Jessica Vanecek '11

About Jessica

Hometown:
Reedville, VA

University Partner:
University of Virginia

Degree:
Architecture

Grant Partner:
Reed Hilderbrand

Senior Mentor:
Gary Hilderbrand

"Finding a program that provides one with the opportunity to live in a new city with a group of peers, while simultaneously working at a highly acclaimed firm that caters a research project to one’s personal interests, is incredibly rare. Having described exactly what Steamboat provided me with, I find it hard to believe that any other program offered could compete, and I can certainly say that this may very well be the most enriching experience I will undergo as a young adult."

Scholar Background

In the years prior to her Steamboat summer, Jessica worked consecutively for a residential architect, spending each summer at home learning the practicalities of design that one does not necessarily learn in school. Each fall, she returned to UVA, where she was heavily involved with numerous organizations, most notably Habitat for Humanity, Freedom by Design, and the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS). Being a part of AIAS since first year, Jessica has held the position of Liaisons Chair and Co-President. This organization is dedicated to provide its members with certain benefits, such as career development services and connectivity between class years within the School of Architecture. She also thoroughly enjoys working to better the community of Charlottesville through Habitat and Freedom by Design, both non-profit service groups. Jessica takes great pride in having been so involved during college, but has recently noted that all her efforts have been focused solely around architecture within her home state of Virginia. In that regard, her Steamboat summer was a truly enriching experience in that it allowed her to gain knowledge in the field of landscape architecture, and live seven states away with peers who influenced her thinking in many new ways due to a difference in academic background.

Internship Description

On her first day, Jessica jumped right into the fray at Reed Hilderbrand, arriving at 7:30AM to accompany project manager John Kett on a site visit to Deerfield Academy, two hours west of Boston. The rest of her week was spent working on this short term project, learning a little about the logistics of landscape architecture, and a lot about the basics of an unfamiliar computer program. While the main focus for her summer was intended to be an independent research project, the opportunity to work on current projects like the aforementioned became a valuable tool in her understanding of the profession, and it was all due to the office’s current demanding state of business. After working with Kett, Jessica spent time advancing the “Great Streets” database with guidance from designer Kristin Frederickson, project manager Naomi Cottrell, and Senior Mentor and Principal Gary Hilderbrand. This work was begun by Blair Phillips ’10, and has become an important resource not only for Gary personally, but for the office as a whole. To conclude the summer, Jessica worked under the supervision of Frederickson and project manager Eric Kramer conducting research at City Hall Plaza in Boston, which will aid in the redesign of the landmarked space, currently in its initial phases.