Jenny Delgado | Higher Education Practice Co-Leader

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jenny Delgado and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
What I love most about architecture and design is that it strengthens society. Great design doesn’t just create environments – it creates important socioeconomic opportunities for people; it helps communities thrive in new ways; it allows us to live healthier; better protect our environment and so much more. Our team at CannonDesign really embraces this aspect of the practice. We are a Living-Centered Design firm which means we approach every project from the perspective of “how will it help people flourish? How will it make the world a better place?”

That approach is reflected in our work. Just in Southern California, our teams are currently designing a breakthrough solution for LA’s homeless population, a new health centers for autistic children, helping colleges and universities define the future of education, opening community centers for recreation, and helping leading businesses create spaces for tomorrow’s brightest ideas. We even host a HORIZON series focused on elevating the brightest possibilities for the future. Designers are able to create spaces and solutions that make a difference for generations. Our positive impact on society outlives our careers and that inspires me each day.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My favorite spots span the LA metropolitan area and San Diego. When friends visit, our first stop is downtown LA to spots where they can see the LA skyline such as Perch, The NoMad or the Standard. My favorite place to eat in DTLA is Bestia. On day two I recommend a walk or bike ride along the strand from Redondo Beach to Manhattan Beach and then have the most amazing seafood at Fishing with Dynamite. Day three would be spent visiting the Griffith Observatory and hanging out in West Hollywood. Day number four, is hitting the Broad museum and LACMA. Next is a drive to San Diego, enjoying the views of the ocean along the coast, stopping for lunch at the outdoor terrace of Tom Ham’s Lighthouse to enjoy the bay. Lat day would be a visit to Balboa Park ending with dinner at Ironside Fish & Oyster in Little Italy.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are a couple of moments in my life I can clearly remember truly shaping who I am today. When I was in College, a professor called me into his office after submitting my project and told me: “there is no room for mediocrity in this world. If you want to succeed, your work and actions need to be exceptional. Take your project and come back with a good effort.”

Another defining moment came when a lawyer, who was helping me with a child support issue told me: “There are Ordinary and Extraordinary people in this world, the extraordinary people are those who do extra everyday. You can decide to be one of those people” I dedicate my shout out to my daughter Alexa. I live my life to be someone she admires.