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Jill Spaeth
Partner at Spaeth Hill: We create distinct brands for the built environment.
Professional Background
Jill Spaeth is a distinguished professional in the fields of wayfinding and environmental graphic design (EGD), boasting an impressive 20 years of diverse experience. She has garnered a reputation for her keen business-oriented approach to design, seamlessly blending creative vision with strategic insight. Her career began at a renowned architectural firm where she played a pivotal role in establishing a specialized wayfinding and graphic design studio. In this capacity, Jill collaborated closely with architectural and interior design teams, ensuring that branding was an integral part of every project she contributed to. This experience laid a strong foundation for her future endeavors at Spaeth Hill, where she leverages her extensive knowledge of compliance and documentation to drive the company’s growth while balancing fiscal responsibility.
Jill’s impressive resume includes a variety of prestigious roles that highlight her leadership abilities and commitment to the design community. She has served as a partner at Spaeth Hill, where she continues to inspire and lead innovative design projects. Additionally, Jill's influence extends to her tenure as a member of the National Board of Directors for AIGA, the largest professional association for design in the United States, where she significantly contributed to programs for the organization’s thriving membership.
Education and Achievements
Jill is committed to continuous learning and professional development. She attended the esteemed Yale School of Management, where she studied business perspectives tailored for creative leaders. This experience has equipped her with invaluable insight into the intersection of business strategy and design. Prior to this, she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design from the Rochester Institute of Technology, providing her with a solid artistic foundation as she embarked on her professional journey. Additionally, she honed her skills in classical drawing and painting at The Barnstone Studios, further enriching her artistic perspective.
Throughout her career, Jill has achieved notable recognition for her contributions to design and leadership. In 2014, she was uniquely honored as the only woman among five nominees to join the national board of AIGA. In this capacity, she oversaw multiple programs and initiatives aimed at enhancing the professional landscape for AIGA's 30,000 members. Notably, Jill had a profound impact in the area of fundraising and scholarship development, exemplified by her leadership in launching the D.C. chapter’s scholarship program in 2007, which continues to support aspiring designers.
Contributions to Design and Education
Jill’s commitment to education and mentorship is evident through her role as an adjunct professor at George Mason University’s School of Design. There, she has shared her insights and expertise with the next generation of designers, fostering creativity and inspiring students to think critically about the role of design in society. Her tenure as President and Director of Design at Citizen Creative allowed her to further influence design direction and client strategy within a collaborative environment. Additionally, through her board membership at AIGA DC, Jill actively participated in initiatives that promote design excellence and community engagement.
As a graphics studio director at FOX Architects, she not only led design projects but also managed a team dedicated to delivering top-notch graphic solutions, showcasing her exemplary leadership skills and commitment to high-quality design. Jill Spaeth continues to be a transformative figure in the design industry, embodying the perfect blend of creativity, business acumen, and dedication to her craft.
Achievements
- 20 years of experience in wayfinding and environmental graphic design.
- Successfully established a wayfinding and graphic design studio at a leading architectural firm, enhancing project quality through collaboration.
- Executive Education at Yale School of Management to further understand the business aspects of design leadership.
- Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from Rochester Institute of Technology, grounding her in solid artistic education.
- Launched the D.C. chapter’s scholarship program for young designers in 2007.
- Served as the only female member on the national board of AIGA in 2014, representing the interests of 30,000 members across the country.
- Held significant roles in various organizations, including President and Director of Design at Citizen Creative and adjunct professor at George Mason University, influencing both design practices and educational curricula.
Highlights
Could is my new favorite word.
Should I do this? Or Would I do this?
vs
Could I do this?
Could is the past tense of can making it more open and boundless.
When you’re starting something new it’s hard on purpose. That’s also exactly what makes it worth it.
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