Inspiring Conversations with Jenerra Albert of The JAX Group

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenerra Albert.

Jenerra, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
It was at the end of business school that I decided I wanted to go into architectural design and real estate development. After just completing undergrad in business, I felt it was likely a huge risk not to go into finance or a role in operations, but I was willing to take the leap. I went into architecture school and honestly struggled my way through it until a semester abroad studying architecture in Rome when a professor took me under their wing and really ushered me through. Studying architectural history and classical, neo-classical design in Rome completely solidified my desire to be in this space. Coming out of that experience, I completed my final year thesis project focusing on the relationship between new urbanism and neighborhood revitalization and its direct impact on minorities and marginalized groups. The thesis project explored symbiotic dwellings and the spatial relationships between them. Attempting to create inclusivity and equitable experiences that resist displacement of people of color when bringing revitalization to neighborhoods.

Fast forward to March 2020 – I had just returned to the US from two years living abroad in London, developing amazingly impressive commercial buildings and we were entering into a global pandemic. Small businesses were re-strategizing, nonprofits were emerging stronger than ever and working from home was our new normal. This created a massive opportunity for me to expand and grow my architectural design and real estate development firm – The JAX Group.

I was living in New York City, working from home full time, and I decided to return home to Arizona where I knew that great opportunities lied.

Small businesses who required retail and storefront space were able to benefit from PPP funding. Emerging developers who understand how much opportunity sits in market downturns were developing new spaces and start-ups were using this time to begin expanding and growing their real estate portfolio. This all lead to new opportunities for The JAX in the valley to create equitable experiences through space!

Opportunities for interior design and construction of commercial and residential spaces, real estate development services for local charter schools and so much more!

Although a native to Arizona, I’ve literally lived all over the globe – Washington DC, New Haven, CT, Miami, Fl, Rome, Italy, New York City, Newark, NJ, London – and my hope was always to be able to someday have opportunities to give back, invest and do work in the place I call home. Being able to partner with small business owners and real estate developers in the desert to deliver their spaces has brought me more joy than I could ever imagine. There’s just nothing like investing in and growing the community that raised you. It feels great to know that after a decade of exploring the world, I can bring my talents, financing, lessons learned and beautiful designs back home to leave my small mark on the city. I love the way the pandemic has created that opportunity for me and has allowed me to make Phoenix a tad lovelier than it was before.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Given that this journey of exponential growth for The JAX Group has been through pandemic, I absolutely cannot say that it’s been smooth. But the journey and the struggle is so much fun to look back on and be thankful for.

Particularly for my line of work, the construction industry has seen many changes and fluctuations throughout the pandemic. Construction costs and material costs have skyrocketed. We’ve seen crazy delays on most of our projects. Demand for contractors, carpenters and skilled laborers is insanely high at this time so all of that has contributed to us having to get really creative on how we deliver projects for our clients. In the development space, depending on the project type, investors are far more leery of investing in emerging developers so we’ve had to prove our expertise that much more and also be crafty in how we structure our real estate deals in a time like this with so much uncertainty.

I would not change any of it though!

As you know, we’re big fans of The JAX Group. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
“Our Why”: The JAX Group works to create equity for all people through space. Using architecture, planning and design we innovate, integrate and upgrade communities and environments.

Our Mission Statement: The JAX Group partners with clients to transform and re-imagine spaces that help them to create equitable and inclusive experiences and provide revitalization without displacement.

The JAX is a design and development firm that uses architecture, design and planning to upgrade environments and communities and create equitable experiences for all people through space. Our proven knowledge, approach, and attention to detail create a transformative experience for homeowners and developers alike.

The Jenerra Albert Experience Group (The JAX) develops bold and intentional spaces through each project’s historical, spatial, and cultural community context. Our focus on innovation is reinforced by industry expertise, authenticity, and a structured, collaborative approach. Founded in 2018 by designer and real estate strategist Jenerra Albert, The JAX produces an “experience” inclusive of client needs and offers dynamic solutions derived from over a decade of design and construction experience.

As a full-service design and development firm, The JAX specializes in managing all phases of design, construction execution, and real estate development. Our team is dedicated to developing award-winning buildings, designs, and competent space planning across various industries including academic and corporate workplaces and commercial, residential, and multifamily design. We pride ourselves on becoming an extension of our client’s ethos to provide a transformative experience and purpose-filled results.

The JAX Group infuses every project with a knowledge of design and the industry. We transcend cliches with proven expertise in creating spaces geared towards the user’s end needs and vision.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Never stop learning! Never stop reading! While I feel confident in my skill set, my team and I never stop reading or learning, it’s really the only way to develop in your craft, no matter how much experience you have in design!

Stay connected to the market.

Contact Info:

• Email: info@thejaxgroup.net
• Website: thejaxgroup.net
• Instagram: @thejaxgroup_