Jenn Nawada: Landscape Designer, Contractor & This Old House Expert

Jenn Nawada: Leading Landscape Designer and Contractor

Jenn Nawada has become a household name among home improvement enthusiasts as the landscape contractor on This Old House and Ask This Old House. With more than two decades of experience in landscape design and construction, she brings a unique blend of creativity, sustainability, and practical expertise to every project she undertakes. Her work has helped countless homeowners transform their outdoor spaces into beautiful, functional environments that enhance their quality of life.

Professional Background and Experience

Since 2001, Jenn Nawada has been working in the landscape design and build field, establishing herself as a trusted professional in residential landscape architecture. In 2010, she first appeared on This Old House as a Landscape Designer on the Auburndale project, where she worked alongside the legendary Roger Cook to create a welcoming garden. Her impressive work on that project caught the attention of producers, leading to a broader role in the show’s universe.

In 2015, Jenn officially joined the Ask This Old House team, bringing her expertise to viewers across the country. Her role expanded further when she became the Landscape Contractor for This Old House in January 2020, solidifying her position as one of the show’s core experts. Through these platforms, she teaches practical solutions to homeowners nationwide, helping them make their landscapes more beautiful and functional.

Education and Credentials

Jenn’s professional qualifications reflect her serious commitment to landscape design and environmental stewardship. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies from Rollins College in Florida, providing her with a strong foundation in understanding natural systems and environmental principles. Recognizing the need for more specialized knowledge, she pursued advanced education at the Conway School of Landscape Design in Massachusetts, where she obtained a Master of Arts in Landscape Design and Land Use Planning.

Her credentials include certification as a Massachusetts Certified Horticulturist since 2004, demonstrating her deep knowledge of plants, their growth patterns, and landscape integration. This combination of formal education and professional certifications distinguishes her as an expert in both the artistic and technical aspects of landscape design.

Nawada Landscape Design, Inc.

More than a decade ago, Jenn founded Nawada Landscape Design, Inc., her own design and build company. This venture reflects her entrepreneurial spirit and confidence in her abilities to manage complex landscape projects independently. Through this company, she designs, manages, and implements both large and midsize projects throughout the Boston area, partnering with some of the finest local professionals to ensure successful project completion.

Her business approach emphasizes collaboration, working closely with skilled tradespeople and specialists to bring her visions to life. This commitment to excellence and professional partnerships has earned her a strong reputation in the New England landscape design community.

Design Philosophy and Approach

Sophisticated and Sustainable Solutions

Jenn’s design philosophy centers on creating landscape plans that are sophisticated, stylish, and sustainable. She believes that thoughtful landscape design goes beyond mere aesthetics—it should enhance the relationship between people and their environments. Her work demonstrates a deep understanding of how outdoor spaces can improve quality of life, provide recreational opportunities, and contribute to environmental health.

Client-Centered Design

A core aspect of Jenn’s approach involves helping clients realize the potential of their land. She takes time to understand each client’s vision, lifestyle, and needs before developing comprehensive landscape plans. This client-focused methodology ensures that the final designs not only look beautiful but also function optimally for the families who will use these spaces.

Holistic Perspective

Jenn’s environmental studies background influences her holistic perspective on landscape design. She considers ecological factors, seasonal changes, plant health, and long-term sustainability when planning projects. Her designs typically incorporate native plants, efficient irrigation systems, and environmentally responsible practices that benefit both homeowners and local ecosystems.

Career Journey and Early Challenges

From Environmental Education to Landscape Design

Jenn’s path to becoming a landscape designer was not straightforward. After earning her bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies, she initially pursued a career in environmental education, working as an Environmental Education Instructor in Vermont. In this role, she taught children valuable skills about the natural world, from practical farming knowledge to understanding ecological systems. While she found this work rewarding, she felt called to pursue something more directly aligned with her growing passion for landscape design.

Gaining Practical Experience

Recognizing the gap between her education and industry experience, Jenn pursued her master’s degree in Landscape Design and Land Use Planning. However, she quickly discovered that formal credentials alone were insufficient for breaking into the competitive landscape design field. Without hands-on experience, potential employers were reluctant to hire her.

Undeterred, Jenn took a pragmatic approach. She secured a position at a large-scale nursery in the Boston suburbs, where she gained invaluable knowledge about plants, their growth cycles, propagation methods, and cultivation techniques. This foundational experience proved crucial, as she learned not just about plant materials but also about the practical aspects of landscape installation and management.

Building Professional Credentials

From her nursery position, Jenn transitioned to a lead designer role at a prominent Boston design firm. This opportunity allowed her to apply her theoretical knowledge and practical experience to real-world projects of increasing complexity. Working on larger-scale installations, she developed expertise in project management, client relations, and the coordination of multiple trades and specialists.

Personal Life and Values

Jenn lives in an early 1900s house in the Boston area with her husband and two sons. Her personal commitment to home and family life is reflected in her design philosophy, which emphasizes creating outdoor spaces where families can gather, play, and connect with nature. She maintains active engagement with her community and her professional field through various social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter (@JNawadaTOH), Instagram (@JNawadaTOH), and TikTok, where she shares design insights, project updates, and landscaping tips.

Impact on the Landscape Industry

Advancing Women in Landscaping

Jenn’s prominence in the landscape design field is particularly significant given that the landscaping industry remains male-dominated, with approximately 83 percent of landscaping companies in the United States owned by men. Her successful career and high-profile role on nationally televised programs demonstrate that women can excel in this field and bring valuable perspectives to landscape design and construction.

Educating Homeowners Nationally

Through her work on Ask This Old House and This Old House, Jenn has reached millions of viewers across the country. She educates homeowners about landscape design principles, plant selection, installation techniques, and maintenance practices. Her accessible teaching style makes complex landscape concepts understandable to viewers of all experience levels, from novice homeowners to seasoned gardeners.

Project Approach and Methodology

Site Assessment and Planning

Each project Jenn undertakes begins with a thorough site assessment. She evaluates soil conditions, sunlight patterns, drainage, existing vegetation, and architectural style of the home. This comprehensive analysis informs her design decisions and ensures that recommendations align with the property’s unique characteristics and constraints.

Collaborative Design Process

Jenn emphasizes collaboration throughout the design and build process. She works closely with her clients to understand their vision, lifestyle, and budget constraints. Her designs are informed by this input, resulting in outdoor spaces that truly reflect each client’s individual preferences and needs.

Quality Installation and Management

Beyond design, Jenn manages the installation phase, ensuring that her vision is accurately executed. She partners with skilled professionals—masons, carpenters, electricians, and other specialists—to deliver high-quality results. This hands-on management approach guarantees that every detail of the design is properly implemented.

Expertise and Specializations

Jenn’s expertise spans multiple aspects of landscape design and construction, including garden design, hardscape installation, plant selection and arrangement, irrigation system design, landscape lighting, outdoor living spaces, and landscape renovation. Her versatility allows her to address diverse client needs and create comprehensive outdoor solutions that enhance both beauty and functionality.

She is particularly skilled at transforming underutilized outdoor spaces into vibrant extensions of the home, creating gathering areas for entertaining, designing productive gardens, and implementing sustainable landscaping practices that reduce environmental impact while increasing property value.

Frequently Asked Questions About Jenn Nawada

Q: How did Jenn Nawada become a landscape designer?

A: After earning her Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies from Rollins College and working as an Environmental Education Instructor in Vermont, Jenn pursued a Master of Arts in Landscape Design and Land Use Planning from the Conway School of Landscape Design. She gained practical experience working at a large-scale nursery and eventually moved to a design firm before starting her own company.

Q: What are Jenn Nawada’s main credentials?

A: Jenn holds a B.A. in Environmental Studies and an M.A. in Landscape Design and Land Use Planning. She is a Massachusetts Certified Horticulturist since 2004 and founder of Nawada Landscape Design, Inc.

Q: When did Jenn Nawada join This Old House?

A: Jenn first appeared on This Old House in 2010 on the Auburndale project. She joined Ask This Old House in 2015 and became the official Landscape Contractor for This Old House in January 2020.

Q: What is Jenn Nawada’s design philosophy?

A: Jenn creates sophisticated, stylish, and sustainable landscape designs that help clients realize the potential of their land. She focuses on improving connections between people and their environments through thoughtful, practical design solutions.

Q: Where does Jenn Nawada operate her landscape business?

A: Jenn operates Nawada Landscape Design, Inc., which serves the Boston area and New England region, managing both large and midsize residential landscape projects.

Q: How can I follow Jenn Nawada on social media?

A: You can follow Jenn on Facebook, Twitter (@JNawadaTOH), Instagram (@JNawadaTOH), and TikTok for updates on her projects and landscaping insights.