José Zelaya, AIA, NCARB is an accomplished architect and urbanist with over 20 years of experience in architectural design and town planning. As Vice President and Principal at our Albuquerque office, José brings a deep passion for community-centered design and a commitment to revitalizing public spaces through thoughtful, sustainable planning.

Throughout his career, José has led a wide range of impactful projects across New Mexico and beyond, including civic buildings, cultural institutions, and comprehensive master plans. His work reflects a strong belief in the power of design to shape vibrant, inclusive communities. José has served as a key architect on numerous award-winning projects and is the co-author of The Plazas of New Mexico, a celebrated publication exploring the cultural and spatial significance of public plazas across the state.

In addition to his professional practice, José is a professor of architecture and town planning at the University of New Mexico’s School of Architecture and Planning, where he mentors the next generation of designers and planners. He is a frequent speaker at planning and preservation conferences and has contributed to numerous academic and community initiatives.

José holds a Master of Architecture from the University of New Mexico, a postgraduate degree in Urban Environmental Studies from Rotterdam, and a Master of Architecture and Urban Planning from the National University of Honduras. He is a registered architect in New Mexico, Minnesota, and North Dakota, and a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB).