Honoree Profile

Jenna Weber

CannonDesign

Title: Interior Designer
Tenure at Firm: 2 years
Nominating Principal: Lauren Andrysiak, Principal
School: University of Cincinnati
Major: Interior Design

Inspired By:

My daily work is inspired by people. I am inspired by the people I’m designing for, and how I can create the best possible spaces for them. I am inspired by the people I work with and those who make up this beautiful design community in Chicago. There are so many creative, smart, and wonderful people in this profession who are doing amazing things! I am inspired by the young designers and designers-to-be.

I can’t wait to see all they will do. And most of all, I am inspired by those who have supported me along my path so far – my family, friends, and mentors. They are the reason I am who I am, and I am so grateful. I am inspired to continue to learn, grow, and do my best because I know we can make this world a better place.

Keys to a Successful Project:

I think the key elements of a successful project are empathy, collaboration, and commitment to a shared goal. Empathy determines the impact of a project because understanding the perspectives of the people we design for allows us to develop solutions that provide exactly what they need. In addition, a strong project team that focuses on collaboration and is committed to a shared goal is key to successfully executing the goals set out on a project. By leveraging multiple perspectives and skillsets, and aligning on what is important on a project, we can create meaningful solutions together.

Which experiences have most influenced how you approach design?

Early on in my career, I worked with a group of designers who were wonderful storytellers. Learning from them shaped how I think about design because I saw how every detail of the design connected back to the story and formed a meaningful product. Now, when I design, I go back to the concept and story throughout every phase of a project and consider how everything ties together. I also think that working in the healthcare market has impacted my approach by focusing my mindset toward people-focused and evidence-based design.

“Jenna has distinguished herself as an emerging talent at CannonDesign. Through expertly applying their design skills to prominent projects, providing mentorship to junior team members, and co-leading the Education and Materials Center, Jenna is rapidly establishing herself as a leader within CannonDesign’s Chicago studio.”

Lauren Andrysiak
Principal

Favorite Haworth Collection Piece & Why:

Back Wing Lounge Chair. I like the Back Wing Lounge Chair because it is a great chair for connecting with others. Its design is simple and beautiful, allowing it to fit seamlessly within a seating group. The curved back embraces you in a way that makes it comfortable and casual, perfect for spending time making meaningful connections.

Your current favorite color (RGB, CMYK, or HEX#):

#9B3835