An EPIC journey
Meet the New England architect making the epic journey to ‘living the dream’ a joyful one.
The passion that Armidale-based Architect Jena Glover brings to the creative process of designing a space is contagious. Her warmth and excitement – along with more than 20 years of experience – quickly dispel any fears you might harbour about aspiring to the architecturally-designed home or project of your dreams.
“Helping someone to imagine something as intimate as their dream home is a very personal journey of discovery that we take together,” Jena says. “I tell my clients, ‘We’re going to become such good friends you’ll be asking me round to jump in your pool’.”
And since she lives nearby, she just might pop over. Dedicated to the close-knit community she found in regional NSW, Jena’s found her calling helping locals ‘live the dream’ in the beautiful place we call home.
The magic begins at the design stage, where you’re invited into the creative process with Jena and her team.
“In the workshops we have at every design stage, we walk the client through their vision. We show them how it would feel to come home to their space,” Jena says.
“It’s empowering for them to see their dream take shape right before their eyes, making changes or exploring ideas in real time on our big digital screen.”
Regional where?
So how did a commercial architect from ‘the friendly Midwest’ of America find her calling creating homes for families on the other side of the world?
“In 2003, my sights were set on travelling to Italy to study architecture when a friend said, ‘No, we have to go to Australia’ – and I was like, where?” Jena admits. But all it took was one glimpse of the regional Australian lifestyle in the glossy pages of a magazine and she quickly reassessed her plans.
“At 20, it was the image of an Aussie surfer that caught my interest, but in a heartbeat, I connected creatively with that snapshot of the vibrant Australian lifestyle. The second I landed I knew this country was different, and I knew I could create something special for myself here.”
A love of that lifestyle took root during a semester at Newcastle University’s architecture program. “That move wouldn’t have been possible without the support of my family, as well as my mentor of now 20 years, architect Dean Marske at HKG Architects, who always encouraged me to push my boundaries. That support, combined with my experience in Newcastle and work throughout Australia, changed my creative outlook completely. It shone a light on the difference between my commercial work and residential design – and that's the emotional connection with my client and the way they like to live. That's the part I love.”
Jena earned the respect of Newcastle’s architecture academy and was approved to stay on for the degree of architecture, rather than returning to the US. She continued working remotely for her beloved Midwest-based firm HKG Architects, but Australia (and her now husband) was always calling her back ‘home’.
“I went on to work with several Australian architects between my undergrad and master’s degree, then took some time off to have our two kids. During that time we visited my husband’s hometown of Armidale on a regular basis and I discovered a niche I could carve out in regional Australia’s residential design market.”
It started when a friend asked Jena to design her home – she jumped at the opportunity and EPIC Architecture was born. But forming that emotional connection with her clients and their projects isn’t the only exciting part for Jena – she’s constantly striving to delight her clients with adventurous architectural details they can call their own.
“I love bringing personality to the simplicity of liveable design, with fun architectural elements that speak for themselves. When a client wanted the spacious feel of a pitched ceiling, my mind went straight to a massive butterfly roof which gave his home a wow factor he really enjoys,” she says.
Taking the time to ensure the client feels seen, heard and understood means Jena can create something special, and the client can relax and enjoy the creative process.
An immersive experience
The EPIC journey is immersive, taking clients behind the scenes to understand the practical considerations of each design decision.
“Our clients really appreciate being equipped with this level of knowledge, because when the time comes for them to be dealing with builders and tradespeople, they’re able to dig into the detail of what they want with our support – I have great respect for the role trades play in the process.”
Part of the EPIC magic is thanks to the creative energy amongst the wonderful team Jena’s assembled. “We’re a fun-loving, friendly bunch who get every bit as excited about seeing your home take shape as you do, which makes co-designing your home an absolute joy.”
Jena’s vision for EPIC Architecture was always holistic home design that offered impeccable interior design to complement her imaginative architectural concepts, so it’s no surprise that every team member embodies this ethos in their work.
“It takes a very particular talent to guide people through the choices of finishes, fixtures and every other decision that needs to be made along the way for a place to truly feel like their own,” Jena says.
“Our in-house interior designer, Kate, is so clever with helping our clients to create a look and feel they can fall in love with, always mindful of staying within a budget that’s realistic to the project.”
Kate is passionate about helping people see interior design as an immensely rewarding investment in their everyday enjoyment of life, one that doesn’t need to break the bank.
“I’ll be upfront if your budget isn’t realistic for what you want to achieve, but our clients tend to be amazed by what’s possible when we know how to design a creative, beautiful space within a proposed budget, and how to upcycle some unique pieces that really make the space,” Kate says.
Architectural fee budgets are another stress Jena and Kate spare their clients by offering fixed rates. “While I can never guarantee complete control over a building project budget and final costing, we do use our extensive skills and connections to give clients the most realistic and objective numbers available,” Jena says.
“We are both ethical and transparent with our fee structure – we have eight phases of design and go to drastic lengths to balance a realistic fee with the output of deliverables. We take your investment very seriously.
“The fees include two or three workshops per design phase, so that you see exactly what you’re getting at every step of the creative process. “We run through so many variations of what’s possible, that once we get to the build, we’re all fully satisfied that we’ve arrived at the very best outcome.”
Local charm
Living and working in Armidale gives Jena and Kate a deeper understanding of all there is to love about the lifestyle their clients enjoy, and helps them tailor their designs. Local networks also go a long way to streamlining a local build.
“You’re so excited to have your home design in your hands that you don’t want to hit a stumbling block at the next stage and experience uncertainty surrounding your build,” Jena says. “While we don’t have control over the build itself, our connections, process of design and documentation arm our clients with the suppliers, knowledge and understanding needed for that next stage.
“People have jobs to get on with and lives to live. We love being able to make the process of getting into their dream home easier, every step of the way.”
Seeking inspiration?
Watch this space in 2023 for an EPIC series of home designs exploring the way locals love to live, including the New England Collection, Beach Collection, Luxe Collection and Eco House Collection.
“We set out to fill a gap in the market for pre-priced, eco-savvy options that offer more originality and inspiration than your average ‘off the plan’ options,” Jena says.
The collections offer more choice, providing multiple design packages that suit different lifestyles, so you can design the home of your dreams.
“We feel that people are going to love the simplicity of being able to see a whole, finished package they can happily picture themselves in. And with our collections, people anywhere in NSW can take these documents to their builder of choice to continue their journey.”
