Jasmine Kinard admits that her first career choice was to be an architect. She’s intrigued enough with plumbing, however, that she continues to pursue it and absorb all it has to offer.

“I believe no one has one set path and I believe everything we learn along the way is useful in a decision we may make in the future. In this case," she says, "I have accepted this challenge to understand and apply the concepts of plumbing design as my means of contributing to the building industry.”

Jasmine graduated from Southern Polytechnic State University in Marietta, Georgia with a Bachelor of Architecture. Since graduation, she’s worked at Phillips Gradick Engineering as a lead plumbing designer.

“At the time I was hired,” she recalls, “my only understanding of plumbing was that water came in and went out. I understood all buildings must be heated and cooled with mechanical systems, but what size and where was lost on me. So, when I was offered this job, I figured I would learn as much as I can about how buildings function to expand my understanding of building design.”

In her role, Jasmine is responsible for projects starting from the schematic design all the way through to contract administration. “I have been privileged to travel on behalf of the company to meet building officials and conduct site visits all in an effort to expand my understanding of plumbing design,” she says.

Although Jasmine stills looks on to be a licensed architect someday, she says designing plumbing systems is not that farfetched from her reason for wanting to be an architect. “It is the thrill of imagining something that does not exist, working out the details and seeing it come to life. My love for each project begins at the kick off meeting. I look at a blank set of architectural plans and I imagine where the plumbing will go.”

Working out the details

In addition to living the role of a hard-working plumbing designer, Jasmine is also a practicing artist, mother and wife, and as she puts it, “a lover of nature.” “I take a little time each day to do something creative,” she says.

Create, she does.

She recently worked on designing a mixed-use housing project located in Decatur, Georgia called Decatur Avondale TOD. The project sits on 7.7 acres of land and when completed, will include 500 homes and 24,000 square feet of office space, dining, exercise, entertainment, art and retail options.

“This industry appears to be the best kept secret,” Jasmine says. “Plumbing is an essential component for all buildings and is a huge contributor in public health. I  now have a deep appreciation for plumbing engineering. Over time, I have learned to respect the thought processes of this industry.”

Looking ahead

Every day since she came into the world of plumbing design, Jasmine has learned something new. “I find things that challenge my understanding of how plumbing works,” she says. “I believe there is still a lot that I do not know and that thought keeps me going.”

In the short term, she hopes to absorb all that she can, meet her deadlines, and understand her weaknesses while finding ways to continuously prefect her strengths. Her long-term goals are to continue to enhance her education. She plans to sit for her CPD license when the time is right.   

Though she loves designing, her passion lies in water conservation.

“Although as a society we are more aware of our habits concerning water consumption, I do not believe they have changed,” she says. “I am glad plumbing fixtures have been calibrated to conserve water and assist in a more sustainable society. I would, however, like to be more involved with sharing the importance of water conservation, especially to children who grow up in regions where water is not scarce.”   

Getting involved

“I remember going to museums a lot with my grandmother," she recalls. "This is what sparked my interest in the built environment. The items in the museums reminded me that people can make things that others cherish, that this kind of building is dedicated to sharing ideas.”      

Jasmine currently sits on the Region 3 committee of the Women of ASPE group, as well as the ASPE Young Professionals board liaison for the Atlanta chapter. “Our plan is to increase the presence of women engineers and designers in the plumbing industry and in the organization of ASPE,” Jasmine says.

She joined the group and took on a leadership role because she likes having a say in the decision-making process and believes in the power of encouragement. “At my first ASPE Technical Symposium, I met so many young professionals,” she recalls. “I felt so much pride in knowing there were other designers my age interested in the same things I was interested in. The Woman of ASPE is another area that is specific to my interest as a woman. My hope is that we will encourage young women and girls to follow their dreams to be architects and engineers no matter the challenges.”

To those considering entering the profession, Jasmine reminds them that plumbing has a lot to offer. “Learn as much as you can by asking questions, observing the built environment and participating with your local ASPE Chapter.”

Although she's only just begun her journey into the plumbing engineering industry, Jasmine’s passion for creating is a masterpiece we can’t wait to see brought to life! 

Click here to read about the other Plumbing Engineer’s Top 10 in Their 20s.