Born in Staunton, VA, Nathan Cronheim graduated from Philadelphia's Central High School before completing a B.S. in architectural engineering at Pennsylvania State College in 1931. After completing his degree, Cronheim entered the office of Howe & Lescaze as a draftsman, remaining there until 1933. Cronheim then joined the office of Kastner & Stonorov for approximately a year. In 1946, Cronheim established a partnership with engineer Leonard Weger; Cronheim & Weger continued until 1966. The following year, Cronheim formed Cronheim & Kuo with engineer Joseph D. Kuo. Cronheim joined the national AIA in 1939. He was a member of the Philadelphia Chapter, and a member of the Pennsylvania Society of Professional Engineers. Cronheim taught in the Towne School of Engineering at the University of Pennsylvania in 1943-1944.

Written by Emily T. Cooperman, and Rima M. Girnius.