Jennifer O’Donnell, O’DonnellBrown
Jennifer O’Donnell
co-founder
O’DonnellBrown

Jennifer O’Donnell is co-founder of O’DonnellBrown, an award-winning Glasgow-based architecture practice recognised for its retrofit expertise and community-focused work.

Jennifer’s recent work with the practice includes leading New Olympia House, the refurbishment of a 1920s Salvation Army hall into new office spaces, and the community-led redevelopment and masterplan for the Govan Graving Docks, a major development including housing and public spaces on a Category A site in Glasgow.

Together with Sam Brown, Jennifer has led O’DonnellBrown to early and critical acclaim. Founded in 2013, the practice was the only UK finalist in the 2019 Architectural Review Emerging Architecture Awards and in 2020 was named in the Architects’ Journal 40 under 40, where it was described as ‘a stand-out practice.’ The studio was the Overall Winner at the AJ Retrofit Awards in 2024, for their work on New Olympia House, while Govan Graving Docks won a Gold Award at the 2025 Scottish Design Awards. 

Passionate about sustainability and working with existing buildings, Jennifer is specialising in conservation and retrofit for heritage projects. In 2025 she was appointed external examiner at Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen. She also serves as a Design Council Expert and as a mentor with The Circle Partnership, a development programme for mid level female talent across the UK.