Jesy Acosta Celebrates 25 Years
Designing for Decades – Jesy Acosta Celebrates 25 Years at FK
Few companies in today's business landscape have long-tenured employees. That's why we pride ourselves on our firm's philosophy of longevity and our people's extraordinary talent. This month, we congratulate Jesy Acosta on her 25th anniversary! Jesy, who heads our Interior Design Department, has helped the firm evolve over the years, including when architecture embarked on a new era of concepts, work-life culture, technology, and client relationships. These concepts and Jesy's creativity have helped enhance interior spaces that improve functionality and promote wellness and collaboration in a safe environment. She has been instrumental in the firm's success over the past two decades, and we are fortunate to have her on the team. Thank you for your service, Jesy!
Read more about Jesy in her answers to our questions below:
Do you remember your first day at FK?
My initial impression of the firm and its people was very positive! The fast-paced environment encouraged employees to evolve and grow, learning new skills – it was a little intimidating at first but exciting simultaneously. Being surrounded by such a diversely talented, engaging, and experienced set of individuals made me dig my heels into absorbing as much information as possible. I also noticed the focus on the team and the centralizing aspect of the firm's environment was fantastic to experience early in my architecture career.
What was the firm like then?
Back then, it was more corporate and formal. It was also fast-paced and high-energy. FK was the largest company in one building I had ever worked for, and the firm's impressive portfolio matched its size and work ethic. The firm is still the same in many ways. Still, the evolution of work-life culture has seen leadership develop an environment conducive to creativity, educational workshops, focused workflows, and employee engagement activities.
How has your job changed over the years?
I've been very fortunate at FK to hold various jobs. That experience has given me a broad perspective and aided me in understanding the depth of the architecture industry. I've seen the design, marketing, and business sides that most interior designers don't get to see. The great thing about FK is upper management recognizes the effort and an individual's willingness to help advance the company, and they reward that. I wouldn't be where I am today without the support of my colleagues throughout my career.
Talk to us about FK's big successes in the last 25 years. What moments stand out to you?
It's challenging to pinpoint big successes because, in our line of work, it's a team effort—our projects take a lot of work at every stage of development, and no single person determines the finished product. I view successes from a big picture perspective; it isn't just how large the firm is, how much money we generate every fiscal year, or how much notoriety is gained. These things are essential, but my perspective centers around the communities we build in and how they are affected. From affordable housing projects to rehab developments, the improvement of infrastructure in a city and how it connects communities is the most significant indicator of our success. Development projects take a large team of people working together cohesively to achieve something for the greater good. What we do in architecture and interior design has a lasting impact, and we must be mindful of that. If we're providing value to communities and helping them achieve success, then we also share that success.
What are you most proud of?
I'm proud of how quickly we adapt to market demands, technological advancements, and new knowledge. Building/construction is ever-changing, and architects and designers must stay current on these new trends. When I started, we hand-drafted detailed sets—now, with the advancements in 3D visualization, Revit, and BIM technology, we are more efficient and precise. It's mind-blowing how the industry has evolved since I started at FK.
What will the next 25 years look like?
I don't plan on going anywhere! My next 25 years will see my love for interior design continue. At the same time, I plan to keep providing new concepts that exceed client expectations and actively help our team grow toward becoming a multi-disciplined set of interior designers and mentors to inspire the generations that follow. The best thing a person in my position can do is foster an interest in architecture and design to show people how magnificent this profession is and plant the seed for future generations of leaders.