At ABLA, our people are integral to our success. Each month we’re spotlighting essential members of our team to learn more about what they do, what they love, and what’s the secret to their success.
Name Jessika Byrn
Position Landscape Architect II
How long have you been at ABLA?
I hit my one year with the company at the end of October!
How do you like to start your day?
Typically, I like to start my day with a big cup of coffee! I won it at ABLA’s last year’s Christmas party, and I like to make fun/different concoctions, like my own little Starbucks! Once I get to work, I always like to check in with my team first before moving into the day’s work (I feel ABLA has cultivated a strong team atmosphere that allows us to not only grow as individuals, but also be productive through team collaboration).
What does a typical day entail?
One of the best things about ABLA is that everyday is a little bit different. Some days, I will be working in AutoCAD, setting up sheets, whereas other days we are working in Photoshop, creating rendering that really helps make the project come to life. By going in and out of different projects and tasks, there’s never a dull moment!
What are your hours in the ABLA office and what do you like most about the ABLA digs?
I typically work 8am – 6pm Monday through Thursday which gives the freedom of making Friday a half day (Typically 8am – 12pm)! There are definitely some instances where a project will need some extra love and attention (and long days) to get it to the finish line.
Are you a coffee, tea, or soda drinker?
I am more of a coffee and tea drinker over soda. We actually have a *very fancy* Jura coffee machine here in the office, which definitely helps keep me motivated throughout the day, with all that caffeine coursing through my veins!
What time of day are you most productive? Are you a night owl or an “early bird gets the worm” kind of person?
More recently, I have been more of a morning person. I find it’s satisfying to get up and get on with my day.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
I feel like I constantly get to do new things and I am not stuck doing one task or on one project for too long. Also, working in such a team-oriented and collaborative environment has not only helped me grow my own skills but also makes me feel like I am an integrated part of the ABLA family.
What inspires you throughout the day?
It might sound cheesy, but our entire world around us is what inspires me. From how people interact with the spaces they are in and create connections because of it or how even the smallest details can make a world of difference when it comes to a design and its functionality, really intrigues me!
What is your secret to success?
I know it is an old one everyone has heard, but teamwork makes the dream work. Life is hard enough, so when you have people around you that can help take some of the burden, like coworker/family/friends, it really helps give the chance to grow and shine.
An Inspirational Thought From Jessika
Back when I worked in jewelry sales, and things were feeling rough during the Christmas season, I had a manager who would remind us that diamonds are just giant lumps of black crap that despite being in horrible conditions and under crazy amounts of pressure, would grow and turn into something remarkable. So be like a diamond and grow under all that pressure!
