We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jessica Fritz. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jessica below.
Jessica, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
As a young women in the construction industry there are many rooms that I sit in as the only female. Not only the only female, but a lot of times the youngest person while being the lead architect on the project. When you are different you can’t try to be like the other people in the room because they will see through your inauthenticity. You really have to show up with humility and get to know everyone’s perspective as well as utilize their expertise, this will allow them to trust you. Once the group trusts you and knows that you are on their team they won’t see you as any different then they are. Sometimes it feels frustrating and you will think that everyone should naturally except you, but it’s important to remember that you are breaking new ground and new boundaries and the ultimate goal is a successful project.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am focused on building J.Cor Architecture as a modern firm. As an artist at heart I want J.Cor to become a container where I myself and fellow architects can come to create beautiful homes and communities nationwide. Our bread and butter is currently in the Custom Home and Remodel space in Phoenix, Arizona. These types of projects feel challenging to me and also become a work of art as we move through the process of design. Professionally I am currently focused on my skills as a teacher and leader in order to shape young architects and allow them the opportunity of a fulfilling career in this field. As an artist and architect I am constantly building on my craft and skill set. Every project gets better, more refined and a little bit easier to solve. I build on my process with every project and every client helps me become more human and more empathetic. Designing a house is a very intimate process and producing something that becomes part of our built visual environment is not to be taken lightly. I am very passionate about what I do and I look forward to what J.Cor can become as a modern residential firm in Phoenix Arizona.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
The first most important skill is a strong work ethic. You really need a work ethic and resilience to endure the time and constructive criticism it takes to learn your craft. The second quality is humility. You will get things wrong at first and you need to be brave enough to learn from your mistakes as well as learn from the people around you who have been doing the work longer than you have. Last but not least you will have to have faith in order to get through the hard times. Sometimes you may be hurt or embarrassed and you can’t let it get you down and take you off your path. Have faith in yourself that you will reach your goals even when there are setbacks. If you embrace these qualities and push yourself through the first 5-10 years your passion for the job as well as your opportunities will lay out before you and you will be able to truly enjoy and find fulfillment in your career and work.
All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
The number one challenge in building my architectural firm is in finding strong employees that want to grow with the company. I believe that architecture firms in general have offered difficult cultures and work environments in the past that were not inclusive of different race and gender roles. I also believe that they have provided a top down business model where the lead architect takes all credit and profits while paying the team less than what they are worth. Gensler seems to be one of the stronger companies to break some of these boundaries and allow it’s employees an entrepreneurial career path, I recommend reading Art’s Principles by Art Gensler.
In order to resolve this I am developing an internship program and working on building a relationship with ASU in order to not only work, but to help to teach the young architects of tomorrow. My goal for J.Cor is to become a firm where employees can work toward licensure, learn how to become both architects and designers and have the opportunity to build their own portfolio and client base under the company. J.Cor would then become a vessel and brand in itself where the employees can be architects, designers and artists and build their own identity rather than working for one single person. I’d like to make the sky the limits for my team and a company culture that is passionate about art and our clients.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jcor-architecture.com
- Instagram: @jessicafritzarchitect
- Facebook: @jessicafritzarchitect
- Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/jessica-fritz-b5727137
Image Credits
Michael Bast Graphics
