Member Name with Appellation(s): Jillian Frana NCIDQ, IIDA

Education: University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Employer with Location: Clark& Enersen – Lincoln, NE

Years in Design: 9

Years in IIDA: 5 yrs as a professional and 2 yrs as a student

IIDA Great Plains Chapter City Center: Omaha

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What might we find on your desk right now?

At a glance my desk reveals many of my favorite things: a love for cats, color, snacks, and organization. In my opinion the more clear desk space the better!  Front and center, sits a framed photo of my two gray tabby cats, Ernest (Ernie) and Hubert (Bert), their adorable faces always ready to brighten my day.  I also have a few photos from my recent adventures and of course my daily cat calendar. To the left, sits my colorful Owala water bottles, Tupperware filled with morning fruit, and a tiny bottle of maple syrup – a nod to my obsession with pancakes. On the right, my bright red mouse pad, to-do list and notes are neatly placed.

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Who do you look up to and why?

The people I admire most in my life are my parents. They’ve shaped who I am today through their unwavering support, guidance, and love—and I truly can’t thank them enough for all they’ve taught and given me. My mom is the most driven person I know. She never backs down from a challenge, inspires others to succeed, and pours her heart into helping those around her. My dad is a wellspring of knowledge—a thoughtful, humble, and kind man who approaches life with curiosity and wisdom. Above all, I’m deeply grateful to them for their constant encouragement that has allowed my imagination and curiosity to grow freely.
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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.

What inspired you to go into your line of work?

From a young age, I was filled with curiosity and a vivid imagination, always fascinated by how the built environment worked. I remember wanting to see behind-the-scenes spaces, feeling inspired by areas designed specifically for children, and admiring architecture that told a story—like my local bank that once served as a post office. In third grade, I discovered architecture as a profession, drawn to its blend of creativity and purpose. From that point on, I remained focused on my goals, only shifting my focus to Interior Design in college, allowing me to concentrate on the interiors of buildings—spaces where people truly engage and experience their environment.

‍What words of advice do you have for passionate interior designers early in their career?

The best advice for a new interior designer is to stay curious and seek learning opportunities—especially about related fields like electrical, mechanical, and structural engineering. A solid understanding of building systems leads to better project coordination. Also, recognize the value of different design perspectives and team dynamics to strengthen collaboration. Most importantly, never hesitate to ask questions—they're a sign of engagement, not weakness, and they lead to clearer communication and deeper understanding.

How do you practice self-care?

I place a strong emphasis on maintaining my physical, mental, and nutritional well-being on a daily basis. For physical activity, I regularly incorporate walking into my routine and have recently developed a passion for group fitness classes focused on strength and combat training. To nurture my mental and nutritional health, I engage in creative pursuits such as crafting, cooking, baking, and gardening. I often combine these interests through my Instagram account, Pan.Plate.Palette, where I experiment with new recipes and pair them with various finish materials to create visually appealing and flavorful palettes. Additionally, travel holds great importance to me, and I make it a point to embark on at least one trip each year.

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