Jennifer Wilcynski, CDF, IIDA, NCIDQ, LEED AP, EDAC

I attribute my success to a combination of curiosity, perseverance, and a deep passion for designing spaces that positively impact people’s lives. My career path was shaped early by resilience and adaptability. As a child, I dreamed of becoming a veterinarian, but after struggling through Introduction to Chemistry—twice—I learned the importance of pivoting when something isn’t aligned. That experience ultimately led me to interior design, where I discovered my strengths in three-dimensional thinking, problem-solving, and translating complex needs into meaningful environments.

I graduated from Arizona State University’s competitive interior design program and have remained in the design field ever since, driven by the opportunity to improve patients’ health journeys through thoughtful, evidence-informed environments. Over the years, I’ve earned professional certifications including EDAC (Evidence-Based Design Accreditation), NCIDQ, LEED AP, and IIDA Certified Design Futurist, and I’ve taken on leadership roles such as guiding our firm’s Center for Health Design membership and serving on the Dignity Health East Valley Foundation board. These experiences have reinforced my belief that purposeful design, combined with continuous learning and collaboration, is the key to creating meaningful impact.

The best career advice I’ve ever received is the importance of mentorship and building strong professional relationships. Throughout my career in interior design, I’ve benefited from both formal and informal mentoring, learning from talented leaders like Daily Wright and Tiana Lemons, who have supported my professional growth and championed evidence-based design initiatives at Grace Design Studios. I’ve also embraced the opportunity to give back by mentoring others, helping emerging designers navigate the field and find their own paths. Networking, I’ve learned, is equally essential—personal connections often open doors to opportunities that skills alone cannot, and fostering those relationships is a cornerstone of long-term career success, particularly for young women entering the profession.

Network, network, network, as much as you possibly can. I was just at an event where students came in to talk to a panel of people in the healthcare realm about getting into the field, and those kinds of programs are really important. Yes, the school of your choice that you came from is important, but sometimes it does come down to who you know and getting those connections. I was a juror for the University of Tennessee in Knoxville for their interior architecture program, and just yesterday I received a portfolio from someone's niece looking for a summer internship. I looked at her portfolio and realized I know this project because I had already reviewed her work as a juror. It's one of those full-circle moments, and sometimes it's who you know. As someone told me, who you know gets you there, what you know keeps you there, and I 100% agree with that.

The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are empathy, service, and meaningful connection. Professionally, I’m committed to designing healthcare environments that support patients, families, and staff, guided by a belief that thoughtful spaces can improve well-being and outcomes. I also value giving back to my community, exemplified by my involvement with the Dignity Health East Valley Foundation. Personally, I prioritize family, meaningful experiences, and adventure, finding fulfillment in moments like scuba diving alongside my daughter, playing pickleball with my son, and taking a walk with my husband after dinner—experiences that deepen connection, perspective, and growth.