Women in Design, Part 1: Jill Cole | Cole Martinez Curtis & Associates
Women make up the majority of the more than 80,000 interior designer positions in the industry today, yet only a fraction occupy positions of leadership. Why is that, and what challenges do female designers face in an industry that's still male dominated, especially in the commercial segment? In this episode, Managing Principal Jill Cole of Cole Martinez Curtis & Associates shares her insights and experiences about coming up in the industry and the challenges we all face today, regardless of who you are or where you are in your career. Don't miss the opener in this important series of conversations.
Meet our guest
Jill Cole is the Managing Principal of Cole Martinez Curtis and Associates. She has devoted herself exclusively to hotel, resort, and recreational properties. She has designed a myriad of prestigious projects, from The Arizona Biltmore to the legendary Château de la Crée in Santenay, France. Extraordinary California properties include Canyon Ranch in Woodside, The Bel Air Country Club, The Lodge at Pebble Beach, and LUMA Hotel San Francisco. For her work, Cole has received Gold Key, Designers Circle, and ARDY awards for interior design. Memberships include the International Society of Hospitality Consultants (ISHC) and Hospitality Design‘s Platinum Circle.
About the Author
Robert Nieminen
Market Content Director
Market Content Director, Architectural Products, BUILDINGS, and interiors+sources
Robert Nieminen is the Market Content Director of three leading B2B publications serving the commercial architecture and design industries: Architectural Products, BUILDINGS, and interiors+sources. With a career rooted in editorial excellence and a passion for storytelling, Robert oversees a diverse content portfolio that spans award-winning feature articles, strategic podcast programming, and digital media initiatives aimed at empowering design professionals, facility managers, and commercial building stakeholders.
He is the host of the I Hear Design podcast and curates the Smart Buildings Technology Report, bringing thought leadership to the forefront of innovation in built environments. Robert leads editorial and creative direction for multiple industry award programs—including the Elev8 Design Awards and Product Innovation Awards—and is a recognized voice in sustainability, smart technology integration, and forward-thinking design.
Robert's work has earned him industry-wide recognition throughout his career, including:
- ASBPE Award (2019, 2018, 2017, 2015)—Best Regularly-Contributed Column; retrofit
- TABPI Award (2017, 2016)—Top 25 Entries, Cover Story; Retail Environments
- WPA Maggie Award (2011, 2010, 2008)—Best Publication, Trade; interiors+sources
- FOLIO: Eddie Gold Award (2022, 2007)—Best Feature Article & Special Section; interiors+sources
- Contributing author of ASID’s 2020 Outlook and State of Interior Design report, as well as The State of the Interior Design Profession (Fairchild Books, 2010), which earned a place on the International Federation of Interior Architects/Designers’ “50 Must Read, Must Have” book list.