Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Talley. Them and their team share their story with us below:
Born in New York, Jessica Talley, the founder of Spring Architecture + Design, received an architecture degree from Columbia University Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation, where she won the prestigious award given by the American Institute of Architects, the Certificate of Merit for “excellence in the study of architecture” and the “recognition of scholastic achievement, character and promise of professional ability.” Jessica commenced her college studies at Amherst College in Massachusetts where she graduated Cum Laude with Honors Distinction in studio art, painting, and sculpture. Upon attaining her graduate degree in 2010, she worked at the international architecture firm Kohn Pedersen Fox PC on several residential and commercial projects all over the world, including the prominent: Prudential Headquarters Newark, New Jersey. During this time, she obtained her architecture license and registration in the state of New York.
Jessica’s profound experience in both the art and architecture worlds mixed with her passion for the earth and people’s well-being contributes to her success in design today. Known for her innovative work, she continues to push the boundaries of architecture and design. Over the past few years, with her talent, dedication and experience in the field, Jessica has been creating teams of collaborative design professionals, energy experts, and contractors to successfully construct residential and commercial projects. Exceeding client expectations, Spring provides quality architecture as a composition of art while efficiently meeting timelines and budgets.
Well-being and Sustainability are Spring’s main driving incentives in architecture. With comprehensive, energy-efficient strategies and environmentally conscious materials, Spring makes a meaningful impact while reducing carbon footprint. While balancing playful, creative form with serious, thoughtful function, Spring prioritizes sustainability and helping the climate. Jessica builds teams with an optimistic personality with a silver-lining perspective who are driven by nature and now more than ever concerned for the well-being of people and the environment.
In 2019, Jessica became a member of the American Institute of Architects’ COTE, the Committee on the Environment, which is a powerful group who stands for a sustainable future and is at the forefront of green design strategies and best practices. While also involved in her local community’s organization and effort for a Sustainable Westport. Jessica uses her experience and creates through a multi-colored lens producing not just beautiful, sustainable architecture but also a significant level of well-being and health for people to live their perfect life.
“We push through and go beyond the edge, that’s when the magic happens. We know our job is done well when we have impacted a positive well-being for people and a happy, healthy architecture for the community and climate. We are thrilled to see the spark in people’s eyes and experience the excitement in others from our designs. We love what we do.” – Jessica Talley, Founder
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
In 2015, I had been working at the firm Kohn Pedersen Fox in Manhattan, and I had had my first son, Tyler while there and was studying for my license exams and pregnant with my second son, Luca. I always knew I wanted multiple children and the flexibility to care for them in a very hands-on way. I wanted the freedom to run my own schedule, to thrive in business as well as being a mom. So, I decided the only way to do this was to start my own business, to be an entrepreneur, and allow work to be flexible and exist organically in my world. I had my third child, Isabelle, three years after I started my business. Now, I have three children and a growing business. I’m on a mission to make the world a better place—with architecture as a form of art, beauty, and sustainability that is uplifting and inspiring for people, community, and the environment.
All that said, one of the challenges would be: having the patience through it all. It takes time to get to success. I have learned to be mindful along the way, and that the process is also success. The building blocks of my education, getting a license, starting up a business, creating a family, having a life, are strong and I have come to know and trust that time is on my side. Having the patience is so important. Knowing my fire inside for creating here and around the world will reach far and beyond and I will foster it as it all happens.
Another challenge which I am sure other women can relate, is being a woman in a male-dominant profession. For me I have made sure that it is not a deterrence, especially having been through it and now raising a daughter and two sons. Let’s start here: Women in general have been coded with limiting beliefs when it comes to the workplace as generation after generation has hounded the notion into women’s brains: men work and women caretake. However, we all know that there are women who work and men that caretake as well, and then there are people who do both. Basically, there is no one definitive way for any one person. I can speak for most women- we are incredibly strong, resilient, intelligent, powerful and capable. So, if all the distractions or past beliefs can be removed, there is no stopping women from where it is they want to go. And the world is a better place when people, men and women, live their true destiny and allow each other to thrive.
Of course, I have many stories throughout the years of male (and female) chauvinism, harassment, male-dominated round tables, and meetings. To this day, I am often the one of or the only woman in the meeting amongst males, though I do not let that discourage. Will it be more equal for our children’s generation? I believe it will. I am mentoring and teaching as many other women and mothers to encourage them to use their potential. I also try to hire women and support women in the workplace, and as a friend. I am grateful for the support I have had from family and friends, the talents I have, and the confidence I have in myself. I have known to keep secure, strong and to stay the course on my mission of what I am here to do: improve the wellbeing of others and the environment through my work.
I work and I caretake and I hope to inspire other women to do the same. Stand up for what you know you are here to do. It is sometimes scary, but also so exciting to be a leader, a female entrepreneur, and a mom. I tell myself and my kids all the time that you can choose what you want to do. Create the life you feel is right for you in this world, and don’t let that other stuff of who, what, or how get in the way.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Spring Architecture + Design approaches each project uniquely by connecting, engaging, and finding the best design solutions for each client. We ask: What excites you? What are your dreams? What do you hope to prioritize? Would you like to feel better? Our initial consultation is where we get to know each other, gain perspective on your needs, desires, and ideas for your project. We ask questions, collect data and then we focus on what is exciting for our clients, your aspirations, and weave them into our creative vision to manifest them into reality. Dreams are important, so don’t leave any out.
We collaborate throughout the rest of the project and communicate on our progress. Our company works on new construction projects from conception to completion on residential, commercial, community and philanthropic architecture. We come on at the start of each project to conceive the vision of what it looks and feels like. Throughout the process, we elaborate with more detail and drawings for construction so the contractors and other companies we work with comply with the vision. We take this as our guide, everyone is aboard, and our company leads the full design. We also consult on client’s or investors potential dream projects and help envision their architecture.
On all projects, we team up with energy and sustainability experts to make our architecture energy-efficient and environmentally conscious. We lead full design on dream projects, brand new construction, visualization for potential ideas, sustainability installations in existing or new projects, interior design, and exterior design renovations.
Spring Architecture + Design focuses on the environment and well-being of people. I as the Principal personally have an incredible, deep pull toward nature and am extremely driven by a need to help, protect, and nurture it. From being as sustainable as possible to composting there is a long list of how I feel and act personally to care for the environment. I am working on doing this in the field of architecture, too, bringing my care for nature and the environment to Spring team’s work. In 2019, I became a member of the American Institute of Architects’ COTE (Committee on the Environment), a group at the forefront of green design strategies and best practices.
Spring Architecture + Design works to reduce carbon footprint and prioritizes sustainability. For instance, they team up with energy and sustainability experts to make the architecture energy-efficient and environmentally conscious. I am dedicated to make this happen and to inspire others to do it at a larger level than just myself, my family, and my community.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I would say three main characteristics of mine I must give credit to for my success in business and life are: Intuition, Compassion, and Gratitude. Intuition is key when designing and navigating business. Compassion is also a must in understanding clients, people, and communities. Gratitude comes naturally, as I am so grateful to do and give what I love to others.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@springdesigns.com
- Website: https://www.springdesigns.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spring.architecture.design/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/springarchitecturedesign
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/SpringPLLC
