Joshua Zinder Architecture + Design

07/27/2026

🎙️ What if architects stopped working for developers and started becoming developers themselves?

Our Founder and Managing Partner, Joshua Zinder, AIA, joined Chris Farnum, AIA of Studio Hillier on Episode 5 of AIA’s Built for Business podcast — a show built around candid conversations on the business of architecture, from firm leadership to financial performance.

Together they explore how adding development to an architecture practice can open up new revenue streams, greater creative agency, and long-term wealth creation. From evaluating opportunities and reading pro formas to building trusted partnerships and managing risk, Joshua and Chris share how architects can take a seat at the ownership table using the skills they already have. Whether you’re a sole practitioner or leading a firm, it’s a roadmap for expanding your impact beyond traditional practice.

🔗 Tune in wherever you listen:
AIA: https://lnkd.in/gTt4VFvz
Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gEj43STr
Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gZnNZtMZ

07/24/2026

Designing for community across diverse faith traditions—our founder Joshua Zinder, AIA, shares his insights in this AIA New Jersey Small Firm Exchange conversation.

Designing Spaces That Inspire Community.

Join the AIA New Jersey Small Firm Exchange (SFx) for a conversation with Joshua Zinder, AIA, Eva Read-Warden, AIA, Eva Warden, AIA, and Ziad Jamaleddine as they share insights from designing worship and community spaces across diverse faith traditions.

Learn how small firms successfully lead complex projects, engage stakeholders, and transform community vision into meaningful architecture—while gaining practical strategies you can apply to projects of any scale.

Joshua Zinder Architecture + Design

07/10/2026

At AIA26, Joshua Zinder, AIA, LEED AP and Chris Farnum, AIA, LEED AP of Studio Hillier talked about something many architects think about but rarely act on: developing our own projects to support our firms.

The response told us everything. Nearly every person in the room said the session made them more likely to consider it. More than half hadn't done it yet but wanted to — drawn mostly to multi-family and mixed-use work, and motivated by long-term wealth building, not just design.

Architects spend careers helping other people build their visions. Maybe it's time more of us built our own. Grateful for the opportunity to educate and support our fellow architects.

07/08/2026

Celebrating 10 years in business together, and 40 years of friendship! 🎉

For the past decade, Richard has been an integral part of our team, bringing over 30 years of architectural expertise, leadership, and creativity to every project. As a Principal, registered architect, NCARB-certified professional, and LEED AP, Richard has helped shape a diverse portfolio of workplace, residential, hospitality, and retail projects while strengthening JZA+D's presence throughout New York and the surrounding region.

What makes this anniversary even more meaningful is that it represents more than a successful professional partnership. Richard's relationship with our partners spans four decades, built on a shared passion for architecture, mutual respect, and a friendship that has stood the test of time.

From his early career with Michael Graves Architect to leading his own successful practice for 16 years, Richard's passion for thoughtful design and commitment to excellence continue to inspire our team and clients alike. A genuinely good listener, he takes the time to understand what each project and client truly needs, and his drawing skills are something some of us can only envy.

Thank you, Richard, for 10 years of leadership, mentorship, and dedication. We are grateful for all you've contributed to JZA+D and look forward to many more years of success together.

07/07/2026

We've been lucky to have Zara Seiger, Sofia Kolta, and Rayna Mittal join the JZA+D team as our 2026 Summer Interns!

This summer, Rayna, Sofia, and Zara (left to right) have been working alongside our architects and designers, gaining hands-on experience, contributing to active projects, and learning more about the profession of architecture. It's been a pleasure supporting their growth and seeing the fresh perspectives they bring to the studio.

👇 Meet our interns:

Rayna Mittal is a student at Princeton Day School with a growing interest in architecture, design, and the creative process. Through the Princeton Art Academy’s PRECAD Program, she has developed skills in architectural drawing, freehand sketching, and physical model making while exploring spatial design and creative problem-solving. Rayna is actively involved in her school’s Architecture Club and brought curiosity, creativity, and a strong commitment to learning to her time with us.

Sofia Kolta is pursuing her Bachelor of Architecture at the New Jersey Institute of Technology. A creative designer, Sofia brings experience in architectural design, digital visualization, and collaborative project work. Beyond the studio, her background as a teacher assistant reflects her strong communication skills, leadership, and commitment to helping others. Sofia is passionate about storytelling through design and exploring how architecture can tell people’s stories.

Zara Seiger is pursuing her Bachelor of Architecture at Thomas Jefferson University, where she has earned Dean's List honors and serves as an active leader within the university community. Her experience includes design competitions, admissions outreach, social media marketing, and a wide range of digital design and visualization tools. Zara is passionate about architecture, design communication, and creating meaningful experiences through the built environment.

Please join us in cheering on Rayna, Sofia, and Zara at JZA+D this summer!

06/29/2026

Out in the field!

Associate Taylor Kinsey Toms, AIA and Senior Associate, Benjamin Grace, AIA, conducted a routine site visit at our HomeWorks project, reviewing ongoing construction progress and coordinating with the project team. Key areas of focus included insulation installation, exterior finishes, and MEP systems such as ductwork and piping.

Field visits are an important part of the design process, helping us stay connected to the work and supports a successful outcome from concept through construction, ensuring the client gets what they paid for and quality is maintained.

06/23/2026

Meet Jasmine Zheng 👋

We wanted to take a moment to officially introduce Jasmine Zheng and celebrate the impact she has made since joining our team.

Jasmine brings a strong background in architecture and interior design, holding a Master of Architecture from the University of Virginia and a Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design from Virginia Commonwealth University. Her experience spans design research, 3D modeling, rendering, visualization, and architectural development across academic and professional projects.

Since joining our team, Jasmine has played an important role in developing construction documents, creating visualizations and renderings, and helping transform ideas into compelling design stories that become part of the built environment. Her creativity, attention to detail, and passion for thoughtful design continue to strengthen our projects and enhance our client experience.

We're grateful to have Jasmine as part of the team and look forward to seeing her continued growth and contributions in the years ahead.

Please join us in celebrating Jasmine and the value she brings to our organization! 🎉

06/09/2026

🎉 Celebrating 10 Years of Taylor Toms at JZA+D 🎉This month, we are proud to celebrate Taylor Toms' 10-year anniversary with JZA+D.

Since joining the firm straight out of college, Taylor has grown from Designer to Project Manager and now Associate, helping shape some of our most significant projects along the way. Her work has spanned a diverse range of project types—from corporate headquarters and hospitality renovations to retail, residential, and institutional projects—giving her a well-rounded perspective on every phase of the design process. Reflecting on her journey, Taylor shared:

"Over the past 10 years, JZA+D has given me the opportunity to work on a multitude of project types across all project phases, which aided in my licensure journey and contributed to a well-rounded experience of all aspects of the design process—from initial planning through project closeout and completion."

Taylor's favorite part of the process is Construction Administration, where her passion for project management, coordination, and bringing designs to life shines through. Her dedication, leadership, attention to detail, and commitment to our clients have made her an invaluable member of the JZA+D team.

Congratulations, Taylor, on this incredible milestone. Thank you for 10 years of hard work, collaboration, and design excellence—we look forward to what the future holds!

06/03/2026

We’re excited to share that Joshua Zinder AIA, NCARB, LEED AP and Christopher Farnum, AIA, LEED AP of Studio Hillier will be speaking at AIA26 in San Diego.

📍 Session SE303 — Architect, Also Developer: Achieving Stability, Growth, and Better Project Outcomes
🗓 Friday, June 12, 2026
⏰ 7:30–8:30 AM

The session will explore how architects can expand their role in development to create stronger projects, greater stability, and long-term impact within their communities.

If you’ll be attending AIA26, we hope to see you there, bright & early!

Studio Hillier

05/20/2026

J ZA+D team members, Pam McStay and Sara Maniez, attended the Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber’s REBA program at the Trenton Country Club: “Powering AI’s Future Through New Jersey Real Estate Innovation.”

The engaging dialogue focused on how the rapid growth of AI is reshaping energy infrastructure, land use, and real estate development across New Jersey.

Thank you to the REBA committee for organizing a terrific panel featuring:
• Brian Chol Soo Standen Choi Soo Standen
• Andrew Zwicker
• Jason Bell
• Rebecca Darling

#2026