Rising Stars of Education: Nikki Snellinger

May 1, 2024

Do you ever wonder how the spaces where we learn impact our educational journey?

Or how interior design intertwines with education to create environments that foster growth and engagement?

In this conversation, Nikki Snellinger shares her unique journey from the halls of academia to the forefront of interior design. Drawing from her own school experiences, she illuminates how the environment can shape learning outcomes and student engagement. From there, she delves into her transition into the professional realm, emphasizing the pivotal roles of flexibility and mentorship in personal and career growth.

As Nikki and host Kevin Stoller explore various facets of education design, they shed light on the importance of continuous research and staying abreast of industry trends. Nikki's insights underscore the significance of integrating furniture and professional development into educational spaces, elevating the learning experience for all.

Takeaways

• School environments play a significant role in student engagement and learning outcomes.
• Flexibility and mentorship are crucial for personal and professional growth.
• Continual research and staying up-to-date with industry trends are essential in education design.
• Integrating furniture and professional development can enhance the learning experience. Traveling with children can be challenging, but it's important to take time for yourself and your relationship.
• Missed opportunities for travel can be disappointing, but it's never too late to fulfill your travel dreams.
• Researching and choosing the right firm can have a big impact on your career satisfaction.

Nikki is an interior designer with 9 years of experience in the education market sector. She has been with JCJ for 5 out of those 9 years, working on projects anywhere from pre-K to K-12 to local Boys and Girls Clubs.

Nikki works on all aspects of the project such as figuring out design solutions, making finish selections, producing construction documentation, selecting FF&E and overseeing the furniture installation. Nikki took part in designing the EDMarket classroom design for the 2022 EDSpaces furniture show in Portland, OR. Based off her experience and hard work with that project, she was nominated for the 2023 NextGen Rising Star award and was one of 16 winners.

Nikki Snellinger 2023 NexGen Award Winner

Nominate a Rising Star in Education 40 and Under for the 2024 NexGen Awards

Follow Nikki Snellinger on Social Media:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/nikkisnellinger/