Small Firms Spur Innovation, Community, Says Advocate Joshua Zinder

In the building, design and construction industry, it’s small firms that drive innovation and build responsive, sustainable communities, according to architect Joshua Zinder.

As managing principal of the firm he founded, JZA+D, which employs about 15 people in Princeton, N.J., Zinder has developed a global portfolio of hospitality, retail, academic, and residential work, often winning approvals for unconventional designs in localities known for resistance to change. As partner in the boutique design firm Landau Zinder Architecture (less than five total employees) he has helped struggling Jewish congregations to make best use of limited funds and existing structures to dramatically improve synagogues and worship experience for attendees.

And as 2021 President of the American Institute of Architects New Jersey Chapter, Zinder advocated for architects to do more — exhorting practice leaders to push for designs that support inclusion and sustainable growth, and to collaborate with local agencies and nonprofit organizations to form new alliances and build community. Zinder also has ongoing opportunities to support the work of startup practices and emerging firms, having recently been appointed as New Jersey’s representative to the American Institute of Architects Small Firm Exchange (AIA SFx).

In the coming days Zinder will speak at two important professional gatherings, one large and one small, in which he continues to boost his message for small firms and make the case that they are the most effective catalysts for positive change:

• On Thursday June 1, Zinder attends the 13th annual The Architecture, Culture and Spirituality Forum, a gathering of design professionals focused on environments built to inspire and support worship, held this year in Queens, NY. For the exclusive invitation-only audience Zinder speaks on his firm’s experience organizing the multi-day, multi-venue festival Sukkah Village 2021, centered on architect-created original designs for sukkahs (traditional huts for the Jewish holiday Sukkot) to draw attention to social justice issues and benefit local organizations.

• On Wednesday June 7 at the 2023 Conference on Architecture, Zinder joins local San Francisco architect-engineer Charles F. Bloszies, FAIA and planner John McDonough for a presentation titled “Progress Through Storytelling: Small Firms Winning Approvals for Innovative Design,” in which they share their experiences and the effective communication strategies they’ve developed for convincing skeptical decision-makers to take a chance on something new.

Whether speaking at professional gatherings or working with AIA SFx, Zinder continually strives to elevate the perception of small firms, and to encourage practice leaders to focus on mentorship, networking, and responsive design. “Small firms are the most adept at serving their communities well, and at cultivating the next generation of great designers,” Zinder adds.