At Jonathan Lee Architects (JLA), we believe architectural design has the power to transform lives and elevate communities. Our mission is to seamlessly integrate traditional design principles with modern innovation, creating spaces that are visually stunning, designed in detail, and uniquely fit to purpose.
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At JLA, collaboration is key. We work closely with our clients – both discerning homeowners and commercial developers – to ensure the design process is smooth and informed. We take an educational approach to our design work, guiding you through each phase of your project to help you make the best choices for your home or building.
From initial consult to final walkthrough, our goal is to make your dream a reality. With Jonathan Lee’s international background and deep knowledge of traditional architecture, our designs are not just homes – they are legacies that will stand the test of time.
"My studies and travels over the years and my experience as an architect—at the drawing board, in the field, and in the classroom—have only fueled my passion both for creating buildings that will endure, and for preserving our architectural heritage as a legacy for generations to come."
As a premier traditional architecture firm, we specialize in creating homes and commercial and public buildings that blend timeless architecture with modern innovation, resulting in spaces that are not only visually stunning but also highly functional.
At JLA, we specialize in traditional architectural design blended seamlessly with state-of-the-art technology. That means perfect proportions, thoughtful scale, and stunning layers of detail, all with 21st-century ease of use.
We invest in continuing education for our team, enabling us to maintain an edge in innovation and honor traditional design principles. Our expertise allows us to work with a range of budgets while still delivering timeless architectural design.
We provide comprehensive construction plans, ensuring contractors are able to execute the design as intended. We have a deep understanding of construction materials and methods, which inform our documentation.
Our designs are meticulously crafted, with every element thoughtfully planned. This attention to detail is conveyed seamlessly in our documentation, ultimately saving our clients from added stress and wasted time and money.
We believe our clients deserve the clarity to make informed choices. That’s why we take a collaborative, educational approach, guiding you through every step of the process.
We pride ourselves on ensuring you have choices to fit your budgetary needs. If you’re working on a budget yet want the highest-end materials, we can scale back the design. If you want a high level of design, we can suggest alternative materials that are more budget-friendly.
A cornerstone of the community, this library unites new construction with the adaptive reuse of a historic building.
“The beauty of this library is astonishing, matching with the history and wonderfully ornate architecture of the surrounding area.”
“One of America’s greatest libraries.”
“The gem of downtown!”
This redesigned weekend cottage was transformed into a spacious, light-filled retreat with Dutch Colonial style, featuring expanded living spaces and larger windows.
“Everything about the house – the scale, the floor plan, the perfectly sized and placed windows, the framed openings, the detail – is something we feel lucky to wake up to each day, and we can’t imagine being more content in a home. This is truly a special house.”
Named for its panoramic views across Crystal Lake, this home is nestled between hills and birch groves, guiding sightlines directly to the water.
“Beautiful design, stunning atmosphere.”
“Fantastic. A true classic.”
“What a stunning home. Those views are bucket list worthy.”
“Jonathan designed a magnificent shingle-style lakehouse with our input. I’m a stickler for the right stone. He accompanied me on a tour of rock quarries north of Albany and then into southern Quebec, where we chose a host of flat work slates and wall stone gneisses and schists, which we used with great effect.”
Drawing inspiration from the Gilded Age, this 7,600-square-foot residence embodies traditional Shingle Style elegance and Old World lakeside charm.
At JLA, we specialize in traditional architectural design blended seamlessly with state-of-the-art technology. That means perfect proportions, thoughtful scale, and stunning layers of detail, all with 21st-century ease of use.
We invest in continuing education for our team, enabling us to maintain an edge in innovation and honor traditional design principles. Our expertise allows us to work with a range of budgets while still delivering timeless architectural design.
JLA’s commercial architecture blends traditional architectural design principles with the needs of modern businesses, delivering visually striking and highly functional spaces. Whether designing an office building, retail space, or mixed-use facility, we emphasize craftsmanship and intentional layouts that serve employees and customers alike.
Our team combines experience with cutting-edge methods, creating structures that uphold tradition while adapting to contemporary use.
With meticulous planning and documentation, we ensure that every commercial project maintains the highest standards, balancing aesthetic appeal with purpose.
Our civic architecture focuses on building community-centric spaces that resonate with historical significance and future promise. Our designs honor traditional architectural principles while prioritizing functionality, creating spaces that serve the public with dignity and grace.
From libraries and cultural centers to municipal buildings, our designs reflect the spirit of the communities they serve. Every element – from design schematics to final construction – is managed with care, ensuring these civic spaces inspire, uplift, and endure as landmarks for generations.
Contact us to schedule a consultation. Let’s discuss your vision and start planning your dream home. Give us a call today or complete the brief form below and we’ll get in touch with you promptly.
