JACKIE FRYDENLUND

What brought you to KPU and your program of study?

I've always been fascinated by design and the built world. I wanted to go beyond simply appreciating beautiful spaces and learn how to create them myself. KPU's Interior Design program gave me the opportunity to combine creativity with real-world problem solving and gain the skills to help shape environments that support people's wellbeing, connection, and quality of life. It felt like the perfect place to turn a lifelong passion into meaningful work.

Can you briefly describe your current position and your main day to day responsibilities?

I recently made the transition from being an Interior Designer and Project Manager at a small design-build firm to a Construction Coordinator role at Wall Financial Corporation. My role bridges design and construction, allowing me to coordinate engineers, consultants, contractors, and trades to ensure projects are built as intended. I review drawings for coordination, help manage schedules and budgets, solve issues that arise during construction, and work closely with the design team to maintain the project's vision. It's rewarding to see a project evolve from drawings on a page into a finished building that will serve the community for years to come.

Which skills, knowledge, or experiences from KPU have been most valuable in your career so far?

KPU gave me both the technical foundation and the confidence to succeed in the industry. Learning how to read and produce construction drawings, understand building systems, and coordinate with consultants has been invaluable throughout my career. Equally important were the collaborative studio projects, which taught me how to communicate effectively, manage deadlines, and work through complex problems with a team. Those skills have helped me transition from design into construction coordination, where I now bring together designers, engineers, and trades to help deliver successful projects.

What advice would you give current KPU students who want to build a successful career after graduation?

Don’t be afraid to ask questions, especially when things don’t make sense in studio or on site during your internship, those are the moments where the most learning happens. Try to connect your school knowledge to how things are actually built in the field, and pay attention to how drawings, consultants, and construction all come together.

Most importantly, stay open to different paths. I started in design and moved into construction, and that shift gave me a much deeper understanding of how projects are actually delivered. Being adaptable and willing to learn on the job has been one of the most valuable parts of my career so far!