Interview | Jenna Rowe, architect
Tell me a little bit about yourself?
I’m an architect based in Potts Point, Sydney – but I grew up and studied architecture down in Tasmania. I spend my time professionally both teaching and practising architecture, and I also love all things design and making (you can find the things I make documented on my instagram - @jenna_rowe). You will also often find me snorkelling in the ocean - it is one of my absolute favourite things to do.
What are you enjoying listening to at the moment?
The question for me, should be what am I reading right now! Admittedly I’m much more of a reader than a listener, I’m always stuck in a book. Top books that I have read in the last 6 months would include Wifedom by Anna Funder, Tom Lake by Ann Patchett, August Blue by Deborah Levy (I adore her, Real Estate is a top fave) I’ve been working my away through Annie Ernaux’s memoirs as they each get translated from French. The list goes on (extensively so, I even document a detailed spreadsheet of books read each year) - but feel free to reach out for more recommendations.
Who are you inspired by?
An easier question may be who am I not inspired by! Natalia Criado (object designer), Natasha Mead (Graphic designer), 6a Architects, Lina Bo Bardi (architect), Deborah Levy (Writer), Ellsworth Kelly (Artist), Nancy + Kimberly Wu of Building Block, Annie Ernaux (writer).
How would you describe your personal style? What’s your daily uniform?
Mostly monochrome, classic and structural. You’d struggle to find me not in a Lee Mathews black dress…
What are the longest standing pieces in your wardrobe?
A classic black woollen coat. It’s not a particular brand, there isn’t even a label sewn into it - I bought it years ago, it was love at first sight and it’s perfect. I devastatingly lost the belt tie on it about 4 years ago walking home from dinner, but managed to find an almost identical black woollen fabric from Tessuti and asked the P. Johnson workroom to sew it up for me (I wanted it to be perfect!). They happily did so, I was incredibly impressed. I even drew them a 1:5 sketch of the edge detail to match the original! (Classic architect).
Jenna wears our Classic Silk Shirt in black satin
A favourite piece in your space?
This is a very hard question given my apartment is highly curated (I live on the top floor of 4.5 flights of stairs in a walk up art deco building, so I have a rule that anything that makes it upstairs has to be very, very good!). I’d have to say the sassafras sewing box my dad made me for christmas a few years ago. He even machined the brass washers on it.
I treasure it. 
What’s on your wishlist?
I don’t purchase/have a lot of things, I am notoriously particular - but, I do have two things on the wishlist at the moment! The first is a floor lamp designed by Auckland based Rebecca Snelling of Snelling Studio. Perfect for reading on the sofa.
https://www.snellingstudio.com/products/spot-floor-lamp-1
The second are these champagne coupes which I have already decided I want to give myself for my birthday!
https://louise-roe.com/products/metal-champagne-coupe-tall
Both extremely talented female designers, I might add.
Signature dish/what are you currently cooking?
I cook a lot! My signature dishes tend to be anything with seafood. I love making mussels cooked in a tomato sauce.
Favourite words?
Surround yourself with women who would mention your name in a room full of opportunities.
When do you feel most yourself?
I feel most myself when I am making. I love sewing, I silversmith jewellery, I knit - I love doodling ideas and then seeing them come to life. A Jenna-craft day is my ideal Saturday.
I also feel most myself when I am swimming in the ocean. It’s magic.
@jenna_rowe
www.jennarowe.com.au
