LDA Partners is a design firm specializing in creative problem solving and innovative community building for our clients. We believe that making a difference in the built environment through the creation of exceptional spaces in turn makes a difference for each community we serve. Over the past four decades, LDA Partners’ reach has expanded throughout the state of California and the western U.S. Diversity, creativity and sustainability are the mainstays of our practice and are illustrated through our extensive work in the community, commercial, education, transportation, healthcare and institutional markets. As LDA Partners continues to grow, our mission remains the same: to help our clients build community, creating places for people to come together and create strong connections.

1970

Brent Lesovsky studies Architecture in Copenhagen

In his final year at Cal Poly, Brent Lesovsky, a founding partner of LDA, studied architecture in Copenhagen, where he immersed himself in Scandinavian design. He was particularly inspired by Finnish Architect Alvar Aalto. The experience shaped his appreciation for clean, functional aesthetics and natural lighting—principles that aligned with the Central Valley’s climate. This formative journey broadened his perspective on architecture and laid the foundation for what would eventually become LDA Partners.

1979

Brent Lesovsky Establishes as Design works

After working in San Diego, Brent Lesovsky moved to Stockton to start his own firm, Design Works, alongside a former college roommate. The partnership was short-lived, but it gave Brent his first experience navigating the challenges of independent practice. Though the early years were marked by uncertainty and struggle, this venture taught invaluable lessons in persistence and resilience, ultimately setting the stage for the founding of LDA Partners.

1980

Building LDA: The Partnership That Started It All

The partnership between Brent Lesovsky and Mike Donaldson began with a chance collaboration on a Stockton Steel project. Mike, recalling Brent from Cal Poly, reached out, and their first major endeavor—a 10,000-square-foot corporate office—was a resounding success. Their shared respect for design and complementary focus areas, with Brent leading healthcare projects and Mike specializing in developer work, created a partnership that balanced creativity and strategy, laying the groundwork for LDA’s growth.

1981

From Design Works to LDA: The Evolution of Our First Logo

As Brent transitioned from Design Works to Lesovsky Donaldson, he sought a logo that reflected a more professional identity. Experimenting with blending the “L” and “D,” the design process produced several iterations before settling on a clean, bold look. Originally black, the logo later became red, adding vibrancy to the firm’s brand. This initial logo represented a balance between structure and creativity, laying the foundation for LDA’s professional yet playful identity.

1983

A New Home on the Miracle Mile

As the firm grew, the move from Hunter Street to Stockton’s Miracle Mile was a pivotal step. The Hunter Street office, a cold Victorian with limited space, no longer met the team’s needs. In 1997, LD relocated to the Weber Building, a project designed by Mike Donaldson for developer Jim Nylen. This space not only offered a better location but marked a significant step toward establishing a presence in the vibrant Miracle Mile community.

1984

The Wever Building: A New Chapter for LDA

The Wever Building marked a significant milestone for LDA, as it was the firm’s first multistory project. Partnering with developer Jim Niland, the team designed the building and handled tenant improvements for local doctors. Though challenges arose, like learning the intricacies of elevator design, Mike’s construction experience helped the team overcome them. The project showcased the firm’s adaptability and ambition, solidifying LDA’s role in shaping Stockton’s architectural landscape.

1985

Anderson Hall: The Foundation of Our Work at UOP

The Anderson Hall renovation marked LD’s first major project with the University of the Pacific, establishing a long-standing partnership that continues to this day. Once a dining hall, the building was transformed with a second-floor addition for faculty offices, preserving its historic scissor trusses and enhancing its functionality. Brent Lesovsky’s innovative design blended modern solutions with respect for tradition, setting the stage for decades of collaborative projects at UOP.

1994

Designing for Healthcare: Kaiser Permanente Clovis

Our partnership with Kaiser Permanente began in the mid-1990s with the Clovis Medical Office Building (MOB). This project opened doors to years of collaboration, solidifying our expertise in healthcare design. By mastering Kaiser’s “kit of parts” approach, we delivered efficient, innovative spaces. This milestone not only showcased our adaptability but also established a legacy of healthcare projects across California, setting the stage for future opportunities.

1997

LDA’s Growth Story: The Move to 4S South Central

As LDA grew, the need for a larger, more flexible workspace became clear. Our move to 4S South Central, just have a block from our original location on Miracle Mile, provided the room we needed for expansion. Brent had long eyed the second floor of the building, and when the opportunity arose, we converted it into a bright, open office space. The move allowed us to accommodate our growing team and fueled further development within the firm.

1998

Our Voice in Architecture: Columns

In an effort to share insights, celebrate innovation, and strengthen connections, we launched Columns, a publication dedicated to local architecture news, emerging technologies, and our firm’s developments. This initiative showcased our growth, highlighted our projects, and provided a platform to engage with the community. Columns became a powerful tool to demonstrate our leadership in design and our commitment to fostering dialogue within the architectural field.

1998

Wine & Roses Spa: Elevating Hospitality Design

Wine & Roses Spa was a pivotal project for LDA, launching our foray into high-end hospitality design. The owners trusted us to reimagine their family property into a luxury destination that rivaled Napa Valley. This project challenged us to define a unique architectural identity for Lodi and sparked new opportunities in hospitality design. Wine & Roses remains a hallmark of our ability to craft spaces that elevate entire communities.

2005

The AG Spanos Building: Stockton’s New Icon

The AG Spanos Building marked a pivotal moment for Stockton. Tasked with establishing a bold image for their rapidly growing company and new development, Spanos partnered with LDA to design this prominent multistory structure. Committed to fostering local talent and improving Stockton from within, Spanos’s vision aligned seamlessly with LDA’s expertise, creating a space that embodies growth, community, and a lasting legacy for the city.

2005

A New Chapter: Dennis and Eric Join the Partnership

Dennis’s dedication and technical expertise made him an invaluable partner early on, embodying LDA’s commitment to excellence. Eric’s passion for community-focused projects brought a transformative vision to the firm, steering LDA toward work that enriches public spaces and serves communities. Together, their leadership expanded LDA’s project portfolio and influence, laying the groundwork for decades of impactful public and community projects across California.

2006

Transforming Stockton Golf & Country Club

The Stockton Golf & Country Club, a beloved community landmark, entrusted LDA Partners to reimagine its facility to meet the needs of its members. The project required meeting high expectations and providing well-designed program spaces with sweeping views of the deep-water channel. Backed by significant donors and key community leaders, this milestone project reflects LDA’s commitment to creating spaces that serve and elevate Stockton’s community.

2010

A New Identity: LDA Becomes LDA Partners

Incorporating “Partners” into our name marked a significant shift toward inclusivity and collaboration. As a firm that values design first, we wanted our name to reflect the unity of our diverse team. With architects and designers working together, we offer innovative solutions backed by a strong foundation of expertise. This change solidified our commitment to teamwork and the evolving nature of our firm.

2011

Stockton Airport Hold room & Expansion: A Gateway to Growth

The Stockton Airport Holdroom & Expansion project played a pivotal role in positioning Stockton as a growing urban hub, increasing air travel connectivity for the community. The design reflects local identity with elements inspired by the Delta, such as wave features and organic-patterned carpeting, while embracing a modern aesthetic to complement contemporary air travel. This project marked a significant milestone for LDA, expanding its expertise in federally funded municipal projects and strengthening its presence in the public sector.

2012

Manteca Transit Center: A Catalyst for Community Transformation

LDA played a key role in reshaping downtown Manteca through the Manteca Transit Center, serving as the anchor for a broader redevelopment initiative. This effort included several other LDA projects, such as the Manteca Animal Shelter, the HOPE Family Shelter Project, and some work at Manteca High School. These projects helped to redefine the architectural vernacular of the area, creating a cohesive and modern downtown. This project highlights LDA’s growing influence in the Central Valley, deepening its connection to the community and reinforcing its role in regional transformation.

2014

In Memory of Dennis Zagaroli: A Lasting Impact

In Memory of Dennis Zagaroli: A Lasting Impact

Dennis Zagaroli, a beloved partner and mentor, played an integral role in shaping both the projects and culture of our office. Known for his guidance and humor, Dennis was a source of wisdom and laughter. His years of teaching at Delta College further extended his influence, with several of his former students joining LDA and carrying forward his legacy of excellence and mentorship.

2015

Office Expansion: 222 S Central Ave.

The expansion into 222 S Central was a pivotal moment for LDA, as it marked the first time we designed our own office space. The entire team collaborated on the layout and design, ensuring that every detail reflected our shared vision. A standout feature in the lobby is a repurposed swing chair lift, originally acquired by founding partner Brent Lesovsky from a ski and snowboard company that was going out of business. After years in storage, it now serves as a unique centerpiece, blending our history, creativity, and character into the space.

2015

A Fresh Look: Evolving the LDA Brand

LDA underwent a brand refresh, transitioning from red to a warm, approachable orange to better reflect our evolving identity. The iconic “bug” logo remained, with a refined design that breaks the “LDA” lettering for a sense of movement and energy. This update followed a series of staff workshops exploring our values, what it means to work here, and who we are as a company. The result is a brand that embraces the new era of LDA while honoring its legacy.

2017

Michael Donaldson Retires, Ushering in LDA’s Next Generation of Leadership

After 38 years with LDA, founding partner Michael Donaldson retired, marking a significant transition for the firm. Mike played a pivotal role in LDA’s success, shaping its approach to developer-driven projects and expanding its portfolio into new sectors. His leadership laid the foundation for the firm’s continued growth. With his retirement, Carolyn Natividad and Peter Rosado joined Eric Wohle as partners, each bringing unique expertise and vision. Carrie and Pete introduced new technology, standardized processes, and fostered a more connected and transparent office culture. By diversifying the firm’s portfolio—Pete focusing on commercial and private projects, and Carrie on public and education—LDA built on Mike’s legacy and strengthened its position for the future.

2018

Brent Lesovsky: Embracing Retirement, Continuing to Inspire

Brent Lesovsky’s transition into retirement and Emeritus status marked a significant shift, though not without its challenges. After years of routine and purpose, he embraced new roles in the community, including serving on various boards. Despite stepping back from full-time design work, Brent remains a valued presence at LDA, offering his insights and enjoying the social aspects of the office. His pride in LDA’s continued success is clear—he looks back on the firm’s journey with gratitude and appreciation for its growth and resilience.

2019

Building Partnerships: San Mateo Animal Shelter

The San Mateo Animal Shelter was one of LDA Partners’ first major Design-Build projects with F&H Construction, establishing a foundation of trust and collaboration that continues to drive many landmark projects. It also marked the beginning of our partnership with Jackson & Ryan Architects, leaders in animal shelter design. This project set the standard for future collaborations, helping expand our expertise and influence in animal shelter and public safety facility design statewide.

2020

Work From Home

Due to the Pandemic, our team went remote. We all kept connected through online trivia games, Zoom happy hour, and design discussions.

2022

Begin Construction of River Islands High School

This landmark project includes 4 buildings on an entirely new high school campus in River Islands Development in Lathrop, CA. This project was a huge effort requiring a large amount of our team to design, putting our collaboration to the test. The school opened to students in Fall of 2024, and phase 1 of the full buildout is estimated to be completed in 2026. Future additions are already in concept and LDA is eager to help this project develop over the years.

2023

Opened a second office Location in Sacramento, CA

With 40 years of roots firmly planted in Stockton, we expanded to Sacramento, the City of Trees, to build new relationships and grow our team. This second location has brought skilled professionals into the fold, enriching our firm’s creativity and expertise. Our Sacramento team collaborates seamlessly, often meeting in the aptly named “Tree House” conference room to continue fostering creativity and innovation.

2024

45 Years of Design, Innovation, and Community

Since 1979, LDA Partners has navigated decades of evolution in architecture, responding to shifting needs and embracing innovation. From community facilities to schools, civic spaces, healthcare, transportation hubs, and more, our work has touched nearly every corner of the built environment. As leadership transitioned and technology advanced, our dedication to our clients and community remained steadfast, paving the way for a future rooted in the values and vision that have defined our past.

Services

Supporting our clients with a full suite of architectural planning and design services

Since its inception in 1979, LDA Partners has delivered full-service architecture, construction administration and land planning services to clients in both the public and private sectors. In addition to our core services, we offer a variety of planning and consulting expertise in the areas of master planning and sustainability. LDA Partners supports our clients throughout the planning, design and building process. Our approach effectively blends function, life-cycle costing, and aesthetics to satisfy complex program requirements.

Visualization
Land Use Feasibility Studies
Site Planning
Stakeholder Engagement
Programming

Master Planning
Architectural Design
Sustainable Architecture and Design
LEED Consulting & Project Management
Historic Preservation

Interior Design
Construction Cost Estimating
Construction Documents
Construction Administration
Design/Build and Design/Assist

Sustainable Design

Our commitment to creating healthy, dynamic spaces for the clients, communities and markets we serve

We are, and always have been, driven by providing our clients with environmentally conscious design and guidance. Our sustainable design approach is complementary to our client’s vision and is holistically viewed within the context of both the building and the people within it. Whether or not LEED certification is the goal, we provide environmentally prudent design options that balance initial investment with maintenance and replacement costs, while focusing on the health and wellness of the end users.

Awards & Accolades

Developing community cornerstones through award-winning design

LDA Partners takes pride in our ability to deliver architectural designs that are visually creative, while being responsive to program requirements, budgets and schedules. Although we don’t do the work for the accolades, we are proud to be the recipient of numerous awards for our leadership and excellence in design. Among the honors are nearly 100 awards from local and regional organizations such as AIA Sierra Valley, California Parks and Recreation Society, City of Stockton Planning Commission, and the Brick Industry Association.

AIA Sierra Valley, Design Citation Award

AIA National, Justice Facilities Review Award

Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute: Honor Award

Concrete Masonry Association of California & Nevada, Merrit Award

Brick in Architecture, Silver Award

Public Works Project of the Year

ASCE Sacramento (American Society of Civil Engineers), Outstanding Urban or Land Development Project:

California Parks and Recreation Society: Award of Achievement for Facility Design

LEED Platinum Certification, US Green Building Council

Central Valley Administration Building, Hilmar

LEED Silver Certification, US Green Building Council

Dewitt Nelson Correctional Annex & Material Transfer Unit

Pursuing LEED Platinum Certification, US Green Building Council

Santee, San Diego County Animal Shelter

Connect

STOCKTON LOCATION

222 Central Court
Stockton, CA 95204
Email: info@ldapartners.com
Phone: 209.943.0405

SACRAMENTO LOCATION

2016 P Street
Sacramento, CA 95811
Email: info@ldapartners.com
Phone: 916.510.8890

CAREERS

info@ldapartners.com

LDA is always interested in discussing career opportunities with potential candidates.