Jennifer A. Jelinek (’00), serves as the owner of JJ Interiors, and the president of the American Society of Interior Designers Colorado Chapter.
Once a chemistry major before devoting herself to her true passion as an interior designer, Jelinek approaches her designs in a methodical and purposeful way. She believes beauty can both be quantified and felt in an unexplainable way. With over 20 years of design experience, Jelinek has used her organizational skills and creative talents to design premium living spaces throughout her native Colorado, nationally, and internationally. Her work has been recognized in many publications and with numerous awards.
Jelinek graduated with a bachelor’s degree in interior design, a FIDER-accredited program in the Department of Design and Merchandising at Colorado State University. This education gave her many tools and a well-rounded knowledge of design history, principles and elements of design, as well as construction familiarity. Starting as student chapter president of ASID, Jelinek has been a long-standing professional member of ASID upholding high ethical and professional standards while promoting excellence in design. (The CSU chapter of ASID continues to thrive; read about recent accolades.)
“My love of travel and appreciation for the natural environment shapes my view on the built environment,” she said. “Healthy, functional, and inspired interior spaces are vital to supporting a high quality of life. We spend much of our time indoors and our home environment should feed the soul and represent who we are.”
With her husband, Ryan Winter, Jelinek has visited more than 33 countries on five continents, soaking up design inspiration through architecture, culture, and environment. “Though our travels have taken us around the world, we appreciate all that Colorado affords us,” she said.
Describe your current position and some of the responsibilities that come with it.
As a designer and business owner, I wear many hats and they are ever changing. All the responsibilities that come with running a successful business, including marketing, budgeting, contract management, bookkeeping, scheduling, etc. are mine. I do outsource a few keys items where others excel or where a little extra assistance is needed. Customer service is one of the most important responsibilities and for that reason I maintain direct relationships with all my clients. Understanding clients’ needs, setting and exceeding expectations, and ensuring that communication is clear is best put upon my shoulders. The JJ Interiors brand and reputation has been built upon those relationships with clients and design teammates.
Why did you decide to pursue your current career path?
Happenstance really. After several years of working at a well-known interior design firm, I was ready for new experiences and a warmer climate. With intentions to leave Colorado, though a happy resident for all my years, I was prepared to find a new path elsewhere. However, I received an inquiry from a contractor with whom I completed a previous project, and he referred me to a friend of his needing the expertise of a professional designer. That referral opened doors to work in Colorado which kept me here and prompted me to start my own business, JJ Interiors. From my experience working in the residential field, I gained further knowledge in the luxury design niche. There are thousands of details on every custom home project and my ability to be creative and well organized are a perfect pairing for managing large scale projects. I enjoy working directly with homeowners; learning about their needs and providing a variety of design solutions in differing styles to satisfy the unique desires of each client. I guess I have entrepreneurial blood born out of circumstance and an independent spirit. My mom is a creative person with a crafting business of her own, and my dad began his plumbing company when I was a young child. I always admired the courage it took to take that leap and the hard work it took to be successful. I have a tremendous appreciation for those who put themselves out there and offer opportunities to others.
How have your education and experiences at CSU helped you in your career?
My education and degree in interior design most certainly has played a large part in my career as did my involvement in ASID (American Society of Interior Designers) Colorado Student Chapter. I may risk offending many who have chosen a different path within the design and construction industry by what I am about to say regarding a deeper education. With a knack for color or a good eye for how to combine elements of design, it is possible to be a good decorator. Altering the appearance, comfort, and function of a room can miraculously transform it and make it beautiful. Little to no education may be required, and experience can hone innate talent. I am often impressed by those who have impeccable taste and outstanding creative talent. However, the background and foundation provided by the accredited design program at CSU provided many additional skills necessary for the path I chose. One of my first days as a design student, I was invited to join the student chapter of ASID. In my coursework, I was introduced to space planning, drafting, construction knowledge, textiles, history, science of lighting, building codes, among many other subjects which have enhanced my creative skills. And through my involvement in ASID, I grew my professionalism, leadership, networking, and gained connections which landed me my first design job. Education and continuing education allow me to communicate with greater understanding with architects, contractors, furniture manufacturers, suppliers providing custom products for my projects, and afford me the ability to find more interesting solutions for my clients. No one right path is right for all, but I am firm believer that the education and experiences I have as a student at CSU have contributed to my success in the path I chose.
Also, I continue to work in the industry with many of my former classmates who started their own businesses, specialized in cabinetry or flooring or plumbing, or veered off into the world of commercial design. One enduring friend is Jennifer Medoff (’00). We met in the interior design program, collaborated on projects, were on the ASID Student Chapter board together, and interned together in Boston at an architectural office. Since graduation, we both continue to work in interior design and often find ways to share our skills on non-profit work or client projects, or get together for adventures. The most precious gift is our friendship.
What advice do you have for students looking to join your field?
This is a challenging industry with lots moving parts and many different areas of specialization available. Find your passion and go for it 100%. Study. Take it seriously as the health, safety, and welfare of your clients, or the public, is in your hands. You have the power to create positive change so use it! Be confident yet humble in your abilities. Spell check your resume and research companies that you would like to work with; get their name right when you contact them. Stand out from your peers by getting involved. Practice your communication and social skills by meeting as many people as you can, asking questions, and learning from those that came before you. Give back to the community and those that will come after you. Be open minded to all opportunities that will make you a better person and a better designer and you never know what those opportunities might be.
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The Department of Design and Merchandising is a part of CSU’s College of Health and Human Sciences.
