KATHERINE VERNOT-JONAS
Katherine Vernot-Jonas Designs, LLC
SAY IT LOUD - WASHINGTON DC Exhibitor
Washington DC Based Designer
Who or what inspires you professionally?
Travel, being in contact with nature, visiting historic sites, and learning about traditions has enhanced my understanding of other cultures as well as my desire to incorporate green materials, support sustainable innovation, and foster wellness.
KATHERINE VERNOT-JONAS
Bio:
The great designer, Katherine is the founder and creative director of KVJ Designs, a consulting firm that focuses on creative designs prioritizing the well-being of buildings and their occupants. Katherine’s educational background includes a degree in Architecture and a Master’s in Marketing and Advertising. Her background and passion for wellness are reflected in her unique approach to the design process. Building a solid blueprint with contemporary, and innovative ideas are fundamental to her designs.
How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?
During one of my swimming competitions in Bogota, Colombia, my host father showed me his studio, sketches, and the architectural plans for the condominium he built. I was in total awe! It was then that I decided to be an architect.
What do you do?
I design creative concepts that are unique, functional and respond to my clients' needs. I also collaborate with multidisciplinary professionals to support the physical, mental, and social health of buildings and their occupants.
What excites you in the work you do?
Being able to combine design and wellness brings excitement to my life. I am passionate about layouts, patterns, colors, sustainability, and healthy environments. My biggest reward is to create a positive impact in my clients' lives.
Who or what inspires you professionally?
Travel, being in contact with nature, visiting historic sites, and learning about traditions has enhanced my understanding of other cultures as well as my desire to incorporate green materials, support sustainable innovation, and foster wellness.
What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
I am proud of founding KVJ Designs. It has not been an easy job. Being a female Latina in a profession dominated by men has its challenges. These challenges have made me stronger and more determined to go forward with my vision.
Featured Project Name:
Neuropsychology Center
Featured Project Location:
The Neuropsychology Center is in a building complex occupied mainly by physicians in Northwest Washington, D.C
Featured Project Completion Date:
The project was conducted in two phases. Phase number one consisted of converting a standard office into a modern Neuropsychology Center. The project was completed in 2014. Phase number two involved the addition of the immediate adjacent office to the existing center. The project was finalized in 2019.
Role in Featured Project:
This project was a collaboration between Katinas Bruckwick Architecture and Katherine Vernot-Jonas Designs, LLC. Katinas Bruckwick Architecture executed all the architectural design while Katherine’s firm oversaw the space planning and was responsible for developing the theme and designing the wellness aspects of the space.
Featured Project Description:
Katherine’s vision for The Neuropsychology Center was to create a magical place that stimulates the brain in a positive way, creating a familiar environment with a sense of belonging. To materialize this vision, Katherine proposed a transparent layout that looks after the physical, social, and mental health of all patients while promoting wellness. Each element of design comes together to achieve a cohesive and welcoming environment that eases the anxiety of neuropsychological testing.
Photography Credit:
Bruce E. Morgan
Featured Project Name:
Playroom
Featured Project Location:
Forest Hills, Washington D. C. The Playroom was a part of the DC Design fundraising event for Children's National Hospital.
Featured Project Completion Date:
The project was completed in 2014.
Role in Featured Project:
This project was done in a collaboration between FOX CRAFT firm and Katherine Vernot-Jonas Designs, LLC. Fox Craft executed all the architectural construction while Katherine oversaw the space planning and was responsible for developing the theme and designing the wellness aspects of the space.
Featured Project Description:
The playroom conveys the importance of a healthy and active lifestyle for children and their families, creating an environment of well-being by promoting a break from technology and bringing the outside world in. Kids can become outer space explorers and challenge themselves with the unique climbing wall mural. They can climb the ladder and slide down by the rope, workout with the rings and trapeze combo swing in the middle of the room or let their imagination fly by drawing on the chalkboard.
