Jean Zagrodnik AIA, LEED AP

 Current employer: Zagrodnik + Thomas Architects, 3956 30th Street, San Diego CA, 92104, 619-528-1199 

Schooling, degrees: Master of Architecture with Building Design Emphasis; BA Social Welfare 

Licenses, special certifications, etc.: CA licensed architect, LEED accredited professional, CA certified yoga teacher 

Bio: Jean Zagrodnik has been practicing architecture with a social focus for over 25 years and co-founded her San Diego firm, Zagrodnik + Thomas Architects (ZTA) in 1991 with partner Scott Thomas.  Originally from Wisconsin, Jean was attracted to architectural studies due to the mix of art, math and social studies.  Initially intending to serve as a researcher, she got hooked on building design in her first design studio. After school, Jean worked with several reputable Chicago firms including Nagle Hartray Associates and Lohan Associates (Dirk Lohan being the grandson of Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe, not that she ever got to meet him). It was the dire winter storms and hot humid summers that finally drove Jean and her husband to sunny San Diego in the late 1980’s.  In San Diego, while not at the beach, Jean worked for Bundy Thompson before starting her own firm. ZTA has grown and prospered over the years.  Recent accomplishments include the San Elijo Nature Center (LEED Platinum), Greening the Natural History Museum (LEED EBOM certified) and AIA SD Urban Design Solution Award for the Normal Heights Elementary School campus.  Work on-the-boards includes Morse High Culinary Arts teaching facility, Scripps Ranch High Sustainable Technologies teaching facility, and a new Library Learning Resource Center for Miramar Community College. 

Projects that I’ve worked on or won awards for: San Elijo Nature Center – various awards including 2009 National Concrete Masonry Association Sustainability Award; Normal Heights Elementary School AIA SD Urban Solutions Award 2009; Health Hero Award for ongoing commitment to Stepping Stone, CHA 2005; Community Project of the Year Renovations to LGBT Community Ctr, SDHC 2004; Stepping Stone of San Diego, various awards:  AIASD 2001 Award of Merit, San Diego Housing Federation 2001 Project of the Year, California Council 2001 Top Honor Award; Society of American Registered Architect’s 2001, National Award of Merit Orchid Awards both Historic Preservation and Urban Design, 2000; Design Award of Excellence Stepping Stone Drug & Alcohol Recovery Facility, CCSARA 1998; Her design skills were acknowledged by California Women in Environmental Design, who awarded her a Certificate of Design Excellence for two single-family residences in Ocean Beach, California; Architect of the Year, Women Construction Owners and Executives, California 1993; Design Excellence Award, Callioni/Riva Residence, CWED Leadership Through Design, 1993. 

Why I’m involved in AIA San Diego…and AIA: I have always been interested and enjoyed volunteering for professional organizations like the AIA.  My initial interest and volunteerism was for groups that focused on women’s issues (UW-Milwaukee’s Third Coast Women in Architecture (which I co-founded), Chicago’s and then San Diego’s Women in Architecture groups).  Eventually I was drawn to the potential that a larger and more comprehensive professional organization can offer. I’m involved in AIA SD for professional growth, marketing, social interaction and for all the benefits that come along with a professional organization. 

What I’ve been involved in AIA (committees, state activity, conferences, etc.): Design Awards, Practice Commissioner, SD Green Conference co-chair and volunteer, Treasurer/Secretary, Vice President and then 2009 President. 

What advice I have for others in terms of AIA involvement: Find something that you are passionate about and get involved.  If you can’t find it, create it.  Take advantage of the organizational resources provided by AIA SD.