April 2026

What We're Celebrating

Three cheers to some stellar accomplishments!

Big Wins: Celebrating LJC’s Newly Licensed Professionals 🦵💡🌟

Big achievements are happening across LJC, and this month brings some exciting licensure milestones to the spotlight. These accomplishments reflect years of persistence, discipline, and a deep commitment to the profession.

Kody Zedolek and Ted Hogan are now Licensed Architects
Terry Patterson and Nathan Green have successfully passed their PE (Professional Engineering) Exams

Be sure to congratulate Kody, Ted, Terry, and Nathan on this incredible accomplishment! 👏

USBG Announces 2026 U.S. Local Leadership Award Recipients ‼️

Leadership in green building is happening in communities across the country. LJC's Erika Winters Downey has been awarded the 2026 U.S. Green Building Council Leadership Award.

This award is given to those who are advancing sustainability, resilience, and healthier communities at the local level.

Read the announcement to learn more about the recipients transforming the built environment.

Andrew Kilmer, Jen Nevil and Chip Crawford.

Finalist for SLC3 Awards 🏆

We have been named a finalist for the St. Louis Council of Construction Consumers (SLC3) Awards’ Grand Architect of Distinction.

This recognition reflects a continued commitment to thoughtful design, integrated collaboration, and solving complex challenges with clarity and purpose. At LJC, our work is grounded in the belief that the best outcomes come from aligning diverse expertise and perspectives to move projects and communities forward.

We’re grateful to be recognized alongside peers who are shaping the future of the built environment.

Recognized Across the Region: ASLA Central States Awards 🏆🏆🏆

LJC has been recognized by the American Society of Landscape Architects Central States Awards across multiple projects and categories—highlighting the impact of landscape architecture in shaping meaningful, community-driven environments.

This year’s recognition includes:
– Merit Award: MLK Cultural Blvd
– Merit Award: Delmar Streetscape
– Honor Award: HonorHealth Shea Campus

From streetscapes that support connectivity and identity, to healthcare environments designed with patient and community well-being in mind, landscape architecture plays a critical role in how people engage with the built environment.

Interior Design 30 Under 30!🌟

Lucy Goldman, Grace McIntyre, and Mary Reinhart-Smith have been nominated for the St. Louis Region's Interior Design Magazine’s 30 Under 30!

This is a recognition highlighting exceptional designers and leaders shaping the future of interior design. At LJC, design excellence is built through collaboration, curiosity, and continuous growth.

Their nominations reflect both individual perspectives and the kind of environment where mentorship, shared knowledge, and integrated thinking lead to stronger outcomes. Congrats to all who were nominated!

What We're Working On

Check out some of the latest and greatest milestones from this past month!

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ENTEK is Underway

We are designing and constructing a 1.4 million square foot lithium battery separator manufacturing campus with Clayco and Concrete Strategies in Terre Haute, Indiana. When fully operational, this facility will support the production of 1.4 to 1.6 million EVs annually. It will create up to 642 jobs for the Terre Haute community by the end of 2027.

Read more about the project here.

Breaking Ground in Salt Lake City! 🧂🪏

We celebrated the groundbreaking of Chapter Salt Lake in partnership with Cole West, CRG, and Headwaters Construction Company.

Located near the University of Utah and adjacent to TRAX light rail, this student housing community reflects a context-driven design approach that balances Salt Lake City’s urban grid with the surrounding Wasatch landscape.

Construction is underway, and we couldn't be more excited. Learn more about the project here.

Construction is underway on the expansion of The Broad in downtown Los Angeles. 🖼️ 🏗️

In partnership with Diller Scofidio + Renfro, the addition will increase gallery space by 70%, introduce open-air rooftop courtyards, and bring a new immersive art storage experience to one of LA's most celebrated contemporary art museums.

More to come as the project takes shape. Check out our website to learn more about the project.

To the moon…and into your mood board 🌕🌑🚀

This month, our interior's team was inspired by the Artemis II mission. From the stark contrast of light and shadow to the textures and tones of space. We hope you love it!

What We Have Wrapped Up

Check out our completed projects!

Ray Phoenix Rises in Roosevelt Row 🏜️🌵

LJC joined Clayco, Johnston Marklee & Associates, Ray, Ventana, and Vela to celebrate the opening of Ray Phoenix in the Roosevelt Row Arts District.

This striking residential tower introduces more than 400 luxury apartments to the heart of Downtown Phoenix, with floor-to-ceiling windows, sweeping mountain views, and a bold architectural presence inspired by the Sonoran Desert. From modern studios to penthouse living, the project brings a new dimension to urban life in Phoenix.

Explore the full project here.

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Brickline Greenway Opens New Paths for Connection 🏃🌳🚴‍♀️

The grand opening of the Brickline Greenway marks a meaningful milestone for St. Louis as it continues to grow into a more connected and accessible city.

Stretching along Market Street from Harris-Stowe State University to Energizer Park, the greenway strengthens connections between institutions, neighborhoods, and key civic destinations—enhancing not just mobility, but the everyday experience of moving through the city.

Projects like this show what can happen when organizations align around a shared vision. In partnership with Great Rivers Greenway, this effort reflects how thoughtful planning and coordinated design can help build stronger, more connected communities.

As cities evolve, investments in infrastructure that prioritize accessibility and connectivity will continue to play a critical role in supporting both immediate needs and long-term resilience.

What We're Up To

Take a look at what we've been up to this past month!

Rebuilding TOGETHER!💚🏡🛠️

Each year, our team participates in Rebuild Day with Rebuilding Together St. Louis, supporting efforts that help homeowners remain safe and secure in the places they call home.

Working side by side with the homeowner, our volunteers identified a set of practical, achievable improvements and brought them to life in a single day. From installing grab bars and stair handrails to repairing cabinetry, addressing exterior safety elements, and completing general maintenance, every effort was centered on enhancing day-to-day comfort and accessibility.

At LJC, our commitment to community extends beyond projects. It reflects how we approach every challenge, focused on people, driven by purpose, and aligned around creating a better way forward.

Shaping Chicago: Design, Policy & Placemaking in Focus

LJC’s Lina Chiu recently joined fellow design leaders at Bisnow’s Chicago Architecture & Design Real Estate Summit, contributing to conversations around policy and placemaking across the city’s neighborhoods.

Discussions like these underscore the role of thoughtful design in shaping stronger communities—where development aligns with civic priorities and supports the people it serves.

Advancing the Conversation at Structures Congress 2026

The American Society of Civil Engineers Structures Congress brings together industry leaders to explore the ideas shaping the built environment.

At this year’s conference in Boston, Erika Winters Downey will join the panel, “Low Carbon Concrete: 3 Engineers’ Perspectives,” sharing insights on how material strategies are evolving across projects and markets.

Conversations like these play an important role in bridging research and practice—helping teams apply emerging ideas in meaningful, real-world ways across a range of project types.

Elaine Elevating Industry Impact 🏢

Elaine Fitzgerald connected with industry leaders during a recent Chicago Committee on High Rise Buildings (CCHRB) site visit, supporting research and innovation in high-rise building design and construction.

We love the job site selfies!📸 🤩

Right Image: Emily Tribbia, Veronica Allen, Cristina Marubayashi, Nicole Vandermyde, Patty Mayle, Kelsey Randolph

Supporting Women in Architecture

Our team joined Chicago Women in Architecture for their Spring Brunch—an organization dedicated to advancing and empowering women in the built environment through advocacy, mentorship, and community.

Who We Are

A monthly Q&A to help you get to know what some of your LJC colleagues are up to outside the office!

Get to know Hannah Boehle!

LJC Office: St. Louis
Title/Role: Senior Associate
Focus: Interior Design
School: Maryville University
Affiliations: CREW STL

What’s a niche or unexpected interest you have outside of work?
I have a lot of hobbies/interests - sometimes too many to keep up with. A few things I enjoy include hand embroidering (especially florals and sassy projects with swear words – ask me more & I’ll share some photos), putting together charcuterie arrangements, reading, watching football, hiking, and camping. My family has a travel trailer/camper we take out often to enjoy being together in nature. Sometimes I do a combination of my various hobbies while on our frequent camping trips.

What was your very first job?
I was a busser & hostess at a small family-owned Italian restaurant in St. Charles. I wasn’t old enough to be a waitress at the time, so I assisted the wait staff as needed. As a 15-year-old, I loathed my uniform – white button up dress shirt with black cummerbund and black dress pants.

What non-work-related topic are you oddly knowledgeable about?
This can at times be work-related, but I am a master ‘spell checker’. Spelling errors jump out at me from a mile away. Historically I’ve seen the most spelling errors in manufacturer specification cut sheets, restaurant menus, and professional slide decks/e-mails. Being a spell check resource for others is something I enjoy doing – so reach out if you need another set of eyes!

Say "hey" to Paul Brion

LJC Office: Lenexa, KS
Title/Role: Structural BIM Manager
Focus: Structural Engineering
School: High Tech Institute

What’s something coworkers might be surprised to learn about you?
Most people I work with do not know that I liked to paint and draw when I was younger.

What’s your most memorable vacation or trip?
My most memorable vacation was two weeks in Exuma (half private boat/half rented house on the beach).

What’s a niche or unexpected interest you have outside of work? Outside of work, I have renovated 5 houses.

What are you most proud of professionally so far?
I’ve been blessed to work on some of the greatest projects in the world. It is hard to pick just one, but if I had to, I was proud of how the Vikings Stadium turned out.

What are you most proud of outside of work?
Outside of work, I’m most proud of my wife and three amazing daughters.

Say Hello to Maddy Baalmann!

LJC Office: St. Louis, RBB
Title/Role: Senior Operations Coordinator
Focus: Operations
School: Southeast Missouri State (SEMO)

What’s your most memorable vacation or trip?
Last September, my best friend and I spent two unforgettable weeks traveling through Ireland and France. We kicked things off in Dublin, where we met up with a few friends wrapping up their own European adventure. From there, we headed to the south of France, exploring the beauty of St. Tropez, Cannes, and Nice. We then made our way north to Paris, where we spent a few incredible days soaking in everything the city has to offer. It’s a place I could return to endlessly. The food, culture, architecture, and iconic landmarks are simply breathtaking. We wrapped up the trip with a day in Reims, touring several champagne houses and experiencing the region’s rich history and craftsmanship. It truly was a trip of a lifetime; one I’d relive in a heartbeat.

What’s a niche or unexpected interest you have outside of work?
I love to bake, and you can almost always find me in the kitchen trying out a new recipe. I especially enjoy making pies of all kinds, and Thanksgiving is my time to shine. I’ve also developed a passion for baking sourdough bread. I’m always looking to expand my skills and try something new, and I love keeping my family excited to see what’s coming out of the oven for dessert.

What does your ideal weekend look like?
My typical weekend is a mix of city energy and quiet escape. I’m usually either out with friends exploring new restaurants around the city, I’m always on the hunt for somewhere unique, or heading to my family’s ranch for a completely different pace of life. Out there, you’ll find me horseback riding, floating the river on a summer day, or unwinding in the evening with a glass of wine by the fire. It’s the perfect balance of social and serene, and I love having both worlds to look forward to.

What was your very first job?
My first job out of college was as a special education teacher for kindergarten through second grade. I spent five years in the classroom, and it was an incredibly fulfilling experience. Working with young students during such an important stage of their development was both meaningful and rewarding, and it’s something that has had a lasting impact on me.

Get to Know Charlotte Dauphinais!

LJC Office: St. Louis
Title/Role: Executive Assistant
Focus: All Org
School(s): BYU-Idaho, STLCC-Meramec, St. Louis Med Tech

What’s something coworkers might be surprised to learn about you?
I’m on track to be a licensed massage therapist in June 2026. I’ve been considering massage therapy since 2007 and was on the brink of going to school for it when LJC recruited me in November 2022. The education and licensing exam are far more complex than anyone would ever dream, and somehow, I’m still excited for all the continued education ahead. I’ve gained a deep appreciation for how amazing the human body is and excited for a future helping people.

If you could speak another language, what would it be—and why?
French, primarily because of my name and every French person I’ve ever met assumes I know it. I’d also like to be fluent in Spanish and American Sign Language to connect better with friends.

What does your ideal weekend look like?
Outdoors enjoying warm weather!! A satisfying mix of being on/in/near water, delicious food and drinks, laughing with friends. I also enjoy a good project and being creative while listening to upbeat, funky music or a podcast.