New York · Connecticut · Est. 2019
Big-firm capability. Small-firm dedication. Exceptional project outcomes.
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New York · Connecticut · Est. 2019
Big-firm capability. Small-firm dedication. Exceptional project outcomes.
JLA operates at the intersection of design creativity and development pragmatism. We understand what it takes to get a project built — from first pencil to certificate of occupancy.
Deep expertise in NYC Zoning Resolution, DOB determinations, BSA variances, CPC approvals, and multi-jurisdictional site planning. Our commitment to zoning runs deep enough that we built The ZRD1 Project — a research blog mining NYC zoning determinations for hidden development opportunity. We believe the zoning text is imperfect, and that those imperfections can be leveraged for unintended development opportunities.
LPC-approved restorations and alterations across Brooklyn's most sensitive historic neighborhoods — Cobble Hill, Brooklyn Heights, Park Slope. Meticulous research, agency relationships, and design solutions that satisfy both preservation and client goals.
Ground-up commercial and mixed-use buildings from master planning through construction documents. JLA navigates zoning approvals and design development with equal fluency — delivering projects that balance design quality, marketability, and economy.
Rapid, rigorous feasibility analysis that helps developers evaluate sites before capital is committed. Massing studies, zoning analysis, code review, and typical layout planning that de-risks decisions and maximizes program.
JLA's foundation is rooted in principles developed as a Studio Director at Morris Adjmi Architects. Jason's studio designed projects totaling over 2.5 million square feet across New York City and other urban areas — multifamily residential, commercial, hospitality, and mixed-use. Drag to explore.
30 E 31st St
540 W 26th St
1 Huron St
260 Bowery
151 Mulberry St
211 Schermerhorn St
Rockaway Beach Hotel
3 St Marks Pl
215 N 10th St
38 W 8th St
419 Broadway
430 W Broadway
119 2nd Ave
625 Driggs Ave
658 Driggs Ave
Jason Little founded JL Architects in 2019 with a clear mission: to bring the depth of expertise developed at large-scale practice to clients who demand both design sophistication and real-world problem solving.
"A lean, high-functioning studio — urban, rigorous, and contextually grounded. We thrive on the projects that demand both design intelligence and regulatory fluency."
Prior to establishing JLA, Jason served as Studio Director at Morris Adjmi Architects, where he led a team responsible for over 2.5 million square feet of multi-family residential, commercial, hospitality, and mixed-use architecture across New York City. As the firm's go-to resource on zoning strategy, Jason often conducted the pre-development studies that shaped each commission from day one.
Jason's expertise spans the full development pipeline: rapid site feasibility and zoning analysis, loft and commercial legalizations, BSA variances, CPC approvals, LPC landmark review, design development, and construction documents — with a clear design sensibility and an equal commitment to constructability and economy. He began his career in San Francisco focused on highly detailed residential work, and deepened his technical knowledge at Helpern Architects in New York City.
Today, JLA maintains an active portfolio spanning new construction in Connecticut, luxury brownstone redevelopments in Brooklyn's historic districts, adaptive reuse in Manhattan, and concept design work across the New York metropolitan area. Repeat clients — returning with new sites, new programs, and new complexity — are the backbone of JLA's practice.
Whether you're evaluating a site, navigating a complex entitlement, or looking for an architect who will see your development through from feasibility to completion — we'd like to hear from you.