Jonathan Disbrow

Principal and Founding Partner AIA, NCARB

Jon is a founding partner at Disbrow Iannuzzi, and his extensive body of work spans the country. Over the past three decades, he has collaborated with world-renowned organizations on projects ranging from master planning to the design and construction of signature facilities. Additionally, Jon has worked with individuals to create meticulously detailed residential projects.

His portfolio includes designs for sports facilities, hospitality spaces, multi-family residential buildings, mixed-use developments, commercial properties, and civic structures.

Cranbrook Academy of Art, Master of Architecture
Illinois Institute of Technology, Bachelor of Architecture
Lakeside Residence
Joint Public Safety Training Campus
Arthur Ashe Stadium Roof
Louis Armstrong Stadium
Ariens Hills
TitleTown
QLine Rail Stations
Hinterland Brewery and Restaurant
Miami Open Tennis Tournament
Declaration of Responsibility
Jonathan Disbrow led and was largely responsible for the design of every awarded project listed.
2025
AIA Michigan — Honor Award
Lakeside Residence
Forbes — America’s Top 200 Residential Architects
2023
AIA Chicago — Honor Award
Chicago Joint Public Safety Training Center
Architizer A+ Awards — Special Mention Winner – Government & Civic Buildings
Chicago Joint Public Safety Training Center
International Design Awards — Silver Award Winner – Public Space Architecture Design
Chicago Joint Public Safety Training Center
ENR Midwest — Best Government/Public Building Award
Chicago Joint Public Safety Training Center
Chicago Commercial Real Estate Awards — Winner Community Impact Project of the Year
Chicago Joint Public Safety Training Center
Illinois Real Estate Journal — Winner Community and Government Project of the Year
Chicago Joint Public Safety Training Center
Illinois Real Estate Journal — Winner People’s Choice Project of the Year
Chicago Joint Public Safety Training Center

2020
AISC IDEAS² — National Award
Hinterland Brewery
ACEC Engineering Excellence Award — Diamond Award
Armstrong Stadium
2019
AIA Detroit — Sustainable Design Award
Armstrong Stadium
UNESCO Prix Versailles — World Architecture Award Winner - Sports
Armstrong Stadium
Architects Newspaper, AN Best of Design — Editors Pick
Armstrong Stadium
Sports Business Journal — Sports Venue of the Year
USTA - Billie Jean King National Tennis Center
2018
AIA Michigan — Building Award
Hinterland Restaurant + Brewery
AIA Michigan — Building Award
Ariens Hill
AIA Detroit — Building Award
Ariens Hill
2017
AIA Detroit — Building Award
Arthur Ashe Stadium Roof – USTA
AIA Detroit — President’s Award
Personal Recognition Award
ENR New York — Best Sports & Entertainment Project
Arthur Ashe Stadium Roof
ENR New York — Excellence Award
Arthur Ashe Stadium Roof
ENR Midwest — Regional Design Award
QLine Light Rail Stations
2016
ACEC Engineering Excellence Award — Honor Award
Arthur Ashe Stadium Roof
2013
AIA Detroit — Unbuilt Award
Al Rayyan Stadium
2012
AIA Michigan — Low Budget Award
Lake Shore Residence
AIA Detroit — Distinguished Service Award
Personal Recognition Award
2008
AIA Michigan / Masonry Institute of Michigan — M Award
Hills Residence
Detroit Home Awards — Winner Best Overall Project
Greentree Residence
Detroit Home Awards — Winner Best Historic Renovation/Restoration
Greentree Residence
Detroit Home Awards — Winner Best Residential Architecture over 4,000 sf
Hills Residence
2007
AIA Michigan — Interior Award
TDR Orthodontics
2006
AIA Michigan / Masonry Institute of Michigan — Building Award
TDR Orthodontics
AIA Michigan / Masonry Institute of Michigan — Building Award
Royal Park Hotel
AIA Michigan / Masonry Institute of Michigan — M Award
Royal Park Hotel
2005
IIDA Michigan / Michigan Interior Design Excellence Award — Winner Best Hospitality Design
Royal Park Hotel
2004
Detroit Home Awards — Winner Best Overall Project
Northlawn Residence
Detroit Home Awards — Winner Best Residential Architecture Under 2,500 sf
Northlawn Residence
AIA Michigan — Building Award
ABC Harley-Davidson
1998
AIA Michigan / Masonry Institute of Michigan — Building Award
ABC Harley-Davidson
AIA Michigan — Interior Award
Tribute Restaurant
AIA Detroit — Building Award
ABC Harley-Davidson
AIA Detroit — Interior Award
Tribute Restaurant

Background & Education

Jon earned his graduate degree from Cranbrook Academy of Art and his Bachelor of Architecture degree from the Illinois Institute of Technology. That overlap between art and technology is fundamental to the way he approaches architecture, shaping how he layers conceptual narrative, intentionality, and environmental responsibility into every project.

Throughout his career, Jon worked with internationally recognized firms. He brings a pragmatic approach to understanding underlying conditions, resolving complex problems through solutions in a multi-faceted approach that considers economics, sustainability, experience, and long-term community benefit.

In 2024, he co-founded Disbrow Iannuzzi with David Iannuzzi, establishing a practice grounded in these thoughtful design strategies.

Jon’s work has been recognized with numerous accolades, including multiple American Institute of Architects (AIA) awards and the prestigious UNESCO Prix Versailles. His projects have been featured in *Architectural Record*, *Fast Company*, and *Popular Mechanics*, reflecting the range and relevance of his design thinking.

Jon’s work is varied and typologically diverse, spanning a wide range of project types and scales. Notable work includes large-scale sports facilities for major athletic organizations, hospitality venues for globally recognized hotel brands, and multi-family residential developments in urban centers. He has also led the design of civic buildings and mixed-use complexes that integrate public, private, and commercial use.
Alongside these, Jon has created highly personalized homes for private clients, bringing precision and care to every detail.

Teaching & Mentorship

In addition to his professional work, Jon is an active architectural educator and mentor. He has taught design studios at the University of Michigan, Lawrence Technological University, and the University of Cincinnati, supporting the next generation of architects through critique and conversation.

Looking Ahead

Jon continues to seek new challenges rather than specialization, always with an infectious pattern for architecture that transcends rote solutions to craft meaningful spatial experiences. His work remains grounded in creating strategic value through design thinking.