Jenna Hill

Location
Los Angeles, California

Education
Alberta College of Art and Design, Fine Arts — Drawing, Bachelor of Fine Art; University of Alberta, Industrial Design, Master of Design

Introduction
Jenna enjoys the “fuzziness” of design problems…there are so many possibilities, too much or not enough information, potentially catastrophic outcomes and ideal scenarios. Jenna tries to look at these complex design problems holistically, to anticipate potential outcomes and broader consequences, and consider courses of action and design solutions with openness and curiosity. Jenna believes that design is a process that invites us to imagine new ways of doing and ways of being, where we work toward creating more sustainable and equitable environments, spaces, products, and systems for people to live, work, and thrive.

Briefly describe your current day to day.
Every day is more interesting and different than the day before because I am encountering projects at different scales and different stages of design. I could be in a workshop with clients considering a big picture problem, like a master plan for a whole campus and working through different scenarios to accomplish their goals. Or, I could be researching current trends and practices that will help guide future decision making or inform the design of a particular space. Each project has unique characteristics. I love learning about each of the organizations we work with, understanding what makes them unique, and ultimately helping them to accomplish their goals.

What advice would you give someone applying to the DSD Program?
If you are a person who is insatiably curious and loves to learn, lives for looking at lots and lots of data and distilling it into useful information, is always coming up with out-of-the-box ideas and considering different possible scenarios, or loves solving complex problems and working with people, this career could be right for you. The DSD program will help you leverage those abilities by providing you with access to experts, on-the-job training, and guidance that will inform your development.

There really is no perfect answer and it may take you a few tries before you complete your case study. What is important is demonstrating your approach and how you think through the “fuzziness” of a design problem.

Describe the Los Angeles office in 3 words or less?
Engaged, enthusiastic, brilliant.