Associate 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 through his uncle, a principal at a Manhattan architecture firm. 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, gaining experience on a residential care facility, a concert venue, and multi-unit condominiums. Before joining Whitten Architects, Jesse spent three years working for a builder, gaining on-site experience and managing residential construction projects. There, he was exposed to the challenges of building and developed a clear sense of the construction process—from understanding site conditions and natural constraints to material selection and execution. This 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.

A member of Whitten Architects since 2018, Jesse has served in several roles, including Project Leader on homes of varying scales. His background in performance and construction brings a unique perspective to his work, allowing him to choreograph the relationship between architecture and landscape while ensuring designs are both beautiful and buildable.

In his spare time, he enjoys hiking, coaching football, and spending time with his wife and their two sons.