For ten years, Jessalyn Kelly, AIA, has helped school districts navigate some of their biggest challenges – modernizing aging facilities, stretching limited resources, aligning design with evolving curriculum and creating environments that support holistic learning. Her interest in architecture, however, began much earlier.
“My path has been atypical in the sense that I decided what I wanted to do in eighth grade, much earlier than most,” she said. “I knew I enjoyed math, science and art. Architecture is really blending those things together.”
That early clarity, paired with a willingness to step into unfamiliar roles and learn from every project, has defined her career. Jessalyn’s work reflects a steady, thoughtful approach to design and a genuine commitment to serving the communities behind each building.
Read on to learn more about Jessalyn’s background, project involvement and how she sees education design evolving.
Jessalyn has worked on education and government projects while collaborating with teams from three of Wold’s four offices. That variety shaped her perspective and gave her a strong understanding of how facilities serve communities in different ways.
“I’ve gotten to touch a lot of diverse project types,” she said. “The similarities across regions taught me a lot, but so did the differences. Every community has unique needs and expectations that we’re able to create spaces to support.”
As she progressed at the firm, she didn’t envision a future focused solely on education. Over time, the sector kept drawing her in. She loved the complexity – the layers of stakeholders, the constraints that required creative thinking and the impact on students and educators. Ultimately, she loved seeing projects come to life.
“It’s motivating to see projects come to life,” she said. “With schools, even the simplest projects make a tangible difference. And when you’re working within constraints, it pushes you to create something beautiful, functional and right for that community.”
A throughline of Jessalyn’s 10 years at Wold is about solving problems, elevating user experience and staying grounded in the purpose of the work.
If there was one project that solidified Jessalyn’s commitment to education design, it was the renovation and addition at Elizabeth Ide Elementary School, a pre-K through second-grade building that needed a complete transformation. She joined the effort early and stayed through construction, giving her a full view of how a project of this scale evolves.
“It was the first project where I got to see every stage, including pre-design, design and construction,” she said. “Every part of the building was improved. It was the first time I saw a learning environment completely reshaped.”
The dated, 50-year-old school became a bright, colorful, playful environment tailored to young learners. Classrooms gained flexible layouts. Circulation improved. Learning spaces reflected how teachers actually teach and how students learn today, not how schools functioned decades ago.
“That project gave me the flavor for what education environments can be,” she said. “It wasn’t desks in rows. It was a full transformation. Seeing how the space influenced teaching and learning made me want to stay in education.”
Jessalyn’s experience in education design taught her to evaluate every project through the eyes of each user group. She breaks it down simply: who will use the space, and how will their experiences differ?
“In schools, you’re designing for staff, students and the community,” she said. “A teacher and a student use the same classroom, but their needs are different. Every building has layers of users, and their experiences influence the design.”
This lens helps her guide districts through complex decisions, from classroom layouts to common spaces to security considerations. She listens closely, asks thoughtful questions and avoids pushing solutions that don’t fit the culture or priorities of the district. Her goal is alignment, not imposition.
“Nothing feels good when you force it,” she said. “That outcome isn’t rewarding. My job is to support the goals and vision of my clients. I can add the right elements from past experiences and personal touches where it makes the most sense.”
Architecture never stays still, and Jessalyn loves that. The constant evolution of codes, building technologies, curriculum and teaching styles keeps her curious and adaptable.
“Part of this role is keeping on top of anything that influences how a building functions,” she said. “Curriculum changes. Technology changes. Codes change. No two buildings or administrations are the same, so you can’t get stuck in the mindset of ‘this is how we do it.’”
Instead, she asks: what works best here? What’s the right solution for this district, this staff and these students?
This adaptability is highlighted throughout her work. It’s also a reason she’s valued by teams and clients. She brings fresh thinking without disregarding the realities of operations, funding or long-term maintenance.
When Jessalyn looks ahead, she sees opportunity, especially in the spaces outside the classroom.
“Community spaces really excite me,” she said. “Learning doesn’t only happen in a traditional classroom anymore. Commons, breakout areas and flexible spaces give schools and designers so much more freedom.”
She sees a future where buildings support the world in which students live. Even with safety and operational constraints, she believes there’s room for creativity, flexibility and deeper community connection.
Jessalyn’s creativity and eye for thoughtful details carry into her life outside of work. She loves hosting and event planning, which allows her to blend design, organization and hospitality.
“If anyone needs a wedding shower, baby shower or birthday party, I’m your person,” she said. “I love curating a beautiful space and creating a good experience for people.”
Travel offers another source of inspiration. Whether she’s exploring a new neighborhood or noticing how people move through public spaces, she gravitates toward environments with a clear sense of place. She hopes to soon make her long-planned trip to London and Paris, cities she has long admired.
Curiosity – about people, places and how design shapes everyday experiences – is woven through her work and day-to-day life. After 10 years at Wold, it has influenced not only the buildings she’s helped deliver, but also the teams and communities that trust her guidance.
To learn more about Jessalyn Kelly, her experience and her insights, visit here. Our Focal Point series provides a behind-the-scenes look at the talented team members who bring our work to life.
