Our Firm
Purposeful.
Passionate.
Creative.
Purposeful Homes. Thoughtful Design. Trusted Partnerships.
That's what we're about.
It's why we work closely with
homeowners and communities —every step of the way.
Award-Winning Firm
An award-winning Baltimore area firm, Penza Bailey Architects (PBA), operating as a Studio of PRIME AE, provides architectural design, interior architecture, and planning services for private and public clients of all sizes.
PBA collaborates with clients and community to create great spaces and places that are contextually appropriate, universally accessible, environmentally responsible, and financially viable.
Our firm's private expertise includes custom residential, featuring specialization in new design, addition/transformation, waterfront, and historic.
Our professional team members possess exceptional depth in each of the critical areas of design and project delivery - from program and site development through construction administration. We have a broad experience in implementing a wide variety of building types and technologies, and are committed to a strong continuing educational program, which keeps everyone abreast with ongoing updates in code, technology, materials, and products.
Leadership
Penza Bailey Architects is led by experienced professionals who understand the complexities of residential architecture and who share a clear vision for how people live today— and tomorrow.
Jeffrey A. Penza, AIA, LEED AP
A founding Principal since 1989, Jeffrey Penza's commercial and institutional project experience encompasses corporate, retail and restaurants, healthcare, academic, educational and religious facilities, and certified historic rehabilitation work. Private and public residential design experience focuses on additions and renovations, custom homes, townhouse and apartment complex design, and retirement communities. As a past president and active Board member of Preservation Maryland, Jeff is actively involved in historic work. Jeff is passionate about The Americans with Disability Act and is sought out to be an expert witness throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. Jeff is a board member of The Lyric, and is active member of the Rotary Club of Baltimore City.
EDUCATION
Bachelor of
Architecture, 1982
University of Cincinnati
College
of Design, Art, Architecture and Planning
- American Institute of Architects, Member
- AIA Baltimore, Member, Former Member Programs Committee, Former Member Residential Design Group
- Baltimore Better Business Bureau, Certified Construction Claims Arbitrator
- Downtown Partnership of Baltimore, Member
- INSIGHT, Member
- Home Builders Association of Maryland (HBAM), Board Member Baltimore City Chapter 1990 - 1994
- Homeland Association, Board Member 1998 - 2006, Treasurer & Finance Committee Chair 2002 - 2005, National Register for Historical Places Committee Co-Chair 2000 - 2001
- Homeland Community Foundation, Board Member 2002 - 2005, Treasurer 2004 - 2005
- IFMA, Member
- Lyric Foundation, Board Member 1997 - Present, Co-Chair Facilities Committee 2010 - Present
- Memorial Stadium Reuse Task Force, Member 1985 - 1991
- National Trust for Historic Preservation, Member
- Original Northwood Association, Board Member 1987 - 1993, Vice President 1992, Architectural Review Committee Chair
- Preservation Maryland, Board Member 2004 - Present, President 2010 - 2013
- Rotary Club of Baltimore, Member 1990 - Present, Former Chair International Services Committee, Former Chair Oyster Roast Committee, President 1999 - 2000, Giving Policies Task Force Committee Chair 2005, Paul Harris Fellow
- Stadium Accessibility Advisory Committee (M&T Bank Stadium), Member 1996 - 1999
- Student Scholarship Foundation, Board Member 2001 - Present, Vice President 2006 - 2010
- Urban Land Institute (ULI), Member
- US Green Building Council (USGBC), Member
Leah Penza, AIA
Leah Penza has been practicing architecture professionally since 2011 through internships and full-time work following her graduation in 2016. Her experience spans residential and commercial projects, with a strong focus on thoughtful design solutions that balance functionality, aesthetics, and client goals. Leah can develop three-dimensional models for better visualization.
Leah is deeply committed to mentorship and education within the profession. Since 2019, she has been actively involved in the ACE Mentoring program, collaborating with teams of Architects, Engineers, and Contractors to introduce high school students to the design and construction industry while guiding them through the development of a real-world project each year.
Outside the office, Leah enjoys snowboarding during the winter months and hiking and camping when the weather is warmer.
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Arts in Architecture, 2014
Miami University, Oxford, Ohio
Master of Architecture, 2016
Miami University, Oxford, Ohio
- AIA Baltimore, Member, Design Awards Committee
- American Institute of Architects, Member
- CREW Baltimore, Member
- Urban Land Institute (ULI), Member
- ACE Mentoring, Mentor