Senior Design Director

Two lifelong passions drive John Jennings in his work with Gro: architecture and fitness.

The son of an architect, he says that visiting great examples of the built environment was a family tradition in his formative years and when he earned his bachelor of architecture degree from Virginia Tech’s School of Architecture. Along the way he also developed a love for fitness and the outdoors. Each of these continue to hold a place of prominence in his life.

And in his work with Gro. Jennings conceptualizes and develops innovative YMCA buildings that cater to the diverse needs of Ys and their communities. “Our solutions need to align with the client’s vision, budget, and timeline,” he says. We integrate functional layouts, sustainable practices, and aesthetic considerations to create spaces that inspire and empower individuals to lead healthy, active lifestyles.”

A mix of hard and soft skills are what make Jennings effective. “I have to bridge the creative and the analytical aspects of design,” he says. “That means understanding clients’ design needs, but also navigating the complexities of existing infrastructures and programs. We have to deliver aesthetically appealing solutions that are both functional and innovative.” 

Something else he’s good at is data and facilities analysis. Data informs and validate design, he says, lending empirical evidence to what gets built. “This holistic perspective allows us to create spaces that are functional, beautiful, sustainable, and efficient. It’s the art and science of architecture.”

The net result is aiding YMCA organizations to become “vibrant hugs of activity, fostering a sense of belonging and community engagement,” as he describes it. Looking to the future, he wants Gro and the Y to empower underserved communities, to promote equity in fitness and social access – and to live a life of purpose, passion, and meaningful connections. That includes with his wife Sarah, also with Gro, and their children.