Jessica Vander Biezen
Vice President of Student Affairs | Level Architecture
Jesse graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Design degree from the College of Architecture in 1999 and a Master of Education in Higher Education in 2017. With over 21 years of industry experience, Jesse has had the opportunity to work with interior design from non-traditional roles. She worked for 10 years in contract design with a Steelcase dealer learning space planning, furniture specifications, account management, and new business development. She then moved to a project management role and designer for Santa Fe College for 10 years. Her expertise expanded to include designing for active learning environments, strategic and master planning, construction administration, and facilities management. She is thankful for her involvement on the Fine Arts Hall, the SF Tower and Monument signage projects, and the planning for the new Blount Campus.
For the past 22 months, her new role as the Director of Interior Design at Level Architecture + Interiors allows her to bring unique skill sets to benefit her clients. Her passion is working on large commercial and higher education renovation projects, new construction in retail, education, and corporate projects, working with developers on large commercial sites, and tenant improvement spaces. Whether it is high-end corporate office or budget conscious tenant improvement project, the thrill is finding a program and solution to fulfill her client’s expectations. As a member of the leadership team, Jesse works on new business development, recruitment, team management, and strategic planning. She enjoys staying connected with the UF Interior Design program and participating as a guest reviewer for student presentations. Currently she is studying for the WELL AP exam.
Finding a work-life balance is challenging but critically important to her happiness. In her private time, Jesse enjoys time spent with her family. As an active and involved mom, she has volunteered the past 4 years with the Gainesville NJROTC unit at Gainesville High School serving as Secretary, VP, and President of the Boosters. She can also be found at North and Central FL area softball parks supporting her daughter on and off the field.