Jacob was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he first developed an interest in architecture during high school taking an architectural design class his senior year. Seeking hands-on experience with how buildings function, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force as an HVAC technician, gaining practical knowledge of building systems while continuing to cultivate his passion for architecture. During his military service, he was stationed in Japan, South Korea, and finally at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, where he developed a lasting appreciation for the state’s landscapes and communities.

Following his military service, Jacob relocated to Colorado to pursue his architectural education. He earned both his Bachelor of Science in Architecture and Master of Architecture from the University of Colorado Denver. During his studies, he completed an internship with a sole practitioner, gaining experience in residential and commercial design, while also serving as a Teaching Assistant for Architectural Visualization and Foundational Studio II. These experiences reinforced his passion for thoughtful, technically grounded design and collaborative problem-solving.

Jacob joined MRV Architects in 2026 as an Architectural Designer, returning to Alaska to begin his professional career in a place that had already become meaningful to him during his military service.

Outside of the office, Jacob enjoys making and listening to music, playing video games, rollerblading, skiing and snowboarding, and exploring Alaska’s mountains, trails, and wildlife.