Jake Watkins Email & Phone Number

Deliver strategic leadership to project design, business development, client relationship management, and operations for critically acclaimed firm delivering architectural, interior design, and master planning services. Direct team of 35 to manage workflow, contract creation and review, and new project development for multimillion-dollar offices and mixed-use projects. Partner with founder to oversee all aspects of design across 75 projects with 20 different consultant groups.Key Projects▪️ Led design of 51-story mixed-use skyscraper with high-end retail, restaurants, fitness, hotel, and rental units paying homage to Chicago’s iconic mid-century towers▪️ Directed design for 600K-sq.-ft. office, medical, and retail building in Boston’s Kenmore Square—led regulatory review process including 9 public presentations over 8 months▪️ Managed construction of 12 condos with market prices of up to $4.5M—units feature private outdoor spaces and rooftop access with floor-to-ceiling glazing to enhance river views▪️ Designed 18K-sq.-ft. pediatric hospice with seamless integration of soothing environment with technical services to deliver comforting care to patients and families▪️ Constructed $56M 35K-sq.-ft. state-of-the-art performing arts theater with 650 seats, 2 stages, and multiple rehearsal spaces—integrates with vibrant Long Island downtown area enabling performances in adjacent public park Top Achievements▪️ Achieved entitlement for Burbank, California mixed-use condo building in 11 months vs. typical 2+ years ▪️ Earned 6 regional and national design awards▪️ Researched, designed, and implemented contemporary rainscreen system comprised of wood composite siding

Directed all aspects of design and construction management for up to 15 concurrent projects with team of 10 for architecture and design firm. Managed business development and daily operations. Assembled construction budgets for multiple office and residential renovations. Oversaw project lifecycle including client programming, conceptual design, design development, and construction administration. Coordinated with multiple state and local government agencies to meet zoning requirements.▪️ Created and developed firm’s construction arm for design and build projects—served as construction manager for 3 projects ▪️ Earned AIA New England Architecture Award, AIA Connecticut Architecture Award, and Innovation in Design Award for $7M 14K-sq.-ft. Greenwich, CT home renovation ▪️ Led $16M 11K-sq.-ft. private home project in Greenwich, CT on Long Island peninsula with team of 20+

Led project design for community college and elementary school for global design firm. Developed design services proposals and negotiated contracts. Managed staff planning and project deliverables. Oversaw project financials including budgets, fees, and invoicing. ▪️ Managed project design for $38M 210K-sq.-ft. Housatonic Community College—served as liaison between Dept. of Public Works and 15-member college steering committee ▪️ Led Shen Wen Elementary School construction as project designer—conducted feasibility studies and conceptual designs for 3 sites

Directed luxury home and state-of-the-art technical facility projects across Florida and Chicago for architectural design firm. Managed design, administrative, and technical efforts for projects. ▪️ Led The Transparent House project—served as project architect for $26M 20K-sq.-ft. luxury residential home▪️ Oversaw 75K-sq.-ft. state-of-the-art Shure Technical Center design and testing in Niles, IL

Masters, Architecture

Bachelor Of Arts, Urban Studies, Architecture