Designer Jesse Patkus has been creating his whole life. The son of a luthier, Jesse grew up in a musical environment. As a lifelong dancer, he went on to teach and perform throughout New England before pursuing a degree in architecture. His first introduction to design was his uncle, a principal in Manhattan. When he was a child, Jesse’s family would visit his uncle’s office, and this larger-than-life experience shaped his interest in architecture and the built environment.

Jesse graduated from the University of Maine at Augusta with a degree in architecture. While in school, he interned at a Portland-based architecture firm, where he gained experience working on a residential care facility, a concert venue, and multi-unit condos. Prior to joining Whitten Architects, Jesse spent three years working for a builder, where he gained onsite experience and managed residential construction projects. There he was exposed to the challenges of building and developed a clear sense of the construction process. The experience emphasized the importance of communication from the start of design to the final product, an understanding that continues to inform his design approach today.

Jesse is currently working towards professional licensure. In his spare time, he enjoys hiking, fishing, and spending time with his wife and their two young sons.

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