What We're Celebrating
Three cheers to some stellar accomplishments!
Special Mention in the Architizer A+Awards - Best Large Firm category.🏆
This recognition reflects the people behind our work and the shared design culture we continue to build. Across architecture, interiors, planning, engineering, and landscape architecture, our integrated teams bring curiosity, technical expertise, and thoughtful collaboration to every project.
LJC Structural Engineering Earns SE2050
The following structural engineering firms have signed the SE 2050 Commitment Program letter to formally join SE 2050 and have completed their requirements of an Embodied Carbon Action Plan (ECAP) for 2026.
What We're Working On
Check out some of the latest and greatest milestones from this past month!
Ribbon Cutting at Tower Grove Park ✂️
An exciting milestone with the ribbon-cutting of new improvements at Tower Grove Park.
LJC is grateful to have partnered with Tower Grove Park and Trivers on a project that includes a new event support building, croquet garden, and the future Rockwell Beer Company Garden. Together, these improvements will support park programming, educational events, and community gatherings while enhancing the visitor experience and preserving the park’s historic character.
Congratulations to Tower Grove Park and everyone who helped bring this vision to life.
Ready for Takeoff at Gary/Chicago International Airport
Aviation infrastructure plays an important role in strengthening regional connectivity, supporting economic development, and creating opportunities for the communities it serves.
Congratulations to Gary/Chicago International Airport (GCIA) on the ribbon-cutting for its new hangar facility, a significant investment in the airport's continued growth and the future of aviation in Northwest Indiana.
Projects like this are made possible through strong partnerships and a shared commitment to delivering lasting value. We're grateful to have collaborated alongside Wingtip Aviation, Powers & Sons Construction, and Gairup Construction to help bring this milestone to life.
Read the Chicago Tribune article here.
Global Quantum Forum 2026
Chicago is having important conversations about what comes next in building its quantum ecosystem.
The second annual Global Quantum Forum brought together leaders from science, business, and government, to explore how quantum technology can help solve complex challenges across industries. LJC has been on the front lines of designing critical infrastructure to meet this moment.
Members of the LJC team helped guide tours of Quantum Shore Chicago during the forum, giving attendees a firsthand look at the first building and the broader vision for the former U.S. Steel South Works site and its potential to position Chicago as a leader in quantum innovation.
It was exciting to see the momentum around this transformative project and the conversations shaping its future.
Construction Begins on Clinton-Peabody Housing Redevelopment
We're excited to see construction officially begin on the first phase of the Clinton-Peabody Housing Redevelopment in St. Louis, a transformational investment in one of the City's most historic public housing communities.
The $150 million, multi-phase redevelopment begins with an 89-unit first phase and will ultimately create a vibrant mixed-income neighborhood with new homes, parks, safer streets, and community amenities designed for generations to come.
LJC worked on the master planning, urban design, landscape architecture, and community engagement partner for this vision. From day one, our work was rooted in listening. Together with Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH), the St. Louis Housing Authority, residents, and community stakeholders, we helped shape a plan that reflects the aspirations of the people who call Clinton-Peabody home. The resulting master plan reimagines the neighborhood with mixed-income housing, connected public spaces, enhanced mobility, a central park, and a stronger public realm while honoring the history and identity of the community.
Read more about the project here.
Albion Site Visit 👷🏗️
Our team recently welcomed our summer interns to the Albion West End job site, a 30-story residential tower under construction in St. Louis' Central West End. Working alongside the Clayco, Concrete Strategies, and Ventana teams, they got an up-close look at how architects, engineers, and builders collaborate from the earliest design conversations through construction.
Walking the job site showed how decisions made early in design continue to shape construction and why coordination across disciplines matters. Seeing engineering systems take shape and hearing directly from the project team gave our interns a deeper understanding of how collaboration helps move a project forward.
For our summer interns, it was an opportunity to connect what they're learning in the classroom with what they saw in the field and gain a better understanding of how integrated teams work together to solve complex challenges.
Site Tour at University of Missouri-Saint Louis Richter Family Welcome & Alumni Center
Our team recently visited the construction site of the University of Missouri-Saint Louis Richter Family Welcome & Alumni Center, a project that began several years ago during the university's Campus Master Plan. What started as a strategic vision to repurpose a former JCPenney building is now becoming a vibrant gateway for prospective students, families, alumni, and the campus community.
The new center will bring together the Office of Admissions, the Alumni Association, and the Office of Alumni Engagement, creating a welcoming environment where future Tritons and alumni can connect under one roof. It's a meaningful example of how thoughtful planning and adaptive reuse can support an institution's evolving needs while creating lasting value for its community.
What We Have Wrapped Up
Check out our completed projects!
Arcadia Cold Storage ❄️
Arcadia Cold Storage in Joliet, Illinois, recently held its ribbon-cutting ceremony, and we are happy to share the final photography of the completed project.
Designed by LJC, built by Clayco and delivered for Saxum Development, this 300,000-square-foot cold storage facility was designed and built as a high-efficiency operation, with multiple integrated systems working together to minimize energy consumption while maintaining operational performance.
Read more about the project here.
Toray Industries, Inc. Carbon Fiber Manufacturing Plant ✈️
Advanced manufacturing demands specialized expertise, integrated collaboration, and a deep understanding of complex production environments.
The Toray Industries, Inc. Carbon Fiber Manufacturing Plant in Spartanburg County, South Carolina, reflects that approach. Designed by LJC and built by Clayco, this facility will produce the high-performance carbon fiber used in next-generation aircraft and other advanced technologies—strengthening domestic manufacturing and supporting one of the world's most advanced industries.
Read more about the project here.
SIUE Health Sciences Complex 🔬
The new Health Science Complex (HSC) at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) is a state-of-the-art facility that will revolutionize how healthcare professionals are trained and educated.
HSC encompasses approximately 215,000 SF, making it one of the largest buildings on the SIUE campus. LJC and Clayco play a crucial role in creating a space that meets the functional needs of the various health science programs and inspires and facilitates collaboration, innovation, and excellence in education.
Read more about the project here.
Mercy Virtual Care Center 🩺
A center intended to expand specialized health care services to the entire Mercy network.
The Mercy Virtual Care Center is the first building on the 40-acre integrated Mercy Campus that reunites and facilitates learning, ministry, telemedicine, and clinical care. The beginning of a transformational approach to healthcare with 125,000 SF of highly flexible space that supports enhanced healthcare delivery systems that operate 24/7.
Size: 125,000 SF
📍Chesterfield, MO
What We're Up To
Take a look at what we've been up to this past month!
World Tour of Design hits St. Louis
LJC’s World Tour of Design made its way to St. Louis, where our design team embraced the future of innovation and creativity.
Our immersive two-day visit brought together design leaders to strengthen our collaborative initiatives and explore enterprise integration. While in St. Louis, we reviewed exciting projects across offices and visited our current project sites including Albion, Harris Stowe State University STEM Academic Building, Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum, and the Brickline Greenway. We are thrilled to see these visions coming to life, transforming bold ideas into spaces that will inspire and engage the community.
At every stop, our Integrated by Design approach defines how we excel as experts in the Art and Science of Building. From architecture to interior design, urban planning to landscape architecture, the World Tour of Design highlights our dedication to excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Innovation happens when bold ideas are paired with the right ecosystem.
Alongside our Clayco Compute team, we recently visited mHUB, where we connected with innovators, explored emerging technologies, and exchanged ideas shaping the future of digital infrastructure.
As demand for mission critical facilities continues to evolve, so does the need for deep technical expertise and continuous learning. Our team is committed to staying engaged with the organizations and innovators shaping what's next, ensuring we bring informed perspectives and forward-thinking solutions to every project.
Our Compute Team is Hitting the Road
Our LJC Compute team spoke at ADCC (Advancing Data Center Construction) in Texas, where Sagar Kanchi and Hycintia Subash presented When AI Density Meets Texas Heat. We covered how we approach mechanical and controls engineering to keep pace with rising AI density, presenting to a room of construction leaders and clients including Microsoft and Vantage.
Juneteenth LJC PHX Volunteer Day
Our LJC Phoenix team spent the day with St. Vincent De Paul, who operates four community dining rooms across the Valley. Their goal is to serve love and kindness. Duties included set up, guest greeting, serving, bussing tables, waiting on tables plating food, washing dishes, clean-up of dining room, and sorting/giving out essential items to guests (hygiene kits, clothing, etc.). Way to go team!
Intern Gallery Night! 🖼️
This year's Chicago Intern Gallery Night was a great reminder of why investing in emerging talent matters.
The event gave our interns the chance to share the projects they've been working on, talk through their ideas, and celebrate everything they've learned throughout the summer. It was exciting to see the creativity, thoughtfulness, and unique perspectives each of them brought to the table.
A big thank you to our interns for sharing their work and to everyone who came out to support them. We're energized to be part of a team that values learning, collaboration, and creating opportunities for the next generation of designers and engineers.
Big Smiles from Chicago 😀
Some familiar faces from our Chicago team enjoying a proper Chicago Summer in style! We love to see your team outings! Share them with us at news@theljc.com.
NOMA Project Pipeline
Every year, we have the pleasure of hosting and partnering with NOMA Arizona for Project Pipeline! Their mission is to empower young people to affect change in their community through design. Using the city as the classroom and connecting young people to real-world architects and planners, we foster the next generation of design professionals, civic leaders, and changemakers. We advocate for increased inclusiveness, diversity, fellowship, equity, and excellence in design.
6th Annual Bring A Girl to Clayco Day!
We welcomed the daughters, granddaughters, and nieces of our team members for the 6th Annual Bring a Girl to Clayco Day.
The future of our industry depends on the next generation, and that starts by giving young people the chance to see what's possible. Throughout the day, students explored the many careers behind the built environment, asked great questions, and got a firsthand look at how our teams work together to turn ideas into reality.
A big thank you to everyone who shared their time and experiences. We hope the day sparked new interests, built confidence, and reminded these young women that there's a place for them in this industry.
AIA Chicago Guess-A-Sketch ✏️
Our LJC team joined seven other firms for AIA Chicago's 2026 Guess-A-Sketch, an evening that combined architectural knowledge, teamwork, and friendly competition.
The event challenged teams to identify iconic buildings from live sketches drawn by architects, rewarding quick thinking, collaboration, and a keen eye for architectural history.
Representing LJC was a team of seasoned professionals and emerging designers who advanced to the final round and ultimately finished as runners-up. More importantly, the evening offered a chance to connect with peers, celebrate the profession, and enjoy the shared appreciation for architecture that brings our industry together.
PsiQuantum Intern Site Tour
Recently, our Chicago Interns visited the Quantum Shore Chicago Campus where they got a close look at the work Clayco, Related Midwest, LJC and CRG are doing on site. LJC has been on the front lines of designing critical infrastructure to meet this moment.
Twinning in the office 🤝✨ Great minds think alike… and apparently dress alike too.
Have a twins in your office?! Snap a pic and send to news@theljc.com.
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 Jackie Otto!
LJC Office: St. Louis
Title/Role: Associate Principal
Focus: Interiors
School(s): Maryville University
Affiliations: NCIDQ, IIDA, Mercy Health Foundation Board of Directors
What’s your most memorable vacation or trip? So hard to pick one trip as the most memorable. They all are memorable in their own way. Most recently my husband and I went to Taipei, Singapore and Vietnam with friends, so it's the most recently remembered. Overseas we have also been to South Korea, Spain, Germany, Portugal, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden; Multiple trips in the US, including Hawaii and Alaska, also trying to visit all the national parks, and been to many cities in Canada...My husband and I like to take a "once in a lifetime trip" at least once a year 🙂 Our current overseas front runners for our next trip are Japan, Greece, or Australia & New Zealand, but always open for suggestions if anyone has any!
What’s the last show you binged and really enjoyed? Alone! It's the best reality show there is in my book!
What movie do you never get tired of watching? The Labyrinth RIP David Bowie
As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? An artist or professional soccer player, but my knees now would not agree with the latter.
Say "hey" to Jon Scales!
LJC Office: Chicago
Title/Role: Sr. Project Manager, Engineering
Focus: Design/Engineering Project Management
School(s): Purdue University, B.S. Industrial Engineering
Affiliations: Project Management Institute (PMP Certification)
What’s your most memorable vacation or trip? I love to travel internationally, especially to interesting culinary destinations – prior to having kids, my wife and I traveled to Europe several times, including visits to Spain (Barcelona/Madrid), Portugal (Lisbon), Sweden (Stockholm), and Denmark (Copenhagen). Our international travels are on a hiatus for now with young kids (2 and 4 years old), but excited to get to a point where we are able to continue these adventures as a family once they are a bit older!
What’s a niche or unexpected interest you have outside of work? I enjoy board gaming as a hobby and boast a modest collection of 30 or so games, ranging from light/social to heavy/complex (think Cones of Dunshire from Parks & Recreation). Personal favorites include A Feast for Odin, Twilight Imperium, Codenames, and Terraforming Mars.
What’s the last show you binged and really enjoyed? Being here in Chicago must be The Bear – no spoilers but was initially skeptical starting the final season and ultimately enjoyed it. Honorable mention for Bluey which likely gets the win if measured by total minutes watched.
What are you most proud of professionally so far? Seeing the impact of projects I have worked on; much of my career has been focused in the food & beverage sector, and over the years completing projects I feel pride in the contributions those projects have made to the global food landscape and supply chain – on a personal level its cool going to the grocery store and recognizing brands or products that my work contributed to.
Say "Hello" to Maren Allen!
LJC Office: Chicago (Until recently, Los Angeles)
Title/Role: Senior Associate / Project Architect
Focus: Architecture
School(s): UIC (MArch), University of Chicago (BA)
Affiliations: AIA
What is your favorite song and why?
Call Your Girlfriend by Robyn. It’s a perfect song that can bring down a dance floor while also being hauntingly sad. It immediately brings back a very specific time in my life when I lived in Denmark, and this song was inescapable. I have a friend from Sweden who took ballet with Robyn and says she is not technically a good dancer. But you can’t watch the music video for Call Your Girlfriend without respecting her commitment to expression through dance. I hope we can all commit to something the way Robyn commits to that music video.
What does your ideal weekend look like?
Currently, as the parent of a three-year-old, I am spending a lot of weekend time at playgrounds. Some of the best weekends in this era involve trips into nature and national parks, where I get to also play and explore. I’m a recent transplant from LA to Chicago, and one of my favorite things about California living was the short drive to places like Yosemite.
What was your very first job?
My first job was at an independent bookstore in Iowa City. I would like to say I read a lot of books that summer, but I worked a checkout counter next to a lot of magazines. So, instead, I became an expert in the tabloid magazine culture of the early aughts.
As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Until high school, I wanted to be a primatologist. I read every book by Jane Goodall (they are fascinating). A different trajectory than architecture…
Get to Know Laila Miada!
LJC Office: Chicago
Title/Role: Associate Interior Designer 2
Focus: Interiors
School: Western Michigan University (Go Broncos!)
Affiliations: I-NOMA
What’s something coworkers might be surprised to learn about you?
I dipped my toes into medicine, mechanical engineering, journalism, psychology, and even strongly considered pursuing a career in actuarial science before being introduced to architecture and design. It was after a year of engineering courses that a school counselor asked me, "Well, what DID you like about engineering?" My answer: AutoCAD. The rest is... well, it's actually a really long story that involves Anna Wintour and Pixar Animation Studios, but you can Teams me for the details. Just know that the conclusion of the story is: I am now an interior designer 🙂.
What’s a niche or unexpected interest you have outside of work?The ballet. I don't dance now and I only danced until mid-elementary school but, since moving to Chicago, I've seen almost every single Joffrey Ballet production.
What are you most proud of professionally so far?
I am a first-generation college grad, and one of only a handful of firsts in my family to graduate from high school. My childhood and college years had many challenges, and a degree and a professional career were NOT a guarantee. I worked incredibly hard to get to where I am, both geographically and professionally, and not a day goes by that I don't think about how proud I am to have kept pursuing my goals. In the tone of Elle Woods, "I did it!!"
What movie do you never get tired of watching?
Not a movie, but Mad Men. It's one of the few tv series that I have managed to rewatch repeatedly. I had a friend in high school who would always say "Have you ever watched Scrubs?" Every single time, I would respond, "No". This never deterred her, and she would then proceed to reference a scene from the show and explain how it related to our present situation, and what we could learn from it. This is me with Mad Men.
Get to Know Eric Gutierrez!
LJC Office: Culver City
Title/Role: Architectural Designer 2
Focus: Architecture - Industrial
School: NewSchool of Architecture & Design
What’s something coworkers might be surprised to learn about you?
I think my co-workers would be surprised to hear I have the memory of a goldfish. Life is more fun when you get to experience the same news twice!
What’s your most memorable vacation or trip?
10-day road trip through Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, and Nevada! Between all the incredible places we visited, getting stuck off-road twice, and battling countless bugs along the way, it remains one of my favorites and most memorable trips. I'm currently planning a similar trip, this time skipping New Mexico and Colorado and adding Wyoming and Idaho instead. Hoping this one goes a little smoother.
What’s the last show you binged and really enjoyed?
I’m embarrassed to admit I just finished binge-watching Seinfeld for the first time. My wife and mother-in-law have watched it from beginning to end many times before and I just had to see what it was all about.
What was your very first job?
My first job was doing sales for a Fitness 19 in Bakersfield. If you look it up, you’ll notice it closed but I promise I was good at the job!
Welcome Our Newest Team Members
We are so glad you are here! Be sure to say hello and introduce yourselves to them around the office.
Hey, you!
Yeah, you reading this right now.
Spotted: You, with news worth sharing 👀💬
Big project? Cool conference? Design tea too good to keep quiet? Slide into our inbox at news@theljc.com and make sure The Plum Line stays juicy.