Bio:
The great designer, Jonathan has more than 10 years of design experience focused on integrating social engagement into the design process. He approaches design with an overall goal of having a positive impact on communities in need. For Jonathan, architecture is a medium through which people can be connected and inspired by giving tangible being to ideas. Over the last several years, he has passionately devoted himself to community service through mentoring and education programs focused on developing young men.

How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?
It’s easy to say my dad is an architect, but the truth is that I truly got interested during a summer introductory architecture program. It is not what I expected. It is so much more and touches so many people. 

What do you do?
I’m an architect. But I’ve realized that most of what I do is about facilitating relationships and partnerships between people around design. 

What excites you in the work you do?
It’s exciting to see people from communities in need enter a new building and say “oh my gosh, this is for me”. To see their reaction and know that design can have a tangible impact on their lives.

Who or what inspires you professionally?
I am inspired by young people who have not been traditionally involved in the conversation about the built environment getting involved. It’s inspiring to see their reactions once they realize that they have a valuable perspective to add. 

What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
To see the look on my father’s face when we opened the Martin Luther King Jr. library. The building was opened by Martin Luther King III. It was an amazing father son generational moment to be a part of and my son got to be there to witness it.

Featured Project Name: 
Indiana University Arts and Sciences Building
 
Featured Project Location: 
Gary, Indiana
 
Featured Project Completion Date: 
2017

Role in Featured Project: 
Project Designer
 
Featured Project Description:
Built for Indiana University Northwest in association with Ivy Technical Community College. This multidisciplinary building houses a 500-seat thrust stage theater, fine arts space, science labs, science classrooms, academic classrooms, and large informal study lounges accommodating the needs of both schools. The building is composed of interlocking masses that relate program elements to the community. The facade announces this building as a gateway piece for new campus growth in the community.

Photography Credit:
Cory Klein


Featured Project Name: 
Columbus Metropolitan Library Martin Luther King Branch
 
Featured Project Location: 
Columbus, Ohio
 
Featured Project Completion Date: 
2018

Role in Featured Project: 
Lead Designer
 
Featured Project Description:
MLK Library is the first in the US named for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. First dedicated by Martin Sr in 1969 just after his son’s passing, in 2018, Martin III dedicated a new building. Design inspiration comes directly from Dr King; “we must utilize the community action groups and training centers now proliferating in some slum areas to create not merely an electorate, but a conscious, alert and informed people who know their direction and whose collective wisdom and vitality commands respect.”

Photography Credit:
Brad Feinkenopf / Sam Brown