Senior Design Director

Jonathan Wehri envisions a future for his Gro clients, primarily YMCAs, as dynamic community centers. They can be cultural landmarks, social hubs, provide community program, and of course, be a place for wellness.

In many respects that’s a continuation of the Y movement that has always existed. But in a changing world, the role of architecture and design is paramount – and capable – of enabling those things to endure and reach new communities.

“What I find most rewarding in my work is that lightbulb moment with clients,” he says. “It’s when they realize the opportunities they might not have known they had.”

As a senior design director with Gro, Wehri leads in the design and architectural programming of YMCAs. He serves as a thought leader to redefine clients’ future placemaking, and he engages clients in an ever-evolving design process. These skills come from his education (Master of Architecture, University of Detroit) – which includes graduating at the top of his class and earning the AIA Henry Adams Medal for Excellence – and 20 years of working in Detroit, Austin, Washington DC, Seattle, Pennsylvania, and Colorado.  

“I believe in the power of design to solve problems at all scales by using a human-centered approach and a systemic mindset,” he says. “I lean into the power of design, creativity, and storytelling to push teams to rethink how we engage and shape the world.”

Wehri has earned licenses and certifications from the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), the American Institute of Architects (AIA), and the US Green Building Council (LEED BD+C)

Together with his wife and two children, Wehri resides in Colorado.