Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Heron Brock.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I have always loved to draw, to build and to design, so it was a natural progression to fall into architecture. Growing up in a home with an Industrial Arts teacher and an Interior Designer also made these interests very accessible, so fostering these loves with hands-on experience and inspiration throughout my childhood was an unintended, but much appreciated gift from both of my parents.
My path into the world of architecture led me to the College of Architecture and Urban Studies at Virginia Tech where ceramics, print making, metal and woodworking were all integral parts of the program and philosophy, inspiring experimentation in design. But it wasn’t until I transitioned into the workforce that I realized I was most energized and fulfilled by the collaborative process of working with clients. Unearthing their unique expectations, understanding their individual needs and desires for a space, and ultimately translating those concepts into a tangible built environment gave me a deep sense of joy. This exploration of their “sense of place” became the inspiration behind my professional pursuits.
In 2002, as a newly licensed architect, I took a leap of faith and started my own practice. My initial aspirations were centered around serving everyday homeowners whose desire was to enhance their existing residences through thoughtful renovations and well-designed additions. I envisioned a practice built on collaboration and a deep appreciation of the unique needs and lifestyles of my clients, seeking to convey their requirements into beautiful and functional homes. Over the next decade and a half, this work provided me opportunities to design fun and interesting projects, meeting many great people along the way.
JHB Architect was a success, but by 2019 my work-life balance was failing in the balance department and I was in need of a helpful change. After much soul searching, I realized that I wanted a partner to share in this journey; someone who could expand on what was already good, someone who could bring a new kind of intelligence to the firm. Fortunately, I knew of such a person: my best friend, Tara Henderlite. After formulating our shared vision, Tara agreed to jump aboard to transform my sole proprietorship into the thriving corporation we are today: Oak City Architecture, PLLC, an award winning, residential architecture firm with an exciting future.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Where are the women? Architecture has a long history of being a male-dominated profession and this has certainly had an impact on women. From college architecture programs, to the workforce, all the way into the C-suite, our profession has only recently begun to formally reckon with the issues of gender inequity. The lack of family leave policies is just one serious and known challenge that results in many women either being pushed out of the profession, or starting their own firms. It was no coincidence that my first son was born the same year that I went out on my own. The road should have been smoother, but women have always found ways to navigate challenges, and we have made it a priority to define what an architectural practice should look like for all employees in this millennium.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
In today’s fast-paced world, we’re constantly bombarded with the idea of “new.” New trends, new houses, new everything. But what about the places we already call home? Many of us cherish our established neighborhoods, the familiar streets, and the wonderful friends we’ve made. Leaving all that behind for a brand-new place isn’t always the best option. At Oak City Architecture, we specialize in just that. We believe your home should work for you – every single inch of it. Whether that means reimagining rooms, creating more open spaces, or even adding some much-needed square footage, we can help you fall in love with your home all over again.
If you’ve never worked with an architect before, the whole process might seem a bit daunting. We understand. That’s why we’re here to guide our clients every step of the way. We want this to be an exciting adventure, not a stressful ordeal. We’re here to listen to our client’s vision and help them bring it to life. It’s about their dreams, not ours, and our expertise is here to help them find the perfect solution. Transforming your home is a journey and one of the most exciting parts of the renovation process is seeing your vision become reality. Working together closely, we strive to dedicate the proper time and attention to our client’s needs and concerns; holding their hands when necessary, leading when required, and always listening.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
With over 20 years of experience, we have worked with all kinds of clients, from young, growing families to empty nesters looking to age in place. And through it all, there’s been one constant: the joy of collaborating closely with people to make their design dreams come true.
At Oak City Architecture, we believe your home should support your family as it grows and changes. We’re passionate about creating spaces where families can flourish, no matter what stage of life they’re in. And give every home the beautiful and functional life it deserves.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.oakcityarchitecture.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oakcityarchitecture
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OakCityArchitecture
