Today we’d like to introduce you to Jen Spencer.
Jen, before we jump into specific questions about your work, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I grew up in rural Wisconsin where I was always finding myself re-arranging the layout of my hometown, the neighborhoods in it and everyone’s yards. It wasn’t until I was well into my sophomore year at the University of Wisconsin that I realized there was a profession that practiced this type of work –Landscape Architecture! It combined all my passions – drawing, design, environmental stewardship, planning and the love of nature. After graduating, my husband and I moved to San Diego in 2000 and fell in love with the South/North Park neighborhood.
I’m extremely passionate about placemaking and have actively spearheaded several beautification/art projects at neighborhood schools as well as within my community. I’m honored to have been elected to the North Park Planning Committee and view it as an opportunity to help shape the diverse, vibrant neighborhood I love.
Throughout my professional career, I’ve gained valuable experience working at several prestigious local and national Landscape Architectural firms. I’ve worked on many interesting and challenging projects that ranged from large scale park design with multiple stakeholders to intimate residential courtyard designs with individual homeowners. Recently, I’ve started my own firm, Studio 2912 Landscape Architecture, based in North Park. I’ve also been awarded a contract to work within the County Department of Parks and Recreation to assist with all their in-house park design needs.
In addition, I also run a small photo studio – Modern Tree Studio – that provides a great creative outlet for me.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There have been a lot of challenges to owning my own business. I’ve struggled with cash flow, loneliness, overworking myself and self-doubts. Growing up, I was never surrounded by people who owned their own business – it’s a completely different outlook on life, which if you are not used to, can be incredibly intimidating! You constantly need to have to push yourself beyond your comfort zones. At times it is rewarding and at other times it’s daunting. I’ve found a lot of support in working through these issues from business groups and networking as well as my family.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
Studio 2912 Landscape Architecture is a boutique firm offering professional Landscape Architecture Services to a diverse set of clients. I have a passion to create unique solutions that respond to a site’s distinctive sense of place and users. I am personally involved in every aspect of the design process. I aspire to connect my clients to their surrounding environment – whether it be a small residential design or a large-scale development. All projects integrate sustainable design solutions that address real-world issues, In a nutshell, they are low water use, easy to maintain and incorporate environmentally friendly practices and materials.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Letting go of perfection. I constantly find myself wishing I would have done some differently, but part of owning your own business is needing to react quickly to situations – you can’t always have the perfect plan or ideal set of circumstances to react to. You just need to take a risk and go for it! Allowing myself to make mistakes and learn from them has been very difficult but essential in moving forward.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://studio2912.com/
- Phone: 6197339024
- Email: jspencer@studio2912.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/studio_2912_land_arch/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Studio2912/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/studio2912
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