From early on in my life, I knew I would end up in a creative field. However, despite my love for art, I still had a technical mind. I took several art classes in high school and ventured into technical drawing during my senior year. I enrolled in the drafting class, where I was the only female in the class, but I still thoroughly enjoyed this new venture. This led to enrolling in a Bachelor of Interior Design program for college. The university I attended did not offer CAD at the time, so I took a summer CAD class at the local community college, where I was the youngest and only female student enrolled. After graduation, I worked at a historical preservation company. One project was working at the Pennsylvania State Capitol Building to bring the historical character of the building back to life. I gained a deep appreciation for the period craftsmanship and the specialized artisanal skills of the original builders, many of which are a lost art today. From there, I enrolled in a master's program to further my design education. That led me to work in the commercial design industry.
I have been quite fortunate to have worked in organizations that have been opportunistic, which has paired nicely with my personal drive for success and passion for design. Most challenges I have faced are not specific to being female but more a result of growing within a career and maturing as a professional. I see each moment as a stepping stone to charting my authentic career path.
Female designers, like any designer, bring a diverse set of skills, perspectives, and experiences to the table. This diversity can lead to more inclusive and well-rounded design solutions that resonate with a broader audience. Research suggests that diverse teams foster creativity and innovation. Being a female on the team contributes to it being a diverse design team - bringing fresh ideas and solutions that may not have been considered in a more homogeneous group.
The value of a designer lies in their unique combination of skills, experiences, and perspectives, regardless of gender. A diverse and inclusive design team, comprised of individuals from various backgrounds and identities, is more likely to craft innovative and effective solutions.
I strive to inspire others, advocate for diversity and inclusion, and contribute to creating a more equitable and welcoming industry for future generations.
A few words of advice I would offer to individuals entering the workforce: Always raise your hand, be present, never stop learning, advocate for yourself, build strong networks, and seek mentorship. To date, whenever an opportunity has been presented to me, I take on the challenge. I would have never had exposure to as many things as I have without constantly raising my hand and being proactive. Establishing professional connections is crucial for career growth. Network with colleagues, attend industry events and seek mentorship to gain insights and support from experienced professionals.
My favorite projects are for clients who are as passionate about what they do as I am—and are willing to take risks and trust in the design process. Working on projects that impact the end user's daily life is why I do what I do. Of course, it's always helpful when you get to work with fun clients as well. I have been quite fortunate to have had many clients who put their trust in me as a designer to realize their vision.
One project that always stands out to me is the "Zen Den," a small project with Rider University. The students recognized a need for a place for students with disabilities such as autism and ADHD to decompress; their forward-thinking set the project in motion. The Zen Den was formulated and paid for by Rider's Student Union. Spiezle helped to realize, facilitate, and execute the design. Ultimately, after much discussion, the final project came to life and transformed the existing space into a place for all to feel welcome and enjoy some much-needed respite.
