Jonathan Lessem

Jonathan began his architectural career at Z|S, laying the foundation for a practice grounded in precision, coordination, and thoughtful execution. After gaining additional experience in Alabama, he returned to the firm, bringing with him a broadened perspective and reaffirmed commitment to technical excellence. With over 25 years of experience, he now serves as the studio’s technical lead—overseeing QA/QC reviews and acting as a core resource for construction methodologies, documentation standards, and code compliance.

Jonathan’s depth of expertise supports the delivery of the firm’s most complex projects, particularly in adaptive reuse and historic preservation. His work is defined by rigorous analysis, skillful detailing, and an ability to distill complexity into clarity. He leads with humility and care—listening closely to client needs, coordinating teams with intention, and ensuring that design aspirations are realized through durable, well-crafted buildings.