Bio:

The Great designer, Jenny is an award-winning expert in design. Her work on some of the firm’s most complex projects has included transforming an abandoned power plant and a decommissioned hospital into modern apartments. Jenny’s work in urban settings makes her an expert on managing projects that have tight boundaries and require a sensitive approach to construction. As the president of the North Downtown Community Alliance Jenny is passionate about the things that make Omaha a great place to live, work and play.

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How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?

I started my undergraduate education in engineering but I could not see myself in that career. A professor once sarcastically said. “Architects only make things look good, we do all the work.” I knew he was wrong and I immediately changed my major.

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What do you do?

Basically I design buildings and spaces, but the job is so much more than that. I deal with code, budgets, schedules, materials, clients, coworkers and consultants everyday to deliver one of the most highly complex products (buildings) imaginable.

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What excites you in the work you do?

I really enjoy transforming buildings that other people see as past the point of saving. I also like working in neighborhoods that are being revitalized through investment and development and helping clients realized their dreams as built work.

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Who or what inspires you professionally?

Travel inspires me most. Architecture and design are present everywhere and seeing how other cities, neighborhoods, and architects tackle design informs my decisions and sparks my creativity.

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What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?

Working with a repeat client to save and re-purpose many of Omaha’s historic buildings that would have otherwise been demolished. It’s sustainable, challenging, and rewarding.

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Featured Project Name: 

Film Streams Dundee

 

Featured Project Location: 

Omaha, Nebraska

 

Featured Project Completion Date: 

2017

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Role in Featured Project: 

Project Architect

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Featured Project Description:

The restoration and addition to Omaha’s last surviving single-screen neighborhood cinema included a complete gut of the building and adjacent bar, leaving only major structural elements and historically significant pieces in place. A reconfigured entry and concessions offer better accessibility. A 25-seat microcinema, small book and video store, and full-service restaurant were added to the space, while the historic 300-seat main theater was returned to its former glory.

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Photography Credit:

Dan Schwalm

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