February Professional Member of the Month

Jillissa Moorman, MFA

Kirkwood Community College

Interior Design Program Coordinator

Assistant Professor, Advisor

1. What is the most exciting and energizing aspect of your current position?

I, like many I am sure, love that every day is different. I personally have really enjoyed traveling the world to learn about architecture and global manufacturers. I enjoy doing this even more so with my students and through education, helping them to see that design is global, and it is so cool seeing them understand people and cultures around the world and how different design and architecture can be. This really helps my students become more informed and well-rounded designers and problem solvers/thinkers, and citizens of the world. That is something that simply can’t come from textbooks.

2. What was the last interesting book you read?

I read a quick little book called The Freedom of Self Forgetfulness by Timothy Keller. I really enjoy reading a lot of his books because they are applicable to all areas of life- both professional and personal. I also read The Go-Giver and feel like everyone should read that book if they are in any kind of business.

3. What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?

I am truly humbled at the success that the Interior Design program at Kirkwood has had. When I took on this role the program was on the verge of being closed and I was told by my Dean at the time to feel empowered to make change- and I am so thankful to her for that encoruagement. I personally wanted to transform Interior Design education at a 2 year college and educate students about Interior Architecture. I wanted my students to believe they were capable, because they absolutely are. I felt and still feel a huge obligation to the design and architecture industry to produce the most passionate, motivated, skilled, and knowledgeable students to become the future of our industry- regardless of where I teach at, and that is why I worked diligently to change the entire curriculum to follow University standards.

The program is rigorous and hard, but so rewarding for those who finish it. Now we have incredible enrollment, very successful students who go on to work at architecture firms around the world, great employment rates, incredible relationships with companies around the world, and a waitlist. The program is now recognized regionally and nationally by professionals in industry and I feel truly blessed to have the success that we have had over 7 years- so much of that is fueled by my students, and I am fueled by their passion. At the end of the day, what I am most proud of professionally are honestly, all of my students. I am proud of them for working hard and not only the designers they are, but the people that they are. I am happy they are finding joy and after graduating, love going to work every day.

4. How do you define success? And measure it?

Success to me is so much more than professional accolades, money, titles, etc. People have those, and while they are great- that isn’t what defines someone or brings them long lasting joy. I look at success as how truly joyful someone is deep to their core. Someone may have a wonderful career but be totally void of joy. To me, that isn’t success- that is just sad. Happiness is temporary, but joy runs deep within someone. Personally that joy for me comes from finding a balance between work and family, enjoying simple things, and seeing the world, understanding people and always being willing to listen and learn. Success/joy is not knowing everything, always wanting to grow, and then giving in return. Success is being a leader, not a boss, and always working to support and build up others. Success is showing kindness and gratitude, and humility. Success is taking the backseat in order to watch others become successful and being okay with that. Success is when you truly don’t go after recognition, because you don’t need it. Personally by doing some of these things, and my identity in my faith, these bring me joy and that is the success that i want.

5. We are Iowa Women in Architecture; who were the female role models that inspired you? 

Personally, my grandma and mom were huge role models for me and instilled in me values and morals to which I still stand by. I was also blessed to have some friends who were older than me and were great role models for me as I went through high school and college. My Professor, Cigdem Akkurt always spoke of passion, and her words resonated with me to my core and that is what I try to instill in everyone I teach now. Currently I have a great group of women from my connection group that I really respect and love learning from. My students also inspire me daily. They are why I do what I do. I have been inspired my so many phenomenal women and I am so thankful for everyone who has been so encouraging of me.