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EMAIL jonathanm@designdevelopment.com
PHONE 919.848.4474, 1004
EDUCATION
Master of Architecture | NC State University, School of Design
Concentration in Sacred Space & Building Typology
Bachelor of Environmental Design | NC State University, School of Design, Magna Cum Laude
WITH FIRM SINCE 2000
JONATHAN MEDLIN
AIA | LEED AP
DIRECTOR OF DESIGN
HIGHLIGHTED PROJECTS
EDUCATIONAL
CLOVER GARDEN HIGH SCHOOL
New high school building with the capacity of 450 students.
FAITH-BASED
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF DURHAM
Large interior renovation: sanctuary, fellowship hall, offices and classrooms.
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COMMERCIAL
PROVISION
Renovation of the Provision Financial Resources office space.
Q
&
A
with Jonathan Medlin
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
"The most rewarding part of my job is helping clients solve their problems in a beautiful, efficient, and exciting way at their budget price point. I enjoy meeting with them early on and shaping a building out of those early discussions. As well I enjoy helping and educating them along the way so that they are an informed partner when we arrive at the end, and they can appreciate the details and decisions made to create the design.
What’s a professional value or principle you bring to your work every day?
"One idea that continues to motivate me, and that I often try to impress upon my clients is: Good design does not always take a lot of money, but it does take a lot of thought.
Tell us something about yourself.
"Most people don't know I have been Ballroom Dancing since age 15, and was the US Amateur Ballroom Dance Champion in 2003 and again in 2015.
What’s a memorable moment you’ve had working with a client or colleague?
"One really funny and memorable moment for me that I will never forget: I had just completed the exterior renderings for the East Wake Academy High School building. This meeting was the first time that the client would see what the exterior of their new building would look like. When I uncovered the large hand drawn exterior rendering, they were really happy and excited and remarked: “If you keep showing me things like this, I might have to have a cigarette.” We all laughed at that together.
How did you get into architecture?
"I’ve always loved being creative—drawing, painting, and building things at home was something I really enjoyed growing up. In high school, I took a drafting class, then followed it with an architectural drafting class the next year, and I was hooked. That excitement led me to pursue my Bachelor’s, followed by a Master’s degrees in architecture at NC State University’s School of Architecture & Design. What drew me in—and still inspires me—is the unique blend of artistic expression and technical precision. Architecture allows for creative exploration, but it’s also grounded in geometry, problem solving, organizational principles, history, and engineering. At its best, it becomes a thoughtful translation of the client’s identity and purpose into a built form that reflects who they are and what they do.