ABOUT

de Rome Architects is focused on creating well-considered and thoughtful architectural spaces. Each project is a unique analysis of site, context and brief. These are explored with design rigor and underpinned by a strong technical understanding of construction, sustainability, and regulations.

The overall objective is to positively shape the built environment, to benefit both the direct user and the broader community.

de Rome Architects was established in 2013 and is a Canberra-based architecture firm. The office undertakes projects of various type and scale, including new Residential Homes, Residential Alterations and Additions, Multi-Residential, and Commercial.

JESSICA de ROME

Jess established de Rome Architects in 2013. She is a registered Architect in the ACT & NSW, and graduated from the University of Canberra in 2004 with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Architecture, and in 2007 with a Masters of Architecture.

Jess was awarded the AIA ACT Chapter Emerging Architect Prize in 2017, and her design work has received Commendation at the AIA ACT Chapter Architecture Awards.

Jess has maintained a role in education at the University of Canberra since 2008 as a Sessional Tutor for architecture design studios and guest Jury member for design critique panels.

Jess has recently been a member of the University of Canberra Education Advisory Group, the Institute of Architects Emerging Architects Committee, and the Consult Australia FutureNet Committee. She has been a main Jury member for the ACT Architecture Awards, and has contributed to various exhibitions and publications for the Institute of Architects.

URSULA EMBRY

Ursula has worked at de Rome Architects since 2015, and is a talented and valued member of staff.

Ursula graduated from the University of Canberra in 2015 with a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture, and in 2018 with a Masters of Architecture. Prior to this, she studied a Bachelor of Art History & Curatorship, from 2011 to 2013.

Ursula was the highest performing student in her undergraduate architecture degree, and was awarded the John Redmond Prize for this achievement. She has been awarded the Dean’s Excellence Award in both 2014 and 2015, and Ursula’s student work was shortlisted in the Cox Student Design Prize in 2015.

Ursula was awarded a Scholarship in both 2015 and 2018 to undertake a university short course in Japan.

Ursula has been employed as a Sessional Tutor at the University of Canberra across various design programs. She has also obtained professional experience in small scale architecture fabrication.

AWARDS

AWARD

ZIWA HOUSE

Residential Architecture | Houses (Alts & Additions)

2022 Australian Institute of Architects ACT Chapter Awards

JURY CITATION:

Ziwa House exemplifies the potential of an enduring Canberra building vernacular to meet changing living arrangements. A clever attachment to a two-storey duplex in Lyneham is skillfully choreographed to accommodate a series of ancillary uses that serve the clients’ desire for active connection and outlook to natural wetlands at the rear of the site, while retaining the efficiency of the existing dwelling. A high level of detail resolution has been achieved, ensuring a clarity of form is expressed,.

COMMENDATION

COOLBARDIE HOUSE

Residential Architecture | Houses (New)

2020 Australian Institute of Architects ACT Chapter Awards

JURY CITATION:

Coolbardie House is a successful exercise in modest and sustainable living. The simple and durable material palette is skillfully enhanced through use of texture and light. An integrated batten screen provides both privacy and identity to the street. This is a home filled with light and spaces organised around a north facing living area that opens to the garden. Although a strong architectural form and character, the house does not dominate, instead providing a meaningful presence in an established suburban context.

COMMENDATION

CARWOOLA HOUSE

Residential Architecture | Houses (New)

2019 Australian Institute of Architects ACT Chapter Awards

JURY CITATION:

Carwoola House has risen from the ashes of the 2017 Carwoola bushfires as a refined response to an unyielding bush setting. The form is carefully crafted and thoughtfully restrained in its material composition with rigorous attention paid to the ordering of spaces. Composed almost entirely of a robust brick palette, a few exacting interruptions shield receded glass elements. Carwoola House offers a citadel on the hill to nurture a restored appreciation of the vast untamed bushlands appeal.

COMMENDATION

O’CONNOR HOUSE

Residential Architecture | Houses (New)

2017 Australian Institute of Architects ACT Chapter Awards

JURY CITATION:

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 of restraint in design that has been maintained throughout with a wonderfully cohesive result. The building reveals a detailed and refined sensibility that is a welcome surprise behind its simple restrained facade. This project is impressive in its deft handling of limitations.

EMERGING ARCHITECT PRIZE

JESSICA de ROME

2017 Australian Institute of Architects ACT Chapter Awards

The Emerging Architect Prize recognises an individual emerging architect’s contribution to architectural practice, education, design excellence and community involvement, which advances the profession’s role within the public arena.