Jenn Nawada Biography: This Old House Career & Husband

Before she became a household name on national television, Jenn Nawada was already knee-deep in soil, hands-on design, and environmental education.

Today, millions of viewers recognize her as the lead landscape contractor on This Old House and Ask This Old House. But long before taking over the iconic franchise’s outdoor projects, Nawada spent over two decades building a career rooted in sustainable design, residential landscaping, and hands-on teaching. As the owner of Nawada Landscape Design, Inc., she continues to balance TV filming, high-end design projects, and family life in 2026—making her one of the most trusted and approachable voices in modern home improvement.

Profile Summary: Jenn Nawada

Who Is Jenn Nawada?

Jenn Nawada is an American landscape designer and television personality best known for bringing outdoor spaces to life on This Old House and Ask This Old House. While many viewers recognize her from television, landscaping has been her profession for more than two decades, making her expertise far deeper than what appears on screen.

Away from filming, Jenn owns Nawada Landscape Design, Inc., where she works with homeowners to create practical and sustainable landscapes. Her calm teaching style and ability to explain complex projects in simple language have made her one of the most trusted personalities in home improvement television.

Age, Birthday, Nationality & Early Background

Jenn Nawada was born on July 7, 1973, in the United States, making her 53 years old in 2026. She is American by nationality and has chosen to keep much of her childhood and family background private despite her growing public profile.

Although she rarely speaks about her early years, Jenn has shared that she always felt drawn to the natural world. Raised in Tampa, Florida, she developed an appreciation for plants and outdoor spaces that eventually guided her toward environmental studies and a lifelong career in landscape design.

Education That Built Her Landscape Career

Jenn Nawada built her career on a strong educational foundation that combined environmental science with creative design. She attended Northfield Mount Hermon School before earning a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies from Rollins College in 1995, where she explored the relationship between people and the natural world.

Even after graduating, Jenn knew she wanted to turn that knowledge into something more hands-on. She later studied at the Conway School of Landscape Design, completing a master’s degree in Landscape Design and Land Use Planning in 2000, an experience that helped shape the thoughtful, sustainable approach that now defines both her professional work and her television projects.

The Vermont Farm Experience That Changed Everything

Before launching her landscaping career, Jenn Nawada worked as an Environmental Education Instructor at Shelburne Farms in Vermont, a place that had a lasting impact on her future. She taught children about nature, farming, and conservation while spending every day outdoors, gaining practical experience that no classroom alone could provide.

Working on a historic working farm also introduced Jenn to sustainable agriculture, environmental stewardship, and the value of designing landscapes that work with nature rather than against it. Those lessons stayed with her long after she left Vermont, shaping the calm, patient teaching style viewers now recognize on This Old House, where she makes landscaping feel both approachable and meaningful.

Building a Career Before Television

Early Landscape Design Positions

Jenn Nawada entered the landscape design industry in 2001, putting her education into practice through hands-on projects rather than stepping straight into television. She began building her experience with Weston Nurseries, where she worked closely with homeowners to create customized landscape plans, conduct site visits, and turn outdoor ideas into practical designs.

She later joined Bonnie Ulin, Inc., taking on larger and more detailed residential projects that expanded her skills even further. Her work included designing gardens, patios, outdoor living spaces, lighting systems, irrigation layouts, and planting plans, giving her valuable experience across nearly every aspect of landscape design.

Becoming a Certified Professional

As her experience grew, Jenn strengthened her professional credentials by becoming a Massachusetts Certified Horticulturist in 2004. The certification reflected not only her knowledge of plants and landscape design but also her commitment to continuing education and maintaining high industry standards.

By the time television opportunities came along, Jenn had already earned a strong reputation within the landscaping community through years of practical work and thoughtful design. That solid foundation helped make her advice feel authentic, and it remains one of the reasons homeowners continue to trust her expertise both on and off the screen.

Nawada Landscape Design, Inc.

After years of gaining experience with established landscaping companies, Jenn Nawada launched Nawada Landscape Design, Inc. in 2009. Based in the Boston area, the company specializes in residential landscape design, offering consultation, planning, and installation services that help homeowners create outdoor spaces tailored to their lifestyles.

Jenn’s design philosophy focuses on building landscapes that are both beautiful and practical while respecting the surrounding environment. Even with a busy television schedule, she continues leading her company, balancing client projects with filming and bringing the same thoughtful approach to every landscape she designs.

How She Joined This Old House

Jenn Nawada made her first appearance on This Old House in 2010 during the Auburndale project, where she worked alongside longtime landscape expert Roger Cook. It was an opportunity to introduce her skills to a national audience, and her hands-on knowledge quickly stood out to both the production team and viewers.

As she appeared in more projects, Jenn took on greater responsibilities across the franchise and became a familiar face on Ask This Old House. Her ability to explain landscaping techniques in a simple, practical way earned viewers’ trust and helped establish her as one of the show’s most respected experts.

Becoming the Official Landscape Contractor

As Roger Cook gradually stepped back from regular television appearances, Jenn Nawada naturally assumed a larger role within the franchise. She continued working on both This Old House and Ask This Old House, ensuring viewers still received the practical landscaping guidance the shows had long been known for.

While This Old House follows complete home renovation projects, Ask This Old House focuses on solving homeowners’ questions through individual projects, giving Jenn the chance to share her expertise in different ways. In 2026, she remains the franchise’s lead landscape contractor, balancing on-screen education with her work as a professional landscape designer.

Why Viewers Connect With Jenn Nawada

Jenn Nawada has earned viewers’ trust because she teaches without making landscaping feel intimidating. Whether she’s planting trees, improving soil, or redesigning a yard, she explains each step in clear language that helps homeowners feel confident enough to try the work themselves.

Her background in environmental education also shapes the way she approaches every project. Combined with her genuine enthusiasm for working outdoors and encouraging others to enjoy nature, that approachable style has made Jenn one of the most popular and respected personalities on home improvement television.

Her Teaching Philosophy Beyond Landscaping

For Jenn Nawada, landscaping has always been about more than creating attractive outdoor spaces. Drawing on her years of working with children in camps, youth centers, and environmental education, she believes gardening helps people develop patience, curiosity, and a deeper appreciation for the natural world.

One lesson she often shares is that good things take time, whether it’s growing vegetables or building healthy soil through composting. By encouraging children and homeowners to learn through hands-on experience instead of simply following instructions, Jenn hopes to inspire confidence, creativity, and lasting respect for nature.

Husband Justin Evans & Family Life

Jenn Nawada has been married to Justin Evans since 2003, and the couple share a passion for nature that extends into both of their careers. Justin is a British wildlife filmmaker and canopy specialist whose work has appeared in acclaimed BBC Natural History Unit productions, including Planet Earth, Life, and Frozen Planet.

Although they work in different fields, their careers are connected by a common goal of helping people appreciate the outdoors. Jenn designs landscapes that bring nature closer to home, while Justin captures wildlife and natural environments on film, making them a complementary team both professionally and personally.

Jenn Nawada’s Children & Family Life

Jenn and Justin are parents to two sons, Owen Evans and Lucas Evans, and they have chosen to keep much of their family life out of the public spotlight. While Jenn occasionally shares small moments from home, she has always placed a high value on giving her children a private and grounded upbringing.

The family lives in the Boston area in a historic home dating back to the 1900s, where Jenn balances work, filming, and motherhood. Even with a demanding career, she continues to make family a priority, showing that professional success and a fulfilling home life can go hand in hand.

Meet Moby: The Fan-Favorite Bernese Mountain Dog

Among Jenn Nawada’s most recognizable companions is Moby, her gentle Bernese Mountain Dog, who has become a favorite with many viewers. Whether appearing on television or in social media posts, Moby’s calm personality has made him almost as familiar to fans as Jenn herself.

Jenn has often described Moby as her favorite coworker because of his relaxed nature and loyal companionship. His regular appearances behind the scenes give viewers a glimpse of her life away from landscaping projects and add a personal touch that many fans enjoy.

Awards, Recognition & Professional Achievements

Over the years, Jenn Nawada has earned respect through professional experience, industry credentials, and her ability to educate homeowners. She became a Massachusetts Certified Horticulturist in 2004, built a successful design business, and established herself as one of the leading landscape professionals in New England before becoming widely known on television.

Her national profile grew even stronger through This Old House, where she and the cast received a Lifetime Achievement Emmy Award in 2022. Combined with more than two decades of landscape design experience, these milestones reflect a career built on practical knowledge, consistent professionalism, and a genuine passion for helping others improve their outdoor spaces.

Is Jenn Nawada Still on This Old House in 2026?

Yes, Jenn Nawada is still an active part of This Old House and Ask This Old House in 2026. She continues appearing in new episodes, helping homeowners improve their outdoor spaces while sharing practical landscaping advice that reflects her years of professional experience.

Alongside her television work, Jenn remains involved in landscape design through her own company and continues to educate viewers with clear, hands-on demonstrations. Given her growing role within the franchise and her strong connection with audiences, she is expected to remain one of the show’s leading experts for years to come.

Net Worth & Income Sources

Jenn Nawada’s exact net worth has not been publicly disclosed, and she has never shared financial details about her earnings. Because no verified figure is available, any estimates found online should be treated with caution.

Her income comes from several professional roles, including her work on This Old House and Ask This Old House, as well as Nawada Landscape Design, Inc. She also earns through residential landscape consultations and design services, while any additional business partnerships or speaking engagements have not been publicly confirmed.

Where Is Jenn Nawada Now?

Today, Jenn Nawada lives in the Boston, Massachusetts, area with her husband and their two sons. She continues leading Nawada Landscape Design, Inc. while balancing client projects with her regular television appearances.

Outside of filming, Jenn remains closely connected to the landscaping community and frequently shares updates from projects and everyday life through social media. Although she has become a familiar television personality, she continues to keep much of her family life private and prefers letting her work speak for itself.

Her Lasting Influence on Modern Landscaping

Jenn Nawada has shown that great landscaping is about more than attractive gardens—it begins with understanding nature and helping people feel confident working outdoors. Her background in environmental education has shaped a teaching style that encourages homeowners to learn by doing instead of feeling overwhelmed by technical details.

Through her television work, professional design projects, and commitment to sustainable landscaping, Jenn has inspired countless people to see outdoor spaces in a new way. As her career continues in 2026, she remains one of the most respected voices in home improvement, proving that knowledge, patience, and practical experience can leave a lasting impact.

FAQs About Jenn Nawada

Why did Jenn Nawada replace Roger Cook on This Old House?

Jenn Nawada gradually took on a larger role as Roger Cook reduced his on-screen appearances before retiring from regular television work. Her years of experience and successful appearances on the show made her a natural choice to continue leading landscaping projects.

What does Jenn Nawada do when she isn’t filming television?

Away from television, Jenn runs Nawada Landscape Design, Inc., where she designs residential landscapes and works directly with homeowners on outdoor improvement projects.

What company does Jenn Nawada own?

Jenn is the founder and owner of Nawada Landscape Design, Inc., a Massachusetts-based landscape design company that provides consultation, planning, and installation services for residential properties.

Where does Jenn Nawada live now?

Jenn Nawada lives in the Boston, Massachusetts, area with her husband, Justin Evans, and their two sons.

Is Jenn Nawada a certified horticulturist?

Yes. Jenn became a Massachusetts Certified Horticulturist in 2004, adding another professional credential to her background in landscape design and environmental studies.

What makes Jenn Nawada’s landscaping style different?

Jenn combines sustainable landscape design with an educator’s mindset, explaining projects in simple, practical ways that help homeowners understand not only what to do but also why it works.

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