1. Jacqueline Beam
Nature Inspired
Sustainable
Biocentric
Bohemian
(and fun)
The words that best describe the intersections
of my personal and professional qualities are:

2. In the beginning…
There have
been a few very interesting
twists and turns along the way.
Born and raised throughout very small towns in agricultural areas
in Indiana and Ohio, life & play in wide open spaces came easy.
1984-1992: US Army, Spanish and French linguist, Military Intelligence, attached to
the Special Forces. Much like my childhood, exposure to the elements
in the deserts of Jordan, and Egypt; the jungles of Honduras and Panama were
normalized through daily experiences.
These formative experiences shaped my
views as a conservationist, an artist & later
as a student of an architect mentor from
Spain in Guatemala, named
Frederico Jimenez.

3. The School of Nature
My mentors, both nature and
Frederico, in my opinion, were
creative geniuses. Frederico
loved Gaudi. As I worked to
assist him in his eclectic
projects, he opened my eyes
to recognizing The limits and
potential in creativity, in one
of the most beautiful locations
on the planet, Lago Atitlán,
Guatemala.
More importantly I learned
the value of using local
resources, knowledge and
artisans in the design and
project management
processes.

4. Developing in Developing Countries
Hands on education was vital in the remote and exotic locations of Central & South
America. My passion for nature, architecture and art
led the way while learning the arts of the Maya. I was hooked.
After working on the vacation home of the Chico Store chain owners, in
Lago Atitlán, Guatemala, I became a traveling designer and artist creating eco-tourism
and retreat centers in Guatemala, Costa Rica and Peru.

5. one of my favorite projects… Rio Chirripo Retreat
Center, in Rivas de Canaán, Costa Rica

6. For a few years I lived on a sailboat throughout the Caribbean,
writing for Destination Guatemala, and Destination Honduras.
I learned a valuable lesson about the efficient
use of space, minimalism, and dependence
upon nature during this time period.

7. Casa de Milagros, Lamay, Peru
Orphanage in a historic, adobe plantation home:
Kitchen design, restoration and whatever was needed.
Much like my early days in the military, I learned about living without running water or electricity
here and a deepened respect for the resiliency of the local indigenous children.
My understanding of sustainability for a year in the Andes took on yet another perspective.
Recent:
2010-2012: Listening Horse Therapeutic Riding
2012-2016: Watershed Association
2012-2016: Santa Fe County Open Space & Trails

8. No matter the backdrop, I enjoy spending time with my family,
creating art and adventures: Hiking, rock climbing, gardening,
dance, writing, photography, traveling far and wide, exploring
the beauty of local culture and architecture.

9. The Return…
In 2000 I returned to the States to help my sister who was battling
breast cancer.
Deborah Diane passed away in 2001.
Her loss was another formative experience.
I mention her because, not only was she
my best friend, she was the main person
in my life who encouraged me to pursue
design in a more formal way. She loved trees.
I plant a native tree in her memory everywhere
I call home now.
Two Apricots, one Peach, one Pine, one Cypress,
and one Palm,
…so far.

10. Another Chapter…
Back in Indiana
This was my Victorian Style era!
In three years I restored three
Victorian buildings, two of which were cafes.
Because I really like coffee.
t was here, in my hometown area of Farmland, Indiana, that I
began working with the Architectural Department of Ball State
University, creating a rural backdrop for their interactive,
architectural exhibits

11. The Market Crashes, the Beach Calls
And that’s pretty much when completing my formal
education, compiling credits from my Department
of Defense Training, and the five schools
I attended over the years focused in the study of Marketing and
Management, became a reality:
2008: Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management
2007-2010 Resiliency Litmus Testing: As a result of the unfortunate economic
environment, I shelved the majority of my design business, and pursued a
deeper education in beach bumming, applying my creative skills in marketing
management for a Greenhouse Nursery, a Recording Studio and an Eco Spa.

12. Saint Augustine, Florida
The Oldest City in the Nation: And admittedly,
a bit of a salty hiatus from ice storms and
meatloaf with plenty of beautiful beaches and
historical architecture to recover with.

13. Santa Fe, New Mexico
2013: Master of Arts, Counseling & Art Therapy with a focus on Eco Psychology,
Southwestern College, Santa Fe, New Mexico
2014: Access! Training & Education Community Collaborative Director. Authored and
awarded 1.37M federal grant for Department of Labor at risk youth program.
Designed and directed curriculum in job skill development for green economy
industries: Sustainable Construction & Energy, Parks and Conservation
Management, and the Arts.
2016-Current: Sustainable Santa Fe Social Equity Working Group Member

14. The effects of early contact with nature and
sustainably built environments/communities on
mental health, resiliency and intergenerational
environmental stewardship.

15. Thank you and Saludos!
Maldonado, José. (2011) Retrieved from Flickr.https://www.flickr.com/photos/12843559@N04/6596523221
www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g2186483-d309372-Reviews-Rio_Chirripo_Retreat-San_Gerardo_
Chirripo_National_Park_Province_of_San_Jose.html
Odyssey. (2015) Retrieved from https://www.theodysseyonline.com/12-reasons-why-you-should-visit-st-
augustine