Kaylie Siwy, an alum from Jefferson’s BS in Interior Design program, grew up in East Greenville, Pennsylvania, and took a leap after graduation. She moved across the country to Oregon, where a connection made by her professor led to her first role at ZGF Architects. Today she helps create people-centered, sustainable spaces at a firm whose work spans healthcare, workplace, higher education, aviation and civic projects.
What was the best part of your time at Jefferson?
The best part of my time at Jefferson was the close-knit community and the relationships I built with my professors and classmates. The one-on-one guidance from my professors made me feel supported while constantly challenging me to grow and push my design abilities further. I also loved being surrounded by other creative students who encouraged me to explore new ideas and think outside the box. Jefferson gave me the confidence to take creative risks, learn from feedback, and continue developing my own design voice.
How has your Jefferson degree prepared you for your career?
My Jefferson degree gave me a strong foundation for starting my career in interior design. The program taught me to think beyond just making a space look good and really understand how it functions and how people experience it. The hands-on experience and tools I gained helped prepare me for working in a professional design firm. I learned how to take an idea from the initial concept through to a finished design, while building my skills in communicating ideas, collaborating with others, and using feedback to strengthen my work. Most importantly, Jefferson encouraged me to be creative, try new things, and continue pushing myself as a designer. Those are skills I still use every day in my career.
What are you doing now?
Four years ago, I moved to Oregon and started my career at ZGF Architects through a connection my interior design professor, Lisa Phillips, helped me make with a principal at the firm. ZGF is an architecture, interiors, and planning firm that works across healthcare, workplace, higher education, aviation, and civic projects. I’ve really enjoyed being part of a firm that focuses on creating innovative, people-centered spaces while incorporating sustainable design.
What’s something people would be surprised to find out about you?
I’m probably more spontaneous than people would expect! I moved across the country to Oregon without knowing anyone, signed up for a half marathon the day before, and love exploring new places with no real plan. I’m always willing to try something new, even if I have no idea what I’m getting myself into.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to our current students?
My biggest piece of advice to current students is to push yourself beyond what feels comfortable. Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself, try new ideas, and take risks with your designs. Be confident in the work you create and take ownership of your ideas. Always be a leader in your designs, trust your creative instincts, and don’t be afraid to push your limits. You never know how much you can grow until you challenge yourself.