Honoree Profile
Jill Doran
Partners by Design
- Title: Senior Designer
- Tenure at Firm: 3 Years
- Nominating Principal: Jennifer Nelson, Principal
- School: University of Illinois and Chicago & Harvard University
- Major: BS in Architectural Studies and Master of Architecture
Inspired By:
I love the emotional and experiential power that interior design can have. One of my favorite sources of inspiration is taking everyday joyful experiences and trying to manifest them in the designs we’re producing: the joy of sitting on a patio after a long winter, the coziness of sipping a cup of coffee at your favorite cafe. These can inspire everything from layout, materiality, lighting, and furniture selections to create an immersive experience that uplifts, supports, calms, or excites. What could be better?
Keys to a Successful Project:
Collaboration is truly the foundation of any successful project. From the very beginning, it’s about building a relationship with the client—taking the time to understand their needs, goals, and aspirations, and aligning our design vision with theirs. Within the studio, it’s the internal dialogue that pushes our ideas further—challenging each other, refining concepts, and ultimately arriving at stronger, more creative solutions. We rely on trusted partners—dealers, manufacturers, consultants—who help us specify the right products and bring technical knowledge to the table. And of course, we work closely with contractors who bring precision and care to executing the design. In every phase, collaboration ensures we’re not working in silos. It creates space for different types of expertise, allows ideas to evolve, and helps us deliver spaces that are not only beautiful, but highly intentional and deeply responsive to the people who use them.
Collaboration is truly the foundation of any successful project. From the very beginning, it’s about building a relationship with the client—taking the time to understand their needs, goals, and aspirations, and aligning our design vision with theirs. Within the studio, it’s the internal dialogue that pushes our ideas further—challenging each other, refining concepts, and ultimately arriving at stronger, more creative solutions. We rely on trusted partners—dealers, manufacturers, consultants—who help us specify the right products and bring technical knowledge to the table. And of course, we work closely with contractors who bring precision and care to executing the design. In every phase, collaboration ensures we’re not working in silos. It creates space for different types of expertise, allows ideas to evolve, and helps us deliver spaces that are not only beautiful, but highly intentional and deeply responsive to the people who use them.
Interests Outside of Work:
I love the process of making – and it takes on a bunch of different forms! Whether it’s knitting, cooking, or home improvement, I like the process of taking humble materials and turning them into something special.
“Jill has been a rising star for some time. She is an integral part in creating the Studio Directors of Design Group at PBD and has been a champion to elevate the design method and approach at PBD. She is well respected by her peers and is a wealth of knowledge for the studio.“
Jennifer Nelson
Principal
Favorite Haworth Collection Piece:
Cabana Lounge
What Is Special About It:
I love the endless configurations that can help to hit a wide variety of needs, and the design is a perfect mix of elevated and approachable.
Photos From Jill
