NEWH - Fall 2015 - 28

Q&A

Getting to Know
Jennifer Loux
President of the Atlanta chapter and

design consultant and sales representative
for Symmons Industries
How did you become involved with NEWH?
I decided to join NEWH when I transitioned from my role as
an interior designer into architecture and design sales. I always
had attended and enjoyed the NEWH industry events as a
designer but it wasn't until my career change that I realized the
importance of networking within the hospitality industry. It was
initially a means to meet new contacts, but NEWH has come to
mean so much more to me.
 
What has NEWH done for you, both personally and professionally? 
I could not have predicted how the organization would assist
in my personal and professional growth. Professionally, it
has opened so many doors to connecting with individuals in
the industry, many of whom have become longtime friends.
Personally, it has helped me grow-from planning programming
events to running successful board meetings, I have gained
personal skills that apply to many areas in my life.  
In your role as the Atlanta chapter president, what do you 
have planned for the rest of 2015? What are you most looking
forward to?
My role is to support our board members and keep our chapter's
best interest in mind throughout the year. We just wrapped up
our first annual bowling fundraiser. In previous years it was
considered a programming event and did not raise proceeds
toward our scholarship account. However, 2015 was the first
year that it became a fundraiser, and we were successful in
raising considerable funds that will go directly toward student
scholarships. I am most looking forward to our annual holiday
party as it always draws great participation from the industry
and is a chance to celebrate all of the successes from throughout
the year.
What were some of the highlights of 2014 and the beginning
of 2015?
2014 was an exciting year for Atlanta. Our golf fundraiser was
very successful and the funds we raised went directly toward
the student scholarships that we awarded in April 2015 at
our annual scholarship awards ceremony. Over $25,000 in
scholarship money was presented to very deserving students.
Tell us a bit about Symmons and what's new.
Symmons has been a family-owned and managed company

28 www.newh.org

for 75 years. Paul Symmons pioneered the pressure-balancing,
anti-scald shower valve in 1939, which has been the foundation
of its current commercially focused line, including a variety of
durable, reliable, and beautifully designed products. It is truly
the product quality, people, and culture that make the company
what it is today
Symmons launched a new line of custom lavatory faucets
and showers at HD Expo this year, consisting of previously
designed, best-selling custom products from our Design Studio
division. These allow customers to add a level of distinction to
their property with a shorter timeline than a custom product.
  
What is your latest travel highlight or plan?
I am looking forward to fall this year. I am currently planning a
wine tour on the Finger Lakes in New York state and then a trip
to my cousin's wedding, so a lot of fun and family to celebrate.
 
Trend or movement you are paying attention to in the industry?
One you'd wish would go away?
One trend that I am both paying attention to and also somewhat
wishing would subside is the latest Danish and midcentury
modern craze. Don't get me wrong, midcentury was my first true
furniture love. I remember finding an original Danish modern
lounge in my grandparents' attic when I was about 17 years old
and asking my grandmother if I could have it. I currently have
that piece along with several other midcentury family treasures
in my house and wouldn't trade them for the world. While I'm
happy that the movement and style is being so widely celebrated,
I am keeping a close watch on this trend as I am seeing some
inauthentic looking pieces creep onto the scene. Regardless of
those few pieces, the style is iconic and all right in my book!
 
When you aren't working or at an NEWH event, where can we find
you?
You can find me enjoying a glass of cabernet or sipping a craft
cocktail at some of Atlanta's finest restaurants. I love dining out
and trying new spots around town. One of my latest favorite
locations is Cooks & Soldiers on the west side of the city. It was
designed by local firm Ai3 and has a fantastic atmosphere and
menu. I love that so many of our new restaurants and bars have
been designed by some of the top design firms in the city. We
have it pretty good in the 'A'! If you haven't visited, it is a must-
especially for our ever-growing foodie scene. ❙❘❚
http://www.newh.org
NEWH - Fall 2015

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