AIANS New Member Spotlight: Jessica Springer, Assoc. AIA, LEED Green Associate

We're excited to introduce a new New Member Spotlight series, highlighting some of the newest members of AIA Newark & Suburban Architects!

We always enjoy welcoming new members who help grow and strengthen our community, bringing fresh perspectives, experiences, and energy to the profession. This series is an opportunity to learn more about our members, their backgrounds, their interests, and what inspires them in their professional journeys.

A special thank you to Jessica Springer, Assoc. AIA, LEED Green Associate, for taking part in our first spotlight. We appreciate Jessica sharing her story with us and look forward to introducing more of our members in the months ahead.

Jessica Springer is an architectural design technician dedicated to creating thoughtful, adaptable spaces that balance innovation, context, and human experience. Her work investigates how architecture can adapt to shifting roles, environmental issues, and new technologies. With experience in healthcare, education, and commercial design, Jessica brings a detail-oriented approach to projects that prioritize collaboration, resilience, and meaningful connections between people and place. She is particularly interested in adaptive reuse and the urban environment.

Q&A

1. Tell us a little about yourself and your current role.

I was born and raised in Guyana, South America. I received my Associate of Interior Decorating from Sheridan University in Canada, then moved from there to the US, where I completed my Bachelor of Interior Design at Kean University. After working in Interior Design for 2 years, I enrolled at NJIT to pursue the Master of Architecture program. I graduated with top academic honors, for which I was awarded the AIA Medal for Academic Excellence. I am currently employed as a Design Technician at NK Architects.

2. What inspired you to pursue a career in architecture?

In my final year at Kean, I redesigned my local train station as my studio project. At that point, I truly felt that architecture was my path forward. I was excited about urban and commercial architecture, but initially I was a bit hesitant to return to the classroom, having completed two degrees. However, even as I worked in interiors, I realised that was not where I wanted to remain.

3. What project, class, or experience has had the biggest impact on your development so far?

In terms of impact, I like being out in the field and seeing details in person. Visiting construction sites allows me to connect the drawings I create in Revit with the physical building as it comes to life. Being able to walk through a completed project and recognize elements that I modeled is incredibly gratifying and reminds me that my work has a tangible, lasting impact on the built environment.

4. What area of architecture are you most interested in exploring as your career grows?

In the future, I would like to get into Master Planning, as I'm interested in creating ideas that improve city operations. Shaping communities that enhance accessibility, sustainability, and the quality of life for those who utilise these spaces daily, the idea of creating communities on a wider scale is particularly alluring. I want to expand on my technical expertise and architectural design skills while learning more about urban planning and interdisciplinary teamwork. In the end, I want to work on projects that not only address current design issues but also have long-lasting, beneficial effects on the communities they serve.

5. What excites you most about the future of the profession?

I appreciate that this line of work can adapt to evolving projects, environments, and technological advancements. There is always something new to learn because of this ongoing progress, whether it be new building technology, software, materials, or design strategies. I regard AI as another tool that can improve the design process rather than replace architects, even as its growing involvement raises questions about how the field will evolve. What makes architecture such a vibrant and fulfilling field is the chance to adopt new technologies while making significant, human-centered designs.

6. Why did you decide to join AIA Newark & Suburban Architects?

I joined AIA Newark & Suburban to meet more people in the field and as a way of acquiring pertinent knowledge. As a new professional, I believe that this organisation can be beneficial in my growth and development.

7. What architect, designer, or building has influenced your thinking the most?

One building that has influenced my thinking the most is the Brooklyn Paramount Concert Hall. Every time I visit, it gives me a renewed sense of creativity and appreciation for architecture. The restoration honors the building's original character and craftsmanship while thoughtfully adapting it to serve contemporary needs. It demonstrates that great architecture is not only about creating something new but also about recognizing the value of existing spaces and giving them a new purpose. To me, it’s the best example of preserving cultural identity, revitalizing communities, and creating meaningful places that continue to evolve.

8. Who has been an important mentor or influence in your architectural journey?

My Urbanism Professor at NJIT, Christopher Watson, is one of the great mentors I have encountered so far. He taught me what the impact of good architecture is on a community.

9. What is one piece of advice you would give to architecture students or emerging professionals?

One piece of advice to any emerging professional: Don’t be shy to pursue what you want and surround yourself with others who believe in you and support you.

10. When you're not working or studying architecture, what do you enjoy doing?

I would say I love crafting; anything to do with my hands. Currently, I am learning to sew my own clothes.