August 27, 2019

We are pleased to welcome Jonathan Vega, our newest Design Professional, to Epstein! Jonathan joined the Architecture department in our New York office. Since coming abroad, he has primarily been working on the Alexandrion Distillery & Visitors Center, which is located in Carmel, New York.

Before coming to Epstein, Jonathan worked at a small boutique firm in New York as a project lead designer, where he got to utilize both his architecture and landscape architectural skills, working on projects that ranged from master planner to small residential construction projects.

Jonathan grew up in the Poconos, specifically in Tobyhanna, PA.

He attended college in Philadelphia at Temple University (go Owls!), Tyler School of Art, where he studied architecture and earned his Bachelors. During his thesis year, Jonathan realized that as an architect, he wasnt given a working knowledge of the landscape and soon after perused his Masters in landscape architecture at Temple Universitys School of Environmental Design.

Jonathan has always had a passion for architecture; one that as prominent even when he was very young. In fact, when he was 5-years-old, he had an odd fascination with how homes were built and why they looked how they did. His parents found him drawing what was their first legitimate home at the time, and told him he could be an architect. From then on, he participated in wood working and AutoCAD classes throughout his early educational years and into high school.

During Jonathans undergraduate years (from freshman to senior year), he volunteered for Freedom by Design (FBD), where he designed and constructed modest design solutions for the community, which mainly consisted of ADA-complaint ramp access for disabled individuals who didnt have ADA-complaint entrance/exits to their home. Jonathan was also vice president of the AIAS Chapter at Temple University during his junior year, giving him the opportunity to encourage other architectural students to explore and kindle their passion for architecture through a variety of experiences that would prepare them for their profession. And, also during his thesis year, Jonathan wanted to explore more of his Latin culture, so he became a member of Esencia Latina (Latin Essence), a Latin dance group that displays their passion for dance and the Latino heritage to Temple and the surrounding community through performances, workshops and a variety of cultural events.

Outside of work, Jonathan likes to attend a variety of architectural events, including lectures, discussion panels and networking events. Outside of architecture, he likes to attend Salsa Socials, events and workshops throughout New York City. For Jonathan, he cant not dance when hearing the Latin rhythm of salsa and bachata. He also loves to ride his Harley any chance he can get, especially through upstate New York or through the Poconos. He usually tries to find winding, scenic roads to casually ride through during the fall. Between the vibrant colors and caressing wind, I find it to be a Shinrin-yoku kind of experience. Editors note: for those not up on Japanese culture, Shinrin-yoku refers to taking in the forest or nature through all of your senses.

Once again, welcome to Epstein, Jonathan. We are delighted to have you and hope to see you around the Chicago office sometime!