.

[@EarthOrNothing]

if I ever end up with a "skoolie", I want Noz to design it

[@Shabanezloth]

Darren's bus is so over the top, I love it

[@vlrsvvn791]

Darren’s design reminds me of a cool rental transport. The one you get for a party with your friends or bachelorette party and etc. Noz’s represents a camper van lifestyle, “life on a road”. Very cosy and rustic. Joy’s suits for a small boutigue hotel. I love that all three designs are so different and unique.

[@MrSodermalm]

Darren has done it again! I want to be a pop diva in dat bus! LUV!

[@Arima-jr3jr]

Noz design is practical yet cozy and beautiful ... Love it!!

[@thozacatz3684]

Darren’s bus would be great as a party bus rental for overnight concert trips or entertainment venues. I love Joy’s open and accessible roof top and color scheme. This is something that you could use for attending music festivals, tail gates, southern family reunions, weekend getaways, wine trips to Napa, Sonoma or trips to California coastline or beaches or glamping campsites. Noz’s is truly designed for extended bus life. I prefer neutral colors (beige,tans,brown, khakis, creams). The novelty of stencils would quickly fade. Wallpaper is best. Glow in the dark/peel on stars or a palm tree 🌴-a jungle or blue sky illusion for the ceiling would be cool. Would love to see the next challenge with a budget.

[@Gojoswife_]

This is my favorite noz design ever its so cute

[@ArsonTheShroom]

Noz's design is the only one that makes sense, and it just looks better. She clearly has experience of what the necessities of van life actually is.

[@GiaBlinks]

Joy's kitchen in the back sold me! Any odors just escape into the open air. And, that full window roof would be heavenly. They're all amazing, but I would pick hers.

[@scoutjunior6929]

In her design, there is no room for kitchen and bath --- she just ignored the requirements as usual.

[@MrCaku]

@@scoutjunior6929 I was so annoyed by that!

[@deltatango6793]

Love these 3 designers together ❤

[@battersup6706]

Love Darren’s design. It’s beautiful yet practical, and not cramped😊

[@BenitaStory]

I'd live in Noz's schoolie anytime. So practical, comfortable, bright and cheery. The only thing are the skylights as that's where the solar panels go on top of the bus.

[@graememiles7710]

Darren ate it up as usual

[@Ayiwa]

OMG I love all 3 but Noz’s was my most favorite.

[@moniquekyahlovewilson2374]

Noz is the only one that understood the assignment. Joy's is beautifully impractical....the bathroom would need to be outside based on her design :-( Carpet would be a nightmare...furniture that isn't grounded etc. Darren's didn't mention insulation and all that shine would be over stimulating and hot as heck. Great for a party bus but impractical for living in long term.

[@woin9361]

16:13 I LOVED her elegant take on this space, and I loved her even MORE when she placed that insane “Lacposte” fingerpainted alligator painting as the focal point 😂😂😂 it slayed me

[@woin9361]

These were all so different - what a delight! ❤

[@aaronjanlistanco]

Joy designs it feels like a grandparents that you want to visit in a vacation mode that feels you comfortable, be loved and welcoming vibes

[@irmasanchez5274]

This is the first time I like Darren's design which tend to be out there. Wow! He nailed it. This is also the first time I don’t like Joy's design. Noz clearly had the most experience, but the look of Darren's is cool, but functional.

[@jfcfanfic]

Noz was awesome and realistic.

[@pixel_scapes]

This is definitely the best episode!

[@user-fj3vd5ij2e]

Noz. Always Noz for me.

[@Doodlesartistictendeavors]

I love Noz design & Darren’s I can see both of them working!!

[@bunjijumper5345]

OMG, the lady with the huge flower, mind blown. She makes it look like something incredible.

[@jazzseaman7631]

Wow!!!.. Three fantastic designs..with three of my favorite designers!!.. Kudos to the three great designer's ideas!!!..As always a feast for the eyes!!

[@gardenjoy5223]

One has a price tag ten times the others, but yeah, would be fun to have it for a weekend :) But not any longer! The design by Noz seems to do well year round and wins this round. Joy's is practical when you entertain a lot and get dinner brought in.

[@luffyskywalker7549]

Darren made his bus look like the royal palace of oz 😂😂😂

[@mandlerparr1]

I think a mix of Noz and Joy designs would be great. I really like the couch and chair styles that joy picked, but make the couch more multi use. The chairs could replace those bench like dining seats, but keep the hook idea and just have them hooked on while driving.

[@starveartist]

This is the lineup people want. Joy for something actually liveable. Darren for interesting, and Noz for zany cuckoo for cocoa puffs entertainment

[@catabyte]

Wow. Best in the series so far. Love them all!!

[@gidiess7880]

I haven't even watched it yet just came here to say that these are my three faves and I'm so glad they're back together again!

[@sharonkaysnowton]

The school bus was definitely a challenge- My fav was Noz with her "folksy" decor. As for as Darren's design it looks like something Hugh Heffner and the Playboy Girls would be in. It is sooooo 1960s horrible. Noz' design is something that anyone could use and enjoy.

[@victoriaosunkwo1095]

I loved all 3 designs! But as an interior designer here in Nigeria, I think that when designing a small space or limited space, the first call is to go minimalist, so a minimalistic design with a lot of dual functional elements/ storage would do to help with movement and circulation within the space and for me, the guy's design won! Although a bit shiny but yh he understood the brief. Weldone❤

[@rastasurf413]

i just love Darren’s vision!it’s iconic for me every time

[@TheShandukie]

"Keep the living alive" My new favorite quote

[@robinirby222]

I was so happy to see them back! Please keep this series coming - it's excellent.

[@michellekulikauskas1236]

I love all three! I’d definitely take Noz’s design on the road. Darren’s I can see as a cool hidden bar/ lounge venue. And Joy’s I can see as my private lady cave in my back yard. Would not take Joy or Darren’s designs on the road though!

[@TP-fq8wd]

JOY had the best with that open dome ceiling and classic decor. I liked Noz storage designs.

[@sandraleigh4023]

I know I would break my neck tripping over the coffee table in the middle of the traffic flow though.....

[@selene007]

Wow! Darren Jett’s design is stunning! Strealined simplicity with specular accents that inspire the senses! 💙