Jenn Nawada: The Landscape Designer Who Cultivated a Television Legacy
Jenn Nawada stands as a premier landscape designer and celebrated television personality, having meticulously built her career through unwavering grit and hands-on mentorship. Best recognized as a core cast member on the iconic home improvement shows This Old House and Ask This Old House, she has become a household name renowned for her exceptional ability to transform ordinary outdoor spaces into breathtaking, functional works of art.
From Environmental Studies to Landscape Design Mastery
Jennifer Nawada was born on July 7, 1973, in the United States. An American citizen of white ethnicity, she has always maintained a deep passion for the natural world, a sentiment she shared in a 2024 This Old House video: "I knew I wanted to do something in the natural world, but I didn't know exactly what." Her educational journey laid the foundation for this passion.
After attending Northfield Mount Hermon High School, she enrolled at Rollins College in Florida, graduating in 1995 with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies. Driven by a desire to create, she pursued further education at the Conway School of Landscape Design, earning a Master of Arts in Landscape Design and Land Use Planning in 2000.
Building a Career: From Educator to Entrepreneur
Jenn Nawada's professional path began not with design, but with education. She initially worked as an environmental management educator at Shelburne Farms in Vermont, teaching children about ecology. According to her LinkedIn profile, she transitioned to landscaping in 2001, honing her craft at Weston and Bonnie Ulin, Inc., and achieving certification as a Massachusetts Horticulturist in 2004.
In 2009, demonstrating entrepreneurial spirit, she founded her own firm, Nawada Landscape Design, Inc., based in Boston. The company offers comprehensive design, installation, and consultation services, establishing her as a serious professional in the field.
Television Breakthrough and Emmy Accolade
Her big television break came swiftly. In 2010, she appeared as a guest designer on This Old House. A decade later, in January 2020, she stepped into the significant role of the franchise's official landscape contractor, succeeding the long-time expert Roger Cook. This position cemented her status as a leading authority.
The pinnacle of her television recognition arrived in April 2022 when she, alongside her fellow cast members, was honored with a prestigious Lifetime Achievement Emmy Award, a testament to her impact and dedication to the show.
Personal Life and Family
Jenn Nawada has been married to Justin Evans, whom she describes as a "really cute Brit," since 2003. The couple is raising two sons, Owen and Lucas, and resides in the Boston area in a historic home dating back to the 1900s. While she maintains privacy regarding her early family life, she openly shares her love for travel and her family.
Career at a Glance
- Profession: Landscape Contractor & TV Personality
- Company: Founder, Nawada Landscape Design, Inc. (2009)
- TV Role: Official Landscape Contractor for This Old House (2020-present)
- First TV Appearance: This Old House (2010)
- Major Award: Lifetime Achievement Emmy (2022)
- Education: B.S. Environmental Studies (Rollins College), M.A. Landscape Design (Conway School)
- Certification: Massachusetts Certified Horticulturist (2004)
From her roots as an environmental educator to her current role as a lead landscape contractor on a legendary television series, Jenn Nawada has cultivated a premier career firmly rooted in hands-on expertise, creative vision, and inspirational mentorship. She successfully manages her thriving design company while educating and inspiring millions of viewers, proving that with passion and perseverance, one can truly turn dirt into design and a profession into a legacy.
