For over three decades, while President of JZMK Partners, Don served as the principal architect in charge of numerous award-winning single-family, multi-family, senior housing, custom residence, and mixed-use projects. In addition to his work in the US, Don collaborated with clients in China, Dubai, Egypt, and Jordan. Don has spoken extensively on high-density and senior housing at industry conventions, including the: Urban Land Institute Meetings, National Association of Homebuilders International Builders Show, Pacific Coast Builders Conference, 50+ Housing Symposium, and Multi-Housing World Convention. Don’s civic and professional involvements include being the 1996 Chair of the American Institute of Architects Housing Committee.

He served for 15 years on the Board of Directors for HomeAid America. Don also served on the board of Seneca Family Agencies, an organization devoted to helping foster children and families through the most difficult time of their lives. In 2008, Don and his wife, Julie Brinkerhoff-Jacobs, were honored by the Association of Fundraising Professionals as “Fundraising Volunteer of the Year.” The same year, Don and Julie were inducted into the California Building Industry Hall of Fame in San Francisco, CA. In 2009, Don was elected to the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects. This honor is awarded to architects who have made contributions of national significance to the profession of architecture and is considered one of the highest honors bestowed to a select group of architects by a jury of their peers. Don holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Architecture from the University of Cincinnati. The University of Cincinnati, College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning honored him with “Alumnus of the Year” in 2018. The Sea Ranch “Distinguished Architect Award” was presented to Don in the spring of 2022 for his ‘body of work’ at the Sea Ranch. He is NCARB certified and licensed in California and New Mexico.