Jessica de Rome was the ACT Emerging Architect Prize winner of 2017, and is interviewed in the “Emerging Architect Prize Winners 2017” publication produced by sponsor, AWS.

The publication celebrates the national prize winner, announced at the 2018 National Architecture Conference.

de Rome Architects was the recipient of a Commendation at the 2017 Australian Institute of Architects ACT Chapter Awards, in the category of New Residential for their O’Connor House.

The jury’s citation reads:

O’Connor House presents a demure, unassuming elevation to the street. This deliberate effort not to impact on a much loved established streetscape demonstrates a high level restraint in design that has been maintained throughout with a wonderfully cohesive result.

Through the dappled light of the entry pathway, to orchestrated glimpses of landscaped zones through and beyond the building, and with the cantilevered north eastern corner of the living pavilion, the building reveals a detailed and refined sensibility that is a welcome surprise behind its simple restrained facade.

While materials and finishes were selected to match the budget and capacity of the owner builder and to reference surrounding dwellings, it did not preclude the opportunity to explore unique detailing to elevate materials beyond their common reading. This project is impressive in its deft handling of limitations.

Jessica de Rome was awarded the Australian Institute of Architects ACT Emerging Architect Prize for 2017.

The Emerging Architect Prize acknowledges an emerging architect’s contribution to architectural practice, education, design excellence and community involvement.

The O’Connor House was featured in the Canberra Times in November 2017 as part of the Design Canberra Festival.

The O’Connor House was open to the public for the Design Canberra Living Rooms exhibit which celebrates acclaimed local houses.

Ursula Embry was the highest performing student in her undergraduate architecture degree at the University of Canberra, and was awarded the 2016 John Redmond Prize for this achievement.

In May 2014, Jessica de Rome was amongst a group of young professionals interviewed by the Canberra Times speaking about opportunities for young people in Canberra’s professional community.