JENNIFER DURRAH
McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture
SAY IT LOUD - SOUTH CAROLINA Exhibitor
South Carolina Based Designer
Who or what inspires you professionally?
My girls. Their path does not have to align with mine, but knowing I have surrounded myself with women who empower me and inspire me to reach higher. That they can recognize those people and continue to build their community to amplify their voices.
JENNIFER DURRAH
Bio:
The Great Designer, Jennifer Durrah, is a designer and proud Latina of immigrant parents. The first chapter of Jennifer's adolescence was developed in New Jersey. It was a vibrant melting pot of culture, language, and people. The second chapter of her adolescence began when she moved to South Carolina. The enormous culture shock would become a defining moment in shaping her identity. Jennifer has made South Carolina her home. She married her high school sweetheart Jordan and together we are raising our two beautiful daughters Mia and Adriana.
How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?
In middle school I was introduced to the AEC profession. I learned that all my favorite subjects were interconnected, where problem solving was a skill, and that my natural inclination to categorize and organize were a critical skill set.
What do you do?
I build connection. Connecting an idea to real world applications. Integrating critical thinking with collaboration. Asking questions and problem solving as a team. Lifting each other up in our skills as designers, communicators, and project leaders.
What excites you in the work you do?
My journey has been defined by the people I have met along the way and how their culture and story has influenced them. My passion for connection and culture is why I love design and problem solving.
Who or what inspires you professionally?
My girls. Their path does not have to align with mine, but knowing I have surrounded myself with women who empower me and inspire me to reach higher. That they can recognize those people and continue to build their community to amplify their voices.
What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
Being a founding member of SCNOMA. The journey to establish this chapter has inspired and motivated me. I have found a home in the stories of the individuals called to this organization, and I can see the potential outreach we can achieve together.
Featured Project Name:
Urban Wren and The Bellwether Public House
Featured Project Location:
Greenville, South Carolina
Featured Project Completion Date:
November 2019 and April 2023
Role in Featured Project:
Project Designer
Featured Project Description:
Urban Wren is a small plate restaurant, winery, and tasting room. To preserve the industrial feel of the core and shell, the new design elements, such as the bar and wine storage were integrated to accentuate the existing architecture. Following the success of Urban Wren, the owners launched a sister restaurant, The Bellwether. A casual dining experience located in the backyard of Fluor Field. The design choices gently weave a nod to baseball through the tile selection to bar design.
