Jillian Frana

What’s your favorite project that you’ve worked on and why? One of the most meaningful projects I’ve had the opportunity to work on was the renovation and expansion of Catholic Social Services’ St. Joseph Center in Lincoln, Nebraska. Catholic Social Services, a non-profit agency of the Catholic Diocese of Lincoln, provides vital support to southeast Nebraska through programs such as food markets, family services, immigration legal assistance, and refugee resettlement. The goal of the project was to enhance the organization’s ability to serve the community by creating a more welcoming, functional, and inclusive space. The design included a central commons area for food distribution and sandwich programs, flanked by a chapel and classroom to support both spiritual and educational needs. We also incorporated flexible office and meeting spaces to accommodate the evolving needs of various departments, all while emphasizing durable materials and vibrant, mission-aligned branding. Contributing to a project with such a meaningful purpose made every design decision more impactful. I’m grateful to have played even a small role in creating a space that fosters hope and connection for those it serves.