Designer insights with Jill Jarrett

Jill Jarrett graduated from The Pennsylvania State University with a degree in Industrial Engineering in 1987. Having worked as an industrial engineer for a number of companies, she totally remodelled her first home, designing her next home from scratch. In 2004 she followed her passion officially by taking classes with the National Kitchen and Bath Association, gaining her AKBD certification in September 2006. She has gained much experience interfacing with clients, subcontractors and vendors by working for a local kitchen dealer, enabling her to launch her own business, Jarrett Design LLC in 2006, therefore we are proud to bring you the designer insights of Jill Jarrett.

Designer Insights - Jill Jarrett

Image Credit: 1) Sub-Zero/Wolf 2) Matt Villano 3) DeVOL 4) Matt Villano 5) Matt Villano

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1) In your own words describe your unique style and creative aesthetic?

I would describe my style as classic and relaxed, incorporating natural elements whenever possible.

2) When starting a new project, what is your creative process?

When starting a new project, my creative process is to listen intently to my clients, gather images and ideas with them for inspiration, patiently ponder the possibilities, foster functionality, follow with aesthetic touches, review pros and cons, listen some more, and revise accordingly as many times as necessary.  The end result is always worth the time spent.

3) Out of the creative people you have worked with, who is it that you respect and admire the most?

Out of the creative people I have worked with, the person I respect and admire most is my mother.  She is constantly creative while home and family centric.  Often rearranging furniture and making the most of what is available to her, she has a natural ability to create warm, welcoming spaces inside the home as well as in her many gardens.  Included in her repertoire of crafts and talents are quilting, needlepoint, embroidery, sewing window treatments, bedding and clothing, building terrariums, making macramé basket hangers, wood working, painting, arranging flowers, gardening, cooking and baking.  Throughout my childhood, my mother exuded creativity on a daily basis.  While my father constantly stressed the importance of following a technical path of math and science, my mother assured me that creativity was within me as well.

4) When looking for inspiration is there a particular thing you do to get inspired?

When seeking inspiration, I consult myriad magazines, tearing out images and organizing them in binders.  I am a bit of a book addict, reading as much as possible.  I take advantage of all the wonderful websites, and social media outlets. I keep my eyes wide open in my travels snapping photos often.  Inspiration and applicable ideas specific to current projects usually come to me in quiet moments.

5) What has brought you to this point in your career? And what is your advice for people looking to follow in your footsteps?

My advice to folks looking to follow in my footsteps would be to be honest with yourself about your strengths and weaknesses. Surround yourself with experts in various fields, especially those in which you are not strong.  Ask questions, seek knowledge, work hard, welcome risks, have confidence, and serve others with diligence, honesty and respect.  Jump in!  Chances are, you will find a rewarding, enjoyable career.