Art & Design News
Senior Art & Design Chapel
Senior Chapel
Christmas Get-Together
Christmas Get-Together
Jessica McBride, INTD Grad 2007
Hello, ACU Art and Design – This is what I do!
Well… I am fortunate enough to have a job that I love, where I get to do lots of different things, and where each day varies from the next. American Art Resources is an art-consulting firm based in Houston, TX, working exclusively with the healthcare industry, with the basic philosophy that art heals. We strive to provide healing and comfortable environments for patients, staff, family, and visitors. Hospitals can be scary, intimidating places, but with the use of artwork, one has a likelihood of feeling at ease and can take his or her mind off of the current situation.
Our company is completely turn-key – from marketing to installation – we do it all! We even have a research department studying the effects of artwork on people in hospitals. My job as a Project Coordinator in the consulting department, involves daily communication with clients, including CEO’s, architects, interior designers, project managers, and art committee members. I treat each project uniquely, paying special attention to budget, theme, timeline, art placement, desired media, finishes, and the client’s wants and needs. Once the consulting aspect of the project is complete, I oversee the production of the custom-made frames as well as the installation.
My team and I recently completed Niswonger Children’s Hospital in Tennessee. The client wanted to focus on community involvement and interest in the new facility. I spear-headed numerous children’s art workshops in their service region in order to obtain community produced children’s artwork. We accumulated over 1,000 pieces and were able to install about 250. Many of the pictures shown in this posting are of this particular project. I am currently working on Texas Children’s Hospital here in Houston, as well as other projects around the United States.
Like I said, my job is very entertaining as well as purposeful. I couldn’t imagine a better job!
Janna Orman Morgan, INTD Grad 2001
As project manager for the University of North Texas (UNT) System Office of Facilities Planning and Construction, I am responsible for managing large renovation projects and small new construction projects from start to finish. If the project involves the purchasing of new furniture, I handle this procurement process as well. In addition to the management of architecture, construction, furniture procurement, schedule and budget, I am also responsible for coordinating the move of the end users, or clients, from their current location to their new location.
I love my job because every day is different, each project is unique and the process is very rewarding. It is so nice to see the faces of the end users when they move into their new spaces and to know the project is helping to improve this wonderful university.
Currently, I am working on approximately seven projects. These projects range from the major renovation with MEP overhaul of an existing concert hall and the complete renovation of the exterior signage of our downtown campus to a space analysis study of one of our largest buildings on campus and the addition of the first clean room on campus. Each project is challenging, exciting and different. As the university grows (we currently have approximately 36,000 students) and more new and exciting programs join the list offered, I expect to encounter more unique project as I grow professionally with the UNT System. Janna formerly worked for Lee Lewis Construction in Lubbock and Barry Swenson Builders in San Jose, CA.
Student Work
