Meet Jami Jenkins | Architectural & Interior Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jami Jenkins and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jami, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
Although born in Denver, Colorado, I spent my growing years in central Indiana where our extended family lived. Many of my dad’s 8 brothers and sisters lived on the same country road, as did my grandmother, and we gathered each Sunday after church for dinner at her farmhouse. She would prepare the main meal – usually fried chicken or ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, and every side dish your heart desired – for the large family before heading to church.

My cousins were my first friends and we developed a strong bond between us that is still there today, even though we’re scattered in different states. Play was innocent and creative, sometimes rowdy, but those memories are such a part of who I am today that I wanted to create a similar environment for our own grandchildren. That’s why we built the cabin compound in Hocking Hills Ohio. We live in different cities and having these cabins allows us to come together a few times a year, each with our own little oasis cabin, but still on the same 32 acres to explore. Nothing thrills me more than to see one of the grandkids walk into our cabin.

What should our readers know about your business?
I’m an architectural and interior designer with training in green design. I also have a degree in graphic design which allows me a different perspective when designing spaces. Whether modern or traditional, my designs always incorporate architectural elements and furnishings that exude an inviting warmth. Form and function are the crossroads of successful and long-living design, but that must also incorporate a bit of fantasy and imagination to inject energy.

Incorporating elements for a healthy environment are important to me personally, and transfer to my business. Toxic materials are prevalent and overused everywhere but if there is one place where we need to work to eradicate as many as possible it should be our homes. While this is most easily done when designing from the ground up, there are many changes that can be made during a remodel to improve the health quotient of your domain.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Our personal vacation cabins (which we also rent to others) are located in Hocking County, Ohio, foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and named one Forbes’ Travel Must Visit Places in the US. The area is known for hiking, geographical formations, waterfalls, caves, and scenic drives – and yes, it’s in Ohio!

My personal favorite location is Ash Cave. This gorgeous cavern is accessed through a narrow gorge lined with stately hemlocks and hardwoods. As you approach the horseshoe-shaped cave the 90 feet high waterfall will take your breath away as it plunges into the natural pool below.

The most popular destination is Old Man’s Cave with the Devil’s Bathtub. Devil’s Bathtub is located between Upper Falls (a picture perfect waterfall) and Old Man’s Cave. A stream dumps into a large weakened layer of Black Hand Sandstone and has a constant swirling motion as if the pool is being drained.

While these are just two of the many hiking destinations, I also recommend guests visit historic downtown Lancaster, Ohio, just a few minutes away. History runs deep in Lancaster and is showcased through multiple museums, antique shops, and a bounty of beautiful historic homes. While there, climb to the top of Rising Park for a view overlooking the city and beyond.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The entirety of my dad’s side of the family – the Jesse Marshall Pell family

Website: https://www.staythehockinghills.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ecoluxevacations/

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Image Credits
Shelby Brown @shelbywilray Levi Kelly @levimkelly