Personnel Spotlight: Jessica Hiatt CTS-D
Discovering the Science of Sound
Jessica Hiatt CTS-D, is an associate principal with IP Design Group who has brought indispensable knowledge and experience in both the audiovisual technology and acoustical field to our firm as a mentor, leader, and designer. Jessica graduated from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in 2005 with a Master of Architectural Engineering with a focus on acoustics. She brings over two decades of industry experience to her associate principal position.
“I was actually on track to become a mechanical engineer in college until I saw a presentation on acoustics in one of my intro classes,” Jessica explained, “From there, I fell in love with it and haven’t looked back since!”
While Jessica was still in school, she began building her resume with a local audiovisual consulting firm. Jessica’s early career focus was primarily on projects within the performing arts and education space. She would work in schools, community centers, and auditoriums in Nebraska, Iowa, and Kansas, which built the foundations of her excellence in the acoustics field.
Career with IP Design Group
Jessica joined IP Design Group in 2011. Shortly after, she became a Certified Technology Specialist (CTS) and began working as a joint audiovisual designer as well as an acoustical consultant.
“When I was hired, I was asked if I wanted to learn the audiovisual side as well as continuing my work in acoustics. The two go hand-in-hand,” Jessica Hiatt stated, “Knowing the intricacies of both specializations gives you a better knowledge of how their design affects one another.”
Jessica provided audiovisual design concurrent with acoustical consultation services, which allowed her to build a strong foundation of knowledge, providing a concordant multidisciplinary design approach to projects. Throughout her early tenure at IP Design Group, Jessica played an integral role in building our acoustical team, forging relationships while expanding the firm’s client base, and maintaining longstanding project partnerships through the provision of exemplary design. After a few years with the firm, she earned her design-level Certified Technology Specialist (CTS-D) accreditation.
“My early career at IP Design Group was great. It was filled with learning and design experience,” Jessica stated, “I grew a deep understanding of our clients, a newfound level of collaboration with my peers, and I eventually was asked to be an associate principal where my focus shifted to being a leader and mentor.”
Jessica’s experience at IP Design Group expanded her project portfolio, previously highlighted by auditoriums and schools, to include hospitality settings, corporate offices, and over a decade’s worth of experience designing solutions for The United States Federal Judiciary. With a well-rounded experience designing in multiple market sectors, she was ready to take on the associate principal role.
Some of Jessica’s highlight projects include her leadership and design work within the low-voltage technology and acoustical consultation of the Sherwin-Williams Corporate Headquarters project (Cleveland, Ohio), the technology design of the cutting-edge Waterline project (Austin, Texas), and the Polk County Historic Courthouse (Des Moines, Iowa).
Industry Outlook
The only constant in low-voltage design consultation is change. Jessica Hiatt believes that the capabilities of technology and data networks will continue to drive the shape and scope of low-voltage design. Staying on top of trends and tech is the key to the continued creation of design that satiates the needs of today’s and tomorrow’s structures.
“The classroom is changing, the corporate office is changing,” Jessica explained, “Educators have a vision for students to learn with technology, and today’s office needs to be compatible with remote and hybrid workers.”
According to Jessica, acoustics is becoming more of a critical factor in contemporary building design. Office spaces can utilize acoustical treatments to create focus-intensive environments that add to their offerings or create exceptional in-office value for their workforce. Some more unique applications involve quieting mechanical and other infrastructure systems to create more peaceful guest experiences in the hospitality setting. Across multiple industries and structures, the utilization of acoustics continues to grow.
“Having an environment where you can communicate effectively is crucial,” Jessica stated, “Our clients and architects are seeing that and are harnessing the power of effective acoustical design to create better buildings.”
Years of Dedication
Jessica’s passion for design is well-documented. Jessica is an active member of The Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association (AVIXA), The Institute of Noise Control Engineers, The Acoustical Society of America, and the National Council of Acoustical Consultants. Jessica has also dedicated her time as a guest lecturer at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and Metropolitan Community College.
Jessica’s passion for sound and technology in the built environment is reinforced by her diverse and insightful team, as well as the project opportunities she gets to be a part of.
“Every day is something different, which is why I love coming to the office,” Jessica finished, “One day, I’m working on an auditorium…the next, I’m doing an office building or a gun range. I just got a call the other day about outdoor noise for a rodeo! The wide variety of projects and the people I get to work with are two big reasons why I’ve enjoyed working at IP Design Group.”
