OUR FIRM
At Taylored Architecture, we believe the most enduring buildings do not impose themselves upon a place—they emerge from it. Every project begins by understanding what makes a site unique: its history, landscape, light, views, and the people who will experience it. The result is architecture that feels authentic, timeless, and inseparable from its surroundings.
Our work spans contemporary waterfront homes, historic restorations, new residences inspired by regional heritage, commercial projects, boathouses, master planning, and landscape design. Regardless of scale or style, every project is guided by the same philosophy: thoughtful design rooted in context, craftsmanship, and lasting value.
We believe exceptional architecture is created through collaboration. By listening carefully and working closely with our clients, we transform ideas into places that reflect their vision while honoring the character of the site. Open communication, trust, and a shared commitment to design excellence define every relationship we build.
From permitting and planning through construction, we provide comprehensive architectural services supported by an experienced network of engineering and design professionals. Whether navigating complex waterfront regulations, restoring a historic landmark, or creating a new home for generations to come, we guide each project with technical expertise, creativity, and careful attention to detail.
At its heart, our work is about stewardship—creating architecture that enriches the lives of our clients while contributing to the enduring character of the communities and landscapes we are privileged to shape.
JONATHAN TAYLOR, PRINCIPAL
Jonathan Taylor, AIA, founded Taylored Architecture with the belief that the best architecture is shaped by its surroundings, enriched by craftsmanship, and designed to endure. His work reflects a balance of thoughtful design, technical rigor, and a deep respect for place.
Before establishing Taylored Architecture, Jonathan had the privilege of working alongside some of the most respected architects of our time. His residential experience includes designing exceptional homes with Hugh Newell Jacobsen and Simon Jacobsen, where he contributed to acclaimed projects including residences in Nantucket, Napa Valley, and Windsor, Florida. He also collaborated with Foster + Partners, one of the world's leading architecture and design studios.
Jonathan's commercial portfolio was shaped through work with Morris Adjmi Architects in New York City and Shalom Baranes Associates in Washington, D.C., contributing to a diverse range of celebrated residential, mixed-use, and commercial developments.
While these experiences provided an extraordinary foundation, Jonathan's appreciation for architecture began much earlier—working alongside his father in the family's design-build construction company in the Thousand Islands. There, he developed a lasting understanding of how thoughtful design and skilled craftsmanship come together to create buildings that stand the test of time.
Jonathan earned a Master of Architecture from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Vermont. Today, he brings together the perspective gained from nationally recognized design practices with a lifelong connection to the Thousand Islands, creating architecture that is both deeply rooted in place and thoughtfully designed for generations to come.
NEWS
Oswego County Today
Aqua Spa Float Center to Open their Wellness Sanctuary Early This Fall
Oswego County Today
Construction Begins on Aqua Spa
Oswego County Business
Super Spa Coming to Oswego
houzz
8 Homes Under 500 Square Feet That Pack In Style and Function
BUILD Magazine
Taylored Architecture Named Best Full-Service Architecture Firm: New York & Best Luxury Houseboat Project: St. Lawrence Barge Yacht
houzz
Houzz Tour: A 'Love Shack' Built for a 20th Wedding Anniversary
houseboat magazine
Houseboat Design Collaboration
dwell
What's the best way to save space in a small bathroom?
Elle Decor Italia
La casa ecologica, ecosostenibile che galleggia per davvero. Ma esiste?
TI Park Gazette
Life is Good on the River, Spring 2017 Issue
Thousand Islands Sun
Taylored Architecture Wins National Award & Expands Service Area
Taylored Architecture Awarded "Best of Service" in 2017 on Houzz
Thousand Islands Life Magazine
Rebuilding the Guzzle, TI Park's "Third Place"
Thousand Islands Sun
Waterfront Townhouses, Yoga Studio Proposed in Clayton
Thousand Islands Sun
Taylored Architecture Designs TI Park Building Restoration
Watertown Daily Times
Clayton architecture firm wins T. I. Park competition for Commercial Block rebuild
Time Warner Cable News
Clayton Architecture Firm Designs Project for Thousand Island Park
Northern New York Living
Clayton classic inspires creativity: 1910 Arts and Craft-style bungalow sees extreme makeover
Thousand Islands Life Magazine
Taking the Plunge: Stories of Year-Round Thousand Island Life
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AWARDS
2025 AIA CNY DESIGN AWARDS Citation of Design: Rainbow Shores Rivage Renovation
2024 AIA NYS DESIGN AWARDS Award of Merit: Contemporary Island House I
2024 AIA CNY DESIGN AWARDS Award of Excellence & People’s Choice Award: Contemporary Island House I
2024 AIA CNY DESIGN AWARDS Citation of Design: Woodlands at Zenda
2023 AIA CNY DESIGN AWARDS Citation of Design: The Sandcastle
2023 AIA CNY DESIGN AWARDS Dean Biancavilla Historic Preservation Award: Historic Restoration and Addition, TI Park
2022 AIA CNY DESIGN AWARDS Citation of Design: Sole Practitioner, Eagle Island Compound
2021 AIA CNY DESIGN AWARDS Citation of Design: Interiors, Aqua Spa Float Center & Wellness Boutique
2019 AIA CNY DESIGN AWARDS Award of Merit: Sole Practitioner, Eel Bay Boathouse
2019 AIA CNY DESIGN AWARDS Award of Merit: Sole Practitioner, The Guzzle
2018 AIA CNY DESIGN AWARDS Citation of Design: Sole Practitioner, Thurso Bay Love Shack
2018 AIA CNY DESIGN AWARDS Award of Excellence: Sole Practitioner, St. Lawrence Barge Yacht
2014 RED DIAMOND ACHIEVER AWARD from Integrity, People’s Choice Finalist, T.I. Park Cottage
SERVICES
Full Architectural Services
Interior Furnishings, Design & Decor
Construction Administration
Master Planning & Programming
Restoration & Renovation Design
Historic Preservation
Landscape Design
Consultant Coordination
Permitting
Interior & Exterior Material Specifications
REMARKS
"I hired Taylored Architecture to help design my dream house which happened to be a houseboat. Jon was very professional and his knowledge of building systems, engineering and materials helped push the project to a level of refinement and quality that exceeded my expectations. His prowess in AutoCAD is evident in the speed and precision that he translates ideas to the computer and that in turn saved time during the design process. I highly recommend working with Taylored Architecture and i would do so again on the next project!"
Client, Richard Rossmassler, Thousand Islands & Brooklyn, NY
"Jonathan did a great job with our project. Our project was a complete boathouse redesign that started with a meeting in the Fall of 2013 and completed earlier this year. Jonathan was great to work with from the start and expertly guided us through every phase of this project including design, permitting, and construction. He is extremely organized, knowledgable, honest, and a pleasure to work with. As you can see from the finished product on his website the boathouse is spectacular. Also have to give a shout out to Smitty from Premier Building Associates. He and Jonathan worked very well together on the construction phase and produced a great end product."
Client, Charles Lutz, Alexandria Bay & Syracuse, NY
"We would certainly recommend Taylored Architecture. Jonathan was quickly able to understand our goals for our new home and while we were scoping the project he delivered sound advice on cost, constructability, code, functionality and other things that guided us toward the most sensible solution to achieve them. We were trying to re-create a historically accurate cottage with contemporary interiors and functionality. Jonathan did an excellent job both with the research of the traditional cottages in our area and with adapting those designs to fit current needs."
Client, Alex Johnson, Lake Ontario, NY & San Francisco, CA
"You are an architect. This is the highest compliment. We are all sorry you’re departing but your horizons will welcome your talent, wit and family!"
Mentor, Hugh Newell Jacobsen, Jacobsen Architecture, Washington, DC
"Jonathan’s inspiration, and the professionalism of his team at Taylored Architecture, has helped us develop a realistic vision for our new home. Their professional demeanor, top-notch designs, and amicable communication efforts, have helped us make our dream a reality."
Clients, Rick & Michele Gefell, TI Park & Watertown, NY
"We were confident to hire Jonathan Taylor as our architect, after hearing many good things about him. We had high expectations going in and he has realized our imaginations. He is highly creative, communicative, innovative and flexible. He has taken our ideas, integrated them with his own, and come up with a design that we love. We are ready to build our dream home and owe a great deal of gratitude to Jonathan."
Clients, Eric Purcell & Monica Behan, Murray Isle & Watertown, NY