Jonathan Mekinda

About the Author

Jonathan Mekinda is an acclaimed architectural historian and author whose work illuminates the intersection of design, culture, and urban development in 20th-century America. With a PhD in architectural history from the University of Pennsylvania, he has dedicated his career to exploring how innovative styles like Art Deco shaped modern cities and societal aspirations. Mekinda's research draws on extensive archival work, blending meticulous scholarship with engaging narratives that bring forgotten buildings and designers to life. As a professor at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he inspires students and readers alike to appreciate the enduring legacy of architectural modernism. His debut book, Art Deco Chicago: Designing Modern America, has been praised for its vivid portrayal of the Windy City's golden age of design, earning accolades from the Society of Architectural Historians.