PUC Alumni Jarrod Denton Moves Architecture Firm to Napa

Jarrod Denton, a 1996 PUC graduate, is an architect, partner, and founder at Signum Architecture, LLP. He and his business partner Juancarlos Fernandez launched their firm in St. Helena in 2011 and relocated to Napa in 2023.

When they founded the firm, they chose the name “Signum”—a Latin term for design—to reflect the center point of the firm and represent their unique studio environment.

Signum looks at architecture from a holistic point of view. With a diverse group of talented workers, they collaborate with artists, offering a perspective beyond traditional architecture and are knowledgeable in low-carbon construction.

From caves to boutique hospitality and restaurants, Denton gravitates towards diverse architectural styles, especially if the project is elusive, requires a challenging creative solution, and is reusable to bring it to life. “I love the process—coming up with a design concept, not falling in love with the first solution, nurturing the design along, distilling the solution down to the essence, and ultimately walking through a built space,” he shared. When all is complete, projects designed by Denton and his team feel more rewarding because they prioritize their client and the environment.

For Denton, the joys of being an architect are using the transformative power of architecture to elevate everyday life and having a rewarding feeling of seeing his clients satisfied with the final design. “Being an architect is like being a conductor in a symphony,” he expressed. “As architects, we are in a unique position of floating between macro and micro worlds, knowing what the finished composition should sound like, and bringing together various musicians to play harmoniously together.”

As a child, walking through the different homes his uncles worked on and seeing how they were constructed inspired Denton to become an architect. While in high school, former chair of PUC’s music department, James Kempster, also Denton’s uncle, mentioned applying to the college. When Denton became a student at PUC, he had initially planned to transfer to an architectural school but stayed all four years. One week after graduating from PUC and marrying his wife Heather, he began to work for an architectural firm in Yountville. Denton received incredible opportunities throughout his career, which grew a desire to elevate his design practice and start his own business.

Amongst his vast opportunities, Denton is proud of several in particular. In 2010, he secured a Sonoma house renovation certification as the first Passive House Renovation in North America through the Passive House Institute US, Inc. In the Napa Valley, his work includes HALL Wines in St. Helena, a residence Calistorga’s Franz Valley that innovatively blends prefab and custom construction, and new hotels currently in design or under constructed. Other work in the Mojave Desert, San Luis Obispo, Carmel Valley, Oahu, and Walla Walla.

One highly gratifying project for Denton was Basswood Napa Valley—a popular multi-use destination 15 minutes from PUC. As a place countless students have been going to for years to study, have meetings, and hang out, it’s incredible to know a fellow Pioneer has brought new life into the space.

As a PUC student preparing for his career, Denton credits core classes such as public speaking, sociology, and world religions as important contributors to his architectural career. “Being knowledgeable in many different fields of study is vital to success in this profession, and PUC instilled for me a general sense of curiosity and a holistic education that are a benefit to this day.”

Even now, he carries with him the lessons learned in college—such as being a knowledge seeker and a creative problem solver—while remaining connected to the campus church and Angwin community.