Jessica Ondrusek, AIA
Architect / Senior Associate
Master of Architecture and Bachelor of Science in Architecture, Kent State University
Jessica has worked on numerous healthcare projects, including hospital and outpatient facilities. She has successfully managed and organized large, multidisciplinary teams to deliver complex projects efficiently and collaboratively. Her passion lies in creating safe and efficient healing environments that enhance patient well-being and support staff performance. With a background in various project types, including commercial, mixed-use, and adaptive reuse, she brings a well-rounded perspective that balances aesthetics, functionality, and best practices to meet the unique needs of each healthcare client.
Get to know Jessica:
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I enjoy traveling, cooking, hiking, reading, and spending time with family, friends, and my dog.
What are your most impactful projects at DRAW?
Clarion Health and Wellness Center: This project was designed and executed during the pandemic on an expedited schedule which really challenged us to work in a remote setting while focusing on the critical tasks, like delivering an important variety of healthcare services in limited available space. I had a deep appreciation for the building’s vision to prioritize rural healthcare in an underserved community with a patient-centered approach to wellness services. The facility has become an integral part of the Clarion community.
Trinity Area School District – New Intermediate School: As the largest, and longest project I have worked on, I appreciated the challenge. The District had big, amazing ideas for their new school and being part of the team bringing it to life was very rewarding. I love to visit and see how every space is being used by the students and teachers, they are so creative!
Center for Organ Recovery and Education (CORE): Working with CORE has had a large impact on me. Over the years, I have learned so much about organ donation and the important, lifesaving work they do. A mix of healthcare and technology, the level of expectation in their facility is right on par with the type of projects that mean the most to me. Being a small part of their team and being able to support their lifesaving mission is very important to me.
What keeps you coming back to work everyday?
I love the types of projects I am working on. Each and every one of them are important to our communities and have the opportunity to make an impact on so many people.
What is your favorite architectural building?
Duomo of Florence, or the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. My first international travel was when I studied abroad in Florence, and I walked by the Duomo every day, enjoyed evenings on the benches outside and many visits inside to explore and sketch. You could see the Duomo, specifically Brunelleschi’s dome, from our apartment’s rooftop terrace where we spent all our time. My study abroad experience was so formative that anytime I see a picture of the Florence skyline and the prominent Duomo, I am awestruck with its beauty and filled with great memories.
What is your dream destination?
Anywhere I haven’t been yet! But lately I’ve been dreaming about visiting Japan.
What is your bucket list item?
Travel everywhere! I want to visit all 50 states and so much more!
