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
SVSU Ryder Center
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
Forbes
America’s Top 200 Residential Architects
2023
AIA Chicago
Chicago Joint Public Safety Training Center
Honor Award
Architizer A+ Awards
Chicago Joint Public Safety Training Center
Special Mention Winner – Government & Civic Buildings
International Design Awards
Chicago Joint Public Safety Training Center
Silver Award Winner – Public Space Architecture Design
ENR Midwest
Chicago Joint Public Safety Training Center
Best Government/Public Building Award
Chicago Commercial Real Estate Awards
Chicago Joint Public Safety Training Center
Winner Community Impact Project of the Year
Illinois Real Estate Journal
Chicago Joint Public Safety Training Center
Winner Community and Government Project of the Year
Illinois Real Estate Journal
Chicago Joint Public Safety Training Center
Winner People’s Choice Project of the Year

2020
AISC IDEAS²
Hinterland Brewery
National Award
ACEC Engineering Excellence Award
Armstrong Stadium
Diamond Award
2019
AIA Detroit
Armstrong Stadium
Sustainable Design Award
UNESCO Prix Versailles
Armstrong Stadium
World Architecture Award Winner - Sports
Architects Newspaper, AN Best of Design
Armstrong Stadium
Editors Pick
Sports Business Journal
USTA - Billie Jean King National Tennis Center
Sports Venue of the Year
2018
AIA Michigan
Hinterland Restaurant + Brewery
Building Award
AIA Michigan
Ariens Hill
Building Award
AIA Detroit
Ariens Hill
Building Award
2017
AIA Detroit
Arthur Ashe Stadium Roof – USTA
Building Award
AIA Detroit
Personal Recognition Award
President’s Award
ENR New York
Arthur Ashe Stadium Roof
Best Sports & Entertainment Project
ENR New York
Arthur Ashe Stadium Roof
Excellence Award
ENR Midwest
QLine Light Rail Stations
Regional Design Award
2016
ACEC Engineering Excellence Award
Arthur Ashe Stadium Roof
Honor Award
2013
AIA Detroit
Al Rayyan Stadium
Unbuilt Award
2012
AIA Michigan
Lake Shore Residence
Low Budget Award
AIA Detroit
Personal Recognition Award
Distinguished Service Award
2008
AIA Michigan / Masonry Institute of Michigan
Hills Residence
M Award
Detroit Home Awards
Greentree Residence
Winner Best Overall Project
Detroit Home Awards
Greentree Residence
Winner Best Historic Renovation/Restoration
Detroit Home Awards
Hills Residence
Winner Best Residential Architecture over 4,000 sf
2007
AIA Michigan
TDR Orthodontics
Interior Award
2006
AIA Michigan / Masonry Institute of Michigan
TDR Orthodontics
Building Award
AIA Michigan / Masonry Institute of Michigan
Royal Park Hotel
Building Award
AIA Michigan / Masonry Institute of Michigan
Royal Park Hotel
M Award
2005
IIDA Michigan
Michigan Interior Design Excellence Award
Royal Park Hotel
Winner Best Hospitality Design
2004
Detroit Home Awards
Northlawn Residence
Winner Best Overall Project
Detroit Home Awards
Northlawn Residence
Winner Best Residential Architecture Under 2,500 sf
AIA Michigan
ABC Harley-Davidson
Building Award
1998
AIA Michigan / Masonry Institute of Michigan
ABC Harley-Davidson
Building Award
AIA Michigan
Tribute Restaurant
Interior Award
AIA Detroit
ABC Harley-Davidson
Building Award
AIA Detroit 1998
Tribute Restaurant
Interior Award
1997
IIDA Michigan
Michigan Interior Design Excellence Award
Forte’ Restauran
Winner Best Use of Color
IIDA Michigan
Michigan Interior Design Excellence Award
Forte’ Restaurant
Winner Best Overall Project
IIDA Michigan
Michigan Interior Design Excellence Award
Forte’ Restaurant
Winner Best Hospitality Design

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.