Designing for Well-Being: Art, Architecture & Environment with Jenna Mikus
In this interview, I speak with Dr Jenna Mikus, Founder and Managing Partner of the Eudae Group, about the formative experiences that shaped her interdisciplinary path and her deep interest in the relationship between environment, creativity, and well-being.
Jenna reflects on her childhood curiosity and her early exposure to many different forms of art, made possible by parents who actively encouraged exploration and creative freedom. These experiences planted the seeds for a lifelong appreciation of artistic expression and its impact on how we see, feel, and engage with the world. Although she initially chose to study engineering, she shares how this analytical foundation later became a powerful complement to her creative instincts rather than a departure from them.
During our conversation, Jenna describes the moment she began to recognize her growing fascination with architecture and the built environment, and how this realization bridged her interests in art, science, and human experience. She speaks about becoming increasingly aware of how the spaces we live and work in directly influence our health, well-being, and ability to thrive. This awareness ultimately informed her professional focus on designing environments that support people in being their best selves—physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Drawing from her extensive experience across engineering, architectural design, and business strategy, Jenna offers thoughtful insights into how creativity and pragmatism can coexist, and why designing with intention is essential in today’s increasingly complex physical and digital landscapes. This conversation offers a rich and inspiring look at how early creative nourishment, technical training, and a human-centered philosophy can come together to shape a meaningful and impactful career.
https://www.eudaimonicbydesign.com/resilience/jenna-mikus