August Women in Architecture Conversation Series
AIA Women in Architecture
Tuesday, August 4th
5:30 PM
The Julia
924 Anacapa St. ste 1C, Santa Barbara
We hope you’ll join us for our monthly Women in Architecture gathering. This month, Jessica Risko Smith will speak about her career and working in interior design.
About Jessica Risko Smith
Jessica Risko Smith is the founder and principal of Jessica Risko Smith Interior Design (JRS ID), a Santa Barbara–based studio known for refined, livable interiors grounded in construction expertise and collaboration. Before starting her own firm in 2006, Jessica spent nearly a decade at Gensler in Los Angeles, designing corporate interiors for Fortune 500 clients across law, finance, retail, and entertainment sectors. This experience shaped her structured, detail-driven approach to design projects.
Jessica earned her degree in Interior Design from Auburn University and is a longtime ASID Professional member, holds NCIDQ certification, and is a LEED Accredited Professional. She is also the mother of two college-aged students. Outside the studio, she can often be found at Handlebar Coffee, exploring Santa Barbara’s neighborhoods and restaurants or on her yoga mat.
About the JRS ID office
JRS ID is based in The Julia (formerly known as the Lobero Building), a historic Santa Barbara structure designed in 1926 by architect Julia Morgan as a hotel for young professional women arriving in the city to build independent careers. The building’s Mediterranean details, wrought iron balconies, and pocket courtyards were designed to reflect the dignity and promise of the women who once stayed there.
Nearly a century later, the building is home to JRS ID’s entirely female team, who continue that legacy of women’s professional ambition under one roof. The studio itself is situated in what was once the hotel’s grand lobby, featuring its’ statement-making fireplace and large windows.