Jeff Lee, FASLA is the President and Founding Principal of Lee and Associates, Inc. headquartered at Gallery Place in Washington D.C. He received The Presidential Citation from The American Society of Architects: AIA, for leading the design team for The Pentagon 9-11 Memorial. In 2007, he became the first Korean American to be inducted into The American Society of Landscape Architects Council of Fellows, the highest honor one can achieve in the profession..
During the past 30 years of practice, he has crafted a body of work which integrates the complex relationship between man and nature by designing ecological and sustainable solutions that promote stewardship of our land, waterways, cities, gardens, parks and ultimately, the public realm. His focus on beauty and function, while maintaining a deep commitment to the history and culture of natural and built places, has produced many unique, award-winning projects in the U.S.A. and throughout the world. Whether it is a Cultural Tourism Master Plan for two centuries of Buddhism in China(Dazu); two of the most important connections of the Hajj(Mecca); or breathing new life and function to a historical Ottoman Pasha’s Palace (Ciragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul), his projects all share a respect for the past and an, understanding of the present in an attempt to create timeless projects for the future.
Lee was educated at the University of Virginia in the School of Architecture in landscape architecture, fine arts and architecture (through a scholarship). After working in Seoul, Korea; Doha, Qatar and on projects throughout Asia and Middle East, he returned to U.S.A. to launch his career in landscape architecture. He started his own firm in 1987 in Washington, D.C., immediately gaining attention for significant projects such as: the Finnish Chancery; the Korean Embassy Residence; the International Culture & Trade Center: Ronald Reagan Building; Fort Belvoir Community Hospital; and the recently completed City Center. His current projects include: The Wharf at SW Waterfront; Capital Crossings; St. Elizabeth Campus; UDC Student Center and The Smithsonian. Lee serves on the Board of Managers for UVA Alumni Association; Council Member of FONA (Friends of the U.S. National Arboretum) and is a former Vice Chairman and Life member of The Committee of 100 on The Federal City, an organization founded in 1923 dedicated to safeguarding and advancing Washington’s historic distinction, natural beauty and livability.