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. Alexis Davies passed the NCIDQ exam!! Be sure to congratulate Alexis on this accomplishment.
Aspire Center Wins The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Award!🏆
We're honored the Aspire Center was recognized with The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Award for Architectural Excellence in Community Design, presented as part of LISC Chicago's Neighborhood Development Awards. The award recognizes projects that demonstrate design excellence while creating meaningful, lasting value for the communities they serve.
Bringing the Aspire Center to life has been an incredibly rewarding journey for our team. Designed as a resource that expands opportunity and supports long-term neighborhood growth, the Aspire Center reflects what's possible when community vision and thoughtful design come together. We're proud to see it recognized alongside so many inspiring projects making lasting impacts across Chicago.
Celebrating the Obama Presidential Center Grand Opening!
As the Obama Presidential Center opened on Juneteenth, it marks the beginning of a new chapter rooted in the values of community, leadership, and opportunity.
More than a destination, the Obama Presidential Center stands as a lasting investment in Chicago's future. It is a place where people can engage with history in a meaningful way while helping shape what comes next. Its impact will be felt not only by those who visit, but by the generations that follow.
LJC, Clayco, Ardmore Roderick, and Lakeside Alliance are honored to have contributed to a place where history and progress meet, and where Chicago's next chapter is written one visitor, one story, one possibility at a time.
Crains Chicago Business 2026 Notable Leaders in Architecture, Engineering & Construction ⭐️
We are excited to see these amazing leaders listed on the Crains Chicago Notable Leaders in AEC list.
This recognition reflects the leadership, technical expertise, and industry contributions they bring to clients, colleagues, and the communities they serve. Their work shows thoughtful problem-solving, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence that drive successful outcomes across the built environment.
Way to go!!
What We're Working On
Check out some of the latest and greatest milestones from this past month!
Beam Signing at HSSU! ✍️
Recently, project partners, university leadership, students, and community members gathered to celebrate the beam signing for Harris-Stowe State University’s new STEM Academic Building.
While the ceremony marks an important milestone in the project, it also reflects a broader investment in the future of STEM education. Once complete, the facility will support learning, collaboration, and academic growth for generations of students, creating an environment designed to help prepare future innovators, researchers, and industry leaders.
Visit our website for more information: https://lnkd.in/ginzCWWd
Lurie Children's Files its Certificate of Need Application 🏥
Access to specialized healthcare close to home can make a meaningful difference for children and families.
We’re encouraged to see Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago reach an important milestone with the filing of its Certificate of Need application for the proposed pediatric hospital and outpatient center in Downers Grove, Illinois.
The project represents a significant step toward expanding access to pediatric healthcare across Chicago’s western suburbs and reflects a long-term commitment to meeting the evolving needs of the communities it will serve.
Read more about it here: https://www.luriechildrens.org/en/news-stories/lurie-childrens-files-certificate-of-need-application-for-new-pediatric-hospital-and-outpatient-center-in-downers-grove/
Construction continues to advance at Life Time Living Paradise Valley! 🏜️🌵
Designed as part of the transformation of the former Paradise Valley Mall site, the 11-story residential community is connected to the adjacent Life Time Fitness athletic country club, creating an environment where residential living, wellness, and community experiences converge in a single destination.
As progress continues on site, the project reflects a broader shift toward mixed-use environments that support connection, convenience, and long-term quality of life.
Read more about the project here
On Site at PsiQuantum 👷
Our LJC team recently visited our PsiQuantum project at the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park campus to see firsthand how this transformative project continues to take shape.
We are excited to shape the future of quantum computing alongside our partners at Clayco, ALL Construction Group, and BOWA Construction. Designed by LJC and co-developed by CRG and Related Midwest, the campus reflects the power of collaboration across development, design, and construction.
It is rewarding to see ideas evolve into reality through the collective effort of so many talented teams.
Read more about the project here.
A big milestone towards the expansion of The Broad in downtown Los Angeles with the project’s topping out ceremony.
LJC has been a part of this project in partnership with Diller Scofidio + Renfro. The expansion will increase gallery space by 70%, introduce open-air rooftop courtyards, and create new opportunities for visitors to engage with contemporary art through immersive experiences and thoughtfully designed public spaces.
The project shows our continued investment in cultural infrastructure that supports community connection, creativity, and the evolving role of arts institutions in urban environments.
More to come as the project continues to take shape. Visit: https://lnkd.in/g4Q5KhDV
Big Things Happening in Tuscaloosa!
We're excited to celebrate the groundbreaking of Sports Illustrated Resorts Tuscaloosa, an important milestone for a project that will bring together hospitality, entertainment, and community-focused experiences in the heart of Tuscaloosa.
As destinations continue to evolve, projects like this highlight the growing importance of creating environments that balance guest experience, operational functionality, and a strong connection to place.
LJC is excited to be part of the team helping Travel + Leisure Co. to bring this vision to life through collaborative planning and design. We appreciate the partnership of everyone involved in reaching this milestone and look forward to seeing the project continue to take shape.
What We Have Wrapped Up
Check out our completed projects!
Photography: Jason Roehner
HonorHealth Shea Parking Garage 🚗
HonorHealth's new four-story parking garage supports the Shea Medical Center labor and delivery building. The 466-stall structure was designed to help address demand that had exceeded the capacity of the existing surface lot, contributing to congestion near the hospital entrance, patient drop-off areas, and surrounding roadways.
A pedestrian bridge connecting the garage to the medical campus was incorporated into the design to support safe, convenient access while improving circulation throughout the site.
📍Scottsdale, AZ
📐198,604 SF
📸 Cole Horchler
The Aspire Center Documentary
What happens when adaptive reuse, community vision, and opportunity come together?
The Aspire Center is more than a transformed building. Developed in partnership with Austin Coming Together, it's a place designed to support education, workforce development, and long-term community impact.
Watch the documentary above to hear the story from the people who helped bring this vision to life.
What We're Up To
Take a look at what we've been up to this past month!
Intern Gallery Night! 🖼️
This week in St. Louis, we hosted our Intern Gallery Night.
Representing Architecture, Interiors, Structural Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Project Engineering, Mission Critical, and Planning & Landscape, our interns shared university projects that reflect the creativity, curiosity, and technical thinking shaping the future of our industry.
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Volunteering with Habitat for Humanity 🛠️🏡
Last week, our LJC & Clayco Southern California colleagues came together for Habitat for Humanity Build Days, supporting efforts to strengthen communities through housing and recovery.
A group from our Culver City office returned to Altadena for a second build day after first volunteering there in November. The progress since then has been remarkable. The home they worked on was only a frame during the first build day; this time, volunteers helped complete landscaping around the property.
In addition to the Altadena build, team members also participated in Habitat for Humanity's Power Women, Power Tools event in Long Beach, supporting affordable housing opportunities for low-income Angelenos facing housing insecurity.
We are proud of our colleagues for dedicating their time and energy to initiatives that help create lasting impact in the communities we serve.
NeoCon Student Summit
Our LJC team joined the NeoCon Student Summit where they joined design professionals from across the industry to connect and support emerging talent.
NeoCon’s student-focused programming provides valuable opportunities for students to engage directly with practitioners, explore career pathways, receive portfolio guidance, and gain exposure to the evolving world of design. Through workshops, reviews, and industry conversations, students are encouraged to translate inspiration into meaningful next steps for their careers.
That's a Wrap on NeoCon 2026! 🛋️🪑
Our Interiors team attended NeoCon 2026 in Chicago, where they spent three days exploring the latest trends, innovative products, and emerging ideas shaping the future of commercial interiors. From inspiring showroom visits and keynote sessions to connecting with industry partners and manufacturers, the team returned with fresh insights and plenty of inspiration to bring back to our projects.
NeoCon continues to be one of the industry's premier design events, and we're excited to see how this year's discoveries influence the spaces we create. A big thank you to everyone who represented LJC and brought back new ideas to share with the team!
Clayco & LJC Attended ENR's Groundbreaking Women in Construction Conference
Our team headed to San Diego to hear from experts like Peter Davoren of Turner Construction Company, Beth Lowry of Holder Construction, Krista Twesme of Mortenson AND our very own Chairman and Founder of Clayco, Bob Clark, for a thoughtful discussion on culture, talent, leadership, and the future of construction, moderated by Kim Altsuler, Managing Partner at Peckar & Abramson, P.C.
The conversation touched on flexibility, meaningful skill development, technology, mentorship, and a culture of genuine care. Creating an environment where people feel supported, challenged, and empowered to advance is not simply the right thing to do. It is essential to the long-term health of our industry.
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 Sagar Kanchi!
LJC Office: Dallas
Title/Role: Associate Principal, Compute Mechanical
Focus: Compute / Mission Critical Electrical Engineering
School(s): Mumbai University, University of Illinois, Chicago (UIC)
Affiliations/Orgs: NCEES, ASHRAE, UIC Alumni
What’s something coworkers might be surprised to learn about you?
Outside of work, I'm an avid hiker and marathon runner. I've completed both the Chicago and Los Angeles Marathons and have tackled Southern California's Six-Pack of Peaks challenge. One of my most memorable adventures was hiking in the Grand Canyon, a challenging but incredibly rewarding experience with some of the most breathtaking views I've ever seen. That said, after having kids, this part of my life has been on a bit of a pause. These days, I'm chasing kids more than miles, but I'm hoping to get back to both, chasing summits and finish lines.
What does your ideal weekend look like?
My ideal weekend revolves around family, food, and going for walks with my wife and kids except, of course, when the household chore list has other plans for us! I love cooking for my wife, whether it’s trying a new recipe or recreating a favorite dish from our travels. The best part, though, is spending time with my two adorable kids. At the end of the day, it's the simple moments with my family that make a weekend truly meaningful.
What was your very first job?
My very first job was helping my parents in our family food business in India. Food is a big part of everyday life and culture there, and my parents made everything from traditional sweets to savory snacks. Growing up around the business gave me an appreciation for the hard work and creativity behind great food. Looking back, that's probably where my love for food and cooking began. Those early experiences not only taught me the value of hard work but also sparked an interest that I still enjoy today. It's something I'm proud to call my first job and a connection to my roots that I continue to carry with me.
What non-work-related topic are you oddly knowledgeable about?
Planning trips. Give me a destination, a budget and I'll happily build an itinerary. I enjoy researching destinations, finding hidden gems, great local food, and making sure every day strikes the right balance between adventure and relaxation. Over the years, I've planned several trips for family and friends, and there's something incredibly satisfying about seeing a well-planned trip turn into lasting memories. One such trip that will always be my special is the honeymoon I had planned for my wife & me.
Say "hey" to Evelyn Krussel
LJC Office: St. Louis
Title/Role: Associate Principal
Focus: Architecture – Industrial
School: Washington University
Affiliations: LEED
If you could speak another language, what would it be—and why?Thai. My mom is from Thailand, and I would love to know what she is telling her friends about me. I’m sure it’s all good things! I know a few words but that’s it. I hope to travel there soon so knowing the language would be helpful.
What’s the last show you binged and really enjoyed?
Schitt’s Creek, for the second time. I don’t think I’ll ever get sick of it. The way the characters and the community develop throughout the whole series is endearing and truly heartwarming. A definite feel-good watch.
What are you most proud of outside of work?
My children, I have 3 and they are almost all grown up! My youngest is heading to his first year of college in the fall. He’s going away to Loyola in Chicago with an ambitious plan and the smarts to achieve whatever he wants. My second is wrapping up his college career in the fall and he’s a very resourceful, friendly guy with a go-getter attitude and a penchant for bass fishing. My oldest, my daughter, is a horticulturist and she works at Bellefontaine Cemetery. She loves what she does, and I really enjoy seeing her thrive.
As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I always wanted to be an architect. I was inspired by a short I saw on Sesame Street when I was a wee little girl that featured a woman going through her day as an Architect. Everything she did looked so cool to me. They showed her drawing on a drafting board and visiting a construction site among other things. That piece aired in 1975 and she was Judith Edelman. She was a New York-based architect who had a groundbreaking career and did much to advance women in the field. My backup career was fashion designer, of course.
Say "Hello" to Andrew Howe!
LJC Office: St. Louis
Title/Role: Director of Operations and Manager, Project Engineering
Focus: Operations and Project Engineering
School(s): University of Missouri, B.S. Mechanical Engineering; Webster University, M.B.A.
What’s something coworkers might be surprised to learn about you?
Many people know me as Tony Howe. The background is that my brother, who is four years older than me, wanted to name me Tony if I were a boy or Mrs. Tony if I were a girl. My parents named me Andrew Patrick Howe, so Tony did not even make it as my middle name, but my brother was stubborn and stuck with Tony. As a result, my family, many family friends, and all my brother’s friends still call me Tony. Every so often, someone who knows me from my past will call me Tony around my coworkers and cause a lot of confusion.
What’s the last show you binged and really enjoyed?
Shrinking on Apple TV.
What does your ideal weekend look like?
I prefer a busy weekend that lets us make the most of it. That could include a potluck dinner with our neighbors in the cul-de-sac while our kids run around playing, an early morning bike ride with friends or a spin class with my wife, coaching one or more of our kids’ soccer games, mowing the lawn, a family movie night, Sunday morning Mass, and Sunday evening family dinner with one or both sides of our extended family. We love staying connected to our family, friends, neighbors, and parish, so if there is an event, we are going to show up.
What was your very first job?
I ran a landscaping business mowing lawns from spring through fall with Rob Fonke for six years, until Laura Feldmaier hired me as a co-op for Barry-Wehmiller Design Group during my junior year of college.
Get to Know Samantha Deys!
LJC Office: Phoenix, AZ
Title/Role: Design Staff 1
Focus: Architecture
School(s): Arizona State University / Universität Heidelberg
Affiliations: NOMAS and AIA
What’s something coworkers might be surprised to learn about you?
Growing up, I lived in Germany for about 3 years and am fluent in German. I like to think of it as a central hub for Europe, and because of that, I’ve also had the amazing chance to travel to about 28 countries and counting! It 100% influenced my love of travel and experiencing other cultures.
What’s your most memorable vacation or trip?
I cannot recommend Croatia enough. It was a 5-day pit stop during spring break while I studied abroad, and there was so much to see and do both inland and on the coast. The nature alongside the built environment is so beautiful. The world-famous Sea Organ is also located in Zadar and is so peaceful to listen to.
What’s a niche or unexpected interest you have outside of work?
Probably not much of a niche, but I joined the triathlon club in college and have (attempted) to continue participating post-graduation. I could never do one sport year-round, so it was a nice middle ground.
As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a criminologist up until applying for college 🕵🏽♀️. Love watching or reading anything crime, mystery, and adventure related.
Get to Know Pat Hardin!
LJC Office: St. Louis
Title/Role: Vice President of Finance
Focus: Accounting, Finance, and Operations
School(s): Undergraduate- Truman State University (Accounting and Finance Degrees), Graduate -Olin School of Business, Washington University of St. Louis
What’s your most memorable vacation or trip?
Summer after senior year of high school, I traveled to 7 baseball stadiums in 8 days by car with a close friend.
What book would you recommend?
Pappyland: A Story of Family, Fine Bourbon and the Things that Last by Wright Thompson
What are you most proud of professionally so far?
Leadership position in commercial team at Mississippi Lime Company. Having a leader role in a group that was outside of my educational (and prior professional) realm was a stretch and to build the team and help grow the company was something I wasn’t sure I would be successful in.
What are you most proud of outside of work?
Family. My 2 boys and wife are the thing I’m most proud of. Seeing the creativity and showmanship of my wife with my analytical and reserved approach in our boys blend together into something unique in each of them and is a source of constant amazement (and occasional frustration).
What was your very first job?
(After High School) Laborer for a construction company.
What movie do you never get tired of watching?
Interstellar.
As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
MLB Player (Dream), took it all the way through college (and a tryout) or Pediatrician (More Pragmatic).
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.
Introducing Our 2026 LJC Interns! ⭐️
This summer, 26 interns have joined our LJC team across architecture, engineering, interiors, planning, marketing, and project delivery.
Like any strong team, success comes from bringing together individuals with different strengths, perspectives, and experiences. Throughout the summer, these students and emerging professionals will work alongside our teams, learn from industry experts, and gain exposure to the integrated approach that helps solve our clients’ biggest challenges.
We’re excited to welcome this year’s class and support their growth as they develop the skills, relationships, and experiences that will help shape the industry.
Who's Talking About our Work?
Take a look at some places we have popped up in the news!
Extra, Extra! Read All About It 🗞️
Here’s a look at what’s been making news across LJC this past month:
Sports Illustrated Resort in Tuscaloosa Breaks Ground
Chicago Missed the Tech Boom. Quantum Computing Gives It a Second Chance.
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.