Jerde founded the Jerde Partnership in 1977 to pioneer a new design philosophy called “Placemaking,” that would create communal places with heightened experiences. Today, he serves as chairman. Using the city’s urban fabric as a starting point, Jerde’s projects share characteristics with the local context while creating a new identity and urban catalyst for their surroundings. His projects have been recognized by the American Institute of Architects, the International Council of Shopping Centers, and two ministries of the Japanese government. He was named the first USC School of Architecture Distinguished Alumnus in 1985, and in 2000, the school established the Jon Adams Jerde, FAIA, endowment towards a chair in Architecture. Jerde was named an AIA Fellow in 1990 and received AIA/LA’s Pacific Rim Award for global innovation and impact. He studied fine arts and engineering at UCLA and earned his Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Southern California.