The firm is committed to design excellence and sustainable building practices, with a focus on custom home residential design and a philosophy rooted in context, and purpose. Born and raised in San Jose, Costa Rica, Jaya spent 15 years in Boston before moving to Miami, Florida. Prior to KZA Jaya worked for Moshe Safdie and Associates and Graham Gund Architects. Upon moving to Miami, she led a team headed by Robert A M Stern of New York to win the competition for the Miami Beach Library, for which she was the project architect through its completion. Jaya is a member of the AIA Committee on Design Advisory Group and chairs its sponsorship committee. She is also involved with Women in Design initiatives, including Women in Architecture and Equity by Design.