Architect focuses on elements of nature and light when designing buildings
From a young age, Jason Cherry had a knack for design. Whether he was building forts in his basement, playing with LEGO blocks, or drawing, his relationship with space was innate.
Now as the owner and architect of Rowen Architecture, Cherry uses his skills to create bold and authentic homes in the Flathead Valley.
“As a kid, I was always fascinated by spaces and how they could make you feel different ways,” said Cherry. “I was intrigued by the various environments you can create and how architecture can shape peoples’ experiences.”
From his childhood memories of being crammed into cozy spaces in his grandparents’ RV or walking into church sanctuaries, hotel atriums, or airport terminals, Cherry knew that space would play an important role in his life.
Upon graduating with his master’s degree from Judson University in Chicago, Cherry practiced architecture in the Midwest and worked for a custom home builder before moving to Montana. As a husband and father to three young girls, Cherry felt drawn to starting his own business so he could prioritize his family as well as the needs of his clients by providing individualized attention.
“Part of the reason I started Rowen Architecture was so I could have the flexibility to be a good dad and a good husband. I also love being a local small business and running into clients around town. Being a boutique practice lets me have the time and space to really dive into each project and give it my best. I think there's beauty to the small-scale processes of this work,” said Cherry.
While each client has a different interpretation of what is beautiful to them, Cherry believes that certain elements are foundational in designing a home such as elements of nature and natural light.
“There are some things that are universal and always in an architect's toolbox like connection to nature. There have been a ton of studies done that state when we are in direct contact with nature, our bodies respond better. In schools where nature is brought in, kids’ test scores are vastly higher,” Cherry explained. “People also like to be in light spaces and in the sunlight. Especially in this area, people lean towards more of a natural and authentic material palette. These are God-created elements that are timeless and that we can’t really recreate with our manmade materials.”
Despite having traveled all around the world, Cherry believes architectural grandeur can be found in all kinds of spaces and especially loves working in the residential market.
“I've been to the Pantheon in Rome, the Acropolis in Athens, and I've been to some big palaces in India and it's all fantastic. But for me, there's not one thing that's the pinnacle of architecture. I think there's beauty in all of it,” said Cherry. “The residential market is very personal and you are designing something specific for people in order to make their life better. To do that, you need to know them, and what their values are, their interests, their history, their lifestyle, and all the things that make them unique.”
One of Cherry’s current projects includes designing a round two story library with a castle turret, a wrapping staircase, and a large skylight at the pinnacle of the roof. While from an engineering standpoint, the project has been intense, Cherry said there is almost anything that can be designed with “some out of the box thinking and a little wizardry.”
Cherry explained that Rowen is an agricultural term meaning “second growth crop,” and stems from his intent to reap two “harvests” from his enterprise.
“I want two outcomes from every project I do. The first is healthy and meaningful relationships with each client, and truly wanting what's best for them, and doing what I can to help them thrive. The second is excellent architecture and getting to merge and blend spaces, materials and the qualities of light and natural surroundings to a building,” Cherry said. “Homes are the most personal and foundational environment of our lives. They are our origin. They are intimate, relational, comfortable and practical. They support our values, encourage our lifestyles, and mirror our personalities. Homes are as unique as the individuals that dwell in them — a visible expression of the invisible.”
To contact Rowen Architecture, email collaborate@rowenarchitecture.com or call 517-879-6475. To learn more about Rowen Architecture, visit www.rowenarchitecture.com.
Reporter Summer Zalesky may be reached at szalesky@dailyinterlake.com.
