Architect Jennifer Rodezno believes architecture is an inherently creative process that can improve lives, and has provided her with a fulfilling and creative professional life.

How did you choose architecture as a career?

Since the early stages of my life, from as far as I could remember, I was fortunate to have had a great role model in my father, whose examples provoked me to see the world as a culmination of creativity. He was an engineer, and was dedicated to design. It was at the early age of six that I started to look at the designs of things all around me, and at the age of 14 that I decided to structure a pathway that would lead me to architecture. From using scrapbooks to archive ideas to sketching images and taking photos, my imagination became the lens through which I gave life to all things.

What do you love most about your job?

I have the fortune of experiencing a multifaceted approach to architecture. My current role extends to the practice of architecture in a traditional sense, whilst enhancing particular elements that contribute to growth in what seems to be an evolving industry. For instance, the mentoring of junior staff, the practice development and the ability to run projects all in sequence allow me to fulfil personal and professional goals. 

You have a particular interest in education architecture. How can building design help children and young people learn?

In our changing world, despite the current leaps in technology and paradigm shifts in society and development, education remains the ideal that frees the person and provides opportunities for success. All students need strong teachers who can access the available world to teach, and students who can learn authentically from the experience of learning. The learning environment is paramount to providing such opportunities, and access to buildings that offer open plan learning, student centred learning and where the experience is unique to the moment enhances the success of the process. Under such ideal, I promote the idea of buildings that enable learning from an authentic pedagogy that does not limit but rather extends the experience. 

Is architecture a good profession for women?

Architecture provides people with a voice. It promotes creativity and awakens authenticity. As a professional woman, my career has allowed me to be all things to those I love. I am a mother of two, and a wife, and the roles I have experienced have allowed me to be present and influential in my family. Equally, they have allowed me to be focused on the demands of my profession and given me the scope to succeed in what has been a great industry

You’ve recently been promoted into a senior management role. What does that mean to you?

I have been fortunate enough to have experienced such roles since the early stages on my career, however, at this point in the journey, being promoted at CHC has ignited a desire to continue to grow, learn, and share in what is an exciting time for the company. Having the opportunity to offer my skills to the company means the world to me. 

Where do you live now?

I live in Eltham, and have lived there for 14 years. It is a green wedge in the north east of Melbourne and offers a nurturing environment for my family. It provides great facilities and good schools. Despite living there during the week, we spend all weekend at my holiday house on the Mornington Peninsula.

What’s your dream home, anywhere in the world?

My current house in Eltham is home – it is where our memories are, where the kids have grown up. If this house was not an option, I would have to consider a beach house in the Bahamas or a beautiful Mexican hacienda designed by Ricardo Legorreta.

See also:

Get to know Dominic Gibson of Melbourne Acquisitions

Get to know Erin Collins

Get to know Tisha Lee

Get to know Leonard Teplin