Emerging as a pillar of his local and professional communities, architect Joshua Zinder frequently lends his talents for design innovation, leadership and mentorship however he can do the greatest amount of good. Now his commitments to supporting his professional community have resulted in new honors and a key leadership position.
Earlier this month Zinder โ managing partner of
JZA+D, the integrated design firm he founded in Princeton in 2006 โ was honored by AIA New Jersey (AIA-NJ) the state chapter of the countryโs leading organization of design professionals, with a Distinguished Service Award. Zinder was recognized in person at AIA-NJโs 2024 Annual Board Installation and Awards Gala, which took place January 13th at Clarks Landing Yacht Club in Point Pleasant.
Image Courtesy of JZ+D
According to the chapter website, the Distinguished Service Award recognizes Joshua Zinder, AIA LEED AP for demonstrating โexceptional leadership by leveraging his passion for
architecture in service to his core communities: profession, civic, and faith,โ as well as for significant contributions that include โchampioning peers, mentoring practitioners, inspiring business leaders, and aiding nonprofits.โ
Recently Zinderโs service to the profession has expanded yet again, with an appointment to serve as a committee member for the AIA Interfaith Design Knowledge Community, which โencourages and supports excellence in the design of worship spacesโ and provides a forum for discussion and exchange of ideas among architects working in worship-related typologies nationwide.
As noted in the Service Award, one of Zinderโs focus areas is faith: not only is he a partner in boutique firm Landau Zinder Architecture which focuses on the design of Jewish worship and gathering space, he also created and co-organized Sukkah Village 2021, a sprawling multiday event celebrating faith and design as platforms for addressing pressing social issues. For that event JZA+D designed an innovativeย sukkahย called Illuminated Origami, which was also singled out at the AIA-NJ gala for a Merit Award for Excellence in Architecture honor.
Zinderโs appointment to the Interfaith Design Knowledge Community is just the latest of his professional service efforts. In addition to serving asย a member of the Executive Board of, and asย New Jerseyโs representative to,ย theย AIA Small Firm Exchange โ a national-level effort to advance the mutual interests of architects practicing in small firm โ Zinder has also served on the AIA-NJ Executive Committee for several years, including a term as 2021 President of the chapter.
Feature Image Courtesy Of JZA+D