Board Members

Zevilla Preston-Jackson

Zevilla Jackson Preston, born and raised in the Harlem community, is principal of J - P Design, Inc., a Harlem based architectural firm. Additionally, Zevilla Jackson Preston is a past president of the New York Coalition of Black Architects (NYCOBA) and founder of The African American Architects Roundtable for Entrepreneurs. A graduate of the City College of New York School of Architecture, Ms. Jackson Preston has taught design studio at CCNY and has been recognized as both a CCNY and CUNY Woman of Excellence. Further, The City University of New York included her in its publication entitled The Best and Brightest of CUNY.

Ms. Jackson Preston began her Architectural Career in 1990 working for various New York based architectural firms. A fast learner, Ms. Jackson Preston quickly learned the basics and founded J-P Design, Inc. in 1992. As the Principal of J-P Design, she has gained a reputation for creative and innovative design work. Zevilla Jackson Preston is responsible for the day to day financial, administrative and managerial operation of the office while developing all design work produced.

Zevilla Jackson Preston grew up in NYC during the height of urban blight and abandoned buildings. This impacted her as an architect to the extent that she fully understands the social and economic issues that are key factors in exploring the physical space of urban communities. Hence, her architectural philosophy rests on the thoughts of economists who believe that sustainable community development is about the development of the people themselves — not just the physical plant. For her, Sustainable Design speaks to a process of design that recognizes the interconnection of the social, physical, and cultural vitality of a community and/or a specific client. This philosophy continues to evolve as she uses J - P Design, Inc. as a vehicle to address this issue. Ms. Jackson Preston is committed to creating distinctly unique spaces that heighten the users everyday experience through the enhancement of each design with a cultural and art based aesthetic whether it be expressed through light, shade, form, volume or simply in plan.

Beyond her dedication to her chosen profession, Ms. Jackson Preston has remained steadfast in her commitment to the Harlem community through a host of volunteer efforts. Currently, Ms. Jackson Preston is a Board Member of both The Children's Art Carnival, a community based children's art school and The Harlem Commonwealth Council, a local development organization which is committed to developing the people of Harlem, as well as, its physical plant. Additionally, Ms. Jackson Preston is a member of the Municipal Art Society’s Planning Committee. Past volunteerism has included the coordination of a Harlem Outreach Campaign for The Harlem School of the Arts, a multi-disciplinary art school, as well as, a representative member of the Harlem Cultural Foundation, a consortium of art based institutions and The Central Park Advisory Committee, an extension of the Central Park Conservancy.