Jonathan Segal, 39, is responsible for 15 of Downtown’s residential developments. His company, Jonathan Segal Architect, is all-encompassing, and he says what sets him apart from other developers is that “we build and design our own buildings. We’re architects, developers, builders and contractors.”

He takes pride in his urban housing and wants to be recognized as “one of the people who have enhanced the environment and created lasting, beautiful buildings.”

Originally from Manhattan Beach, Segal graduated from the University of Idaho, where he attended on a track and field scholarship. Track ability runs in his family; his father is an Olympic bronze medalist.

Segal moved to San Diego in 1984 for work opportunities, and he established his own business in 1988. He lives Downtown with his wife, Wendy, 14-year-old son Matthew, and 12-year-old daughter Brittany. He says Matthew can lay claim to being the first child born in San Diego’s Downtown redevelopment area.

Awards are nothing new to Segal, a true pioneer of Downtown housing development. He has received three State of California American Institute of Architects honor awards and the Ruocco Award from C3 for innovation in the arts and architecture. No onions have been given to this architect, but his vase holds two orchids and 15 other design awards.

His firm also was selected as one of seven from the State of California AIA to represent emerging talent in California for the 21st century.

— Maria L. Kirkpatrick