I began my design process by brainstorming ideas, focusing on using rails and stiles in a more expressive way than one typically sees. After coming up with a number of ideas that seemed feasible I then perused the current JELD-WEN catalog to see which of my designs might complement or add to the existing options. I narrowed my designs down to two, continued developing both of them, and entered them both. Both designs are based on natural themes - one based on a tree, the other sunrays.
My inspiration for entering the JELD-WEN contest was actually a field trip to Boston. After visiting the Genzyme building, I researched the architects behind it, Behnisch, Behnisch & Partner. I was fascinated to learn that most of their business comes from competition entries. Upon learning this, I decided that I should get into the habit of entering contests. I didn’t think I would win, but I wanted to be sure that I started entering contests to get experience and add to my portfolio.
JENNIFER GILMORE
Freshman Architecture Major
University of Maine at Augusta
