“Limit is just another word for creativity.”
Jonathan Rivera
Jonathan Rivera is a problem-solver. When you see his work, you not only see a variety of ideas, but also many
one-of-a-kind answers. Recommended by customers and builders alike, Rivera has earned respect both for his
designs and his highly collaborative approach. He is the architect that clients interact with and the one who
designs the homes they love for a lifetime.
Rivera is a graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute where he honed his skills as both an architect and an
athlete. Indeed, Rivera attributes some of his agility with clients, engineers and contractors to experience on the
football field. He cut his teeth working for a variety of top architectural firms and opened his own shop in 2007.
Rivera is AIA certified and currently licensed in five states including MD, DE, NY, DC, PA. He is especially
passionate about challenging waterfront lots.
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Why did you want to be an architect?
My father was a principal of a vocational school so we had
tools all around. Keeping busy over summers he built decks
but would never let me use the hammer on client homes. I
wanted to contribute and be part of the team so I came up
with my own plans and ideas. That intrigued me so much that
I started to design my own treehouses.
What do you wish clients knew about you?
I care very deeply about their project. I want it to reach or
exceed their expectations.
What sets you apart from other architects?
My ability to listen and sketch creative solutions in front of
clients. I’ve been told many times that I’m easily
approachable and lack the ego that seems to reside in many
other architects.
What has been your favorite project so far? Why?
A waterfront house in Middle River Maryland. The Client
wanted something unique that fit a shallow waterfront lot.
They were open & trusted me with their dream. Sincere, nice
& humble people that got to build their once in a lifetime
home. I was happy to be a part of that.
What advice do you have for young architects starting out?
Put on work boots and get on site. Talk to everyone. The
stone mason may have great ideas because he was part of
other amazing jobs. Listen.
How do you work with Builders?
Clients come to me directly or through builders. I work either
way. Clients often ask me to help with their builder selection.
I tell Clients I’m similar to an attorney in that I represent their
best interest & suggest solutions that work for their project,
not solutions that fit one builder’s style or limitations.
Ultimately the Client has to feel good about their builder and
it’s my role to collaborate in the best interest of the project.
Where do you want to be 10 years from now?
Doing what I’m doing, just doing it better. Working with nice
people.
What is an ideal Client for Jonathan Rivera Architecture?
Someone open to creativity & someone willing to
communicate their budget - however small or large. I’ve had
great Clients on small budgets. A sense of humor is a bonus.
What do you do when you’re not being an architect?
I played football my whole life and in college and really miss
the competition. I have four kids so when I’m not working I’m
playing sports with them, encouraging them to be active. I’m
trying tennis now and while I miss the contact, I thoroughly
enjoy the competition. People are surprised when they see a
big guy as their architect and probably more surprised when I
show up on the tennis court!
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Please feel free to download any of
these images for use in publication.