What We're Celebrating
Three cheers to some stellar accomplishments!
š Big win for a great cause!
The LJ Seals brought the energy, focus, and spin to take home first place at the Henricksen Chicago SMASH ping pong tournament!
But the real win? Weāre proud to donate our $15,000 winnings to the Chicago ACE Mentor Program of America, continuing our support of the next generation of architects, designers and builders.
A huge thank you to Henricksen for hosting this high-impact event and creating a space where fun meets philanthropy.
Take Me Out to the Ballgame! š¶ ā¾ļø š§¢
Our Kansas City office enjoyed a day at the ballpark cheering on the KC Royals.
IIDA St. Louis Awards
Our LJC interiors team was honored at the 2025 IIDA Gateway Chapter Awards, earning FINALIST recognition for an impressive SEVEN projects and taking home Honorable Mention awards in three categories!
š¢ Built:
ā¢ First Bank ā Finalist
ā¢ 4300 E Camelback ā Finalist
ā¢ Penn State Engineering Design & Innovation Building ā Finalist + Honorable Mention
ā¢ Commerce Bank ā Finalist + Honorable Mention
šļø Unbuilt:
ā¢ Confidential Bourbon Distillery ā Finalist
ā¢ UMSL ā Richter Welcome Center ā Finalist
ā Best Moment:
ā¢ SLCL ā Clark Family Branch (Childrenās) ā Finalist + Honorable Mention
ā¢ 4300 E Camelback Rebar Wall ā Finalist
š Congratulations to everyone involved in these outstanding projects, and thank you for your dedication to thoughtful, inspiring design.
What We're Working On
Ribbon Cutting of Soul City West š
Weāre proud to celebrate the ribbon cutting of the Soul City West Streetscape, a transformative investment in the Austin neighborhood. Designed to enhance walkability, safety, and community pride, this project reconnects neighbors and revitalizes a vital corridor.
From expanded sidewalks and new pedestrian lighting to vibrant public art, every detail reflects a commitment to place-based design and equity.
Mayor Brandon Johnson joined Commissioner Tom Carney, Ald. Emma Mitts, Ald. Chris Taliaferro and community partners including Malcom Crawford of AAABNA, Territory, Alt, and Civiltech to mark this milestoneādemonstrating the power of collaboration in shaping more inclusive and connected neighborhoods.
Congratulations to the City of Chicago, Westside Health Authority and all partners who helped bring this vision to life.
Breaking Ground on a New Chapter for West Humboldt Park šļø
Weāre thrilled to break ground on 750 N. Aversāa vibrant new hub of affordable housing, sustainable design and community-driven impact in the heart of Chicagoās West Humboldt Park.
In partnership with 548 Development and the City of Chicago, this project will deliver more than 60 high-quality, affordable homes and new commercial space to a neighborhood rich in culture and history.
Designed to meet Passive House standards, it will become Chicagoās largest building built to this benchmarkāraising the bar for energy efficiency, comfort and long-term affordability.
Read more about the project on our website.
New Photography Alert ā¼ļø šø
Weāve got fresh shots from our WashU Child Development Center Project, and theyāre nothing short of heartwarming. Check out the latest photos featuring our very own team, little learners, and the joyful spaces where discovery happens every day. From playful moments to quiet curiosity, these images capture the spirit of the center in full bloom.
Photography by Kim Rodgers
What We're Up To
Take a look at what we've been up to this past month!
Your Story, Your Purpose: Designing a Career Narrative š
Richie Hands, AIA Chicago's VP of Membership / Secretary, led a hands-on workshop helping industry colleagues craft compelling narratives to tell the stories of their careers so far. This career narrative workshop was the first in a two-part series, so look out for the second installment coming later this year!
LJC Attends Lab Design Conference in Denver š¬
Steve Hackman and Tina Moore presented to a packed room, sharing insights on lab casework and the importance of thoughtful utilities coordination. Their expertise and energy sparked a dynamic Q&A and they did a fantastic job representing both LJC and CDE.
Life Sciences team members Anastasia Huggins and Sophie Mendelsohn also joined their colleagues at the conference.
LJC Hits the Road š
Our team has been on the move this Mayāmoderating, presenting, and sharing LJC insight at conferences across the country. Hereās where we showed up and showed out:
šļø Chicago, IL
Lisa Dziekan brought her economic development expertise to the "AI & The Built Environment" panel hosted by LAI, guiding a timely conversation on data centers, community impact and climate resiliency.
šļø Denver, CO
At ULIās Spring Meeting, Hallie Nolan moderated a refreshingly candid session, "Lessons from My Worst Mistakes" with John McNellisābecause sometimes, the best wisdom comes from the bumps along the way.
šļø Columbus, OH
Lesley Roth took the stage at the Montrose Groupās Economic Development & Policy Forum, presenting on housing and community development and how design can move policy forward.
š¬ San Diego, CA
At the Lab Design Conference, Steve Hackman and Tina Moore showcased LJCās process innovation chops with their talk on integrating lab infrastructure and casework solutionsāwhere function meets flexibility.
š¬ Pittsburgh, PA
At COAA Connect, Mike Emerson and Amy Luchun represented LJC at the intersection of construction and owner collaboration. A great opportunity to connect with clients, peers, and partners on whatās next in project delivery.
Weāre proud to see our team sharing knowledge, leading conversations, and representing LJC.
Double Takes Around the Office šÆāāļø š
You know itās a good day at the office when youāre constantly doing double takes. Twinning has officially become a trend at LJC, and weāre loving every moment of it! Snap a pic with your twin and send it to us at news@theljc.com.
š Back to School
Elias Vavaroutsos returned to campus this Mayānot as a student, but as a guest critic for third-year final reviews at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign School of Architecture!
He joined faculty and fellow designers in offering feedback, insight, and a healthy dose of real-world perspective to the next generation of thinkers and makers. It is always inspiring to see how future architects are shaping the conversation, and even more exciting when LJC gets to play a part.
šØ Phoenix On the Boards!
Every month, weāre excited to shine a spotlight on whatās on the boards in our offices! From fresh design concepts to updated progress, our teams are making moves and building momentum. Stay tuned each month for a peek behind the scenes at the innovative, thoughtful, and community-driven projects taking shape.
āØ Supporting Community Impact
On Thursday, May 1, several LJC team members attended Marillac St. Vincentās Lumiere Gala at the Bridgeport Art Center. The annual fundraiser honors the organizationās ongoing efforts to serve communities across Chicago through education, healthcare and family services.
As a new client of LJC, Marillacās mission deeply resonates with the firmās values, making the evening both meaningful and memorable. It was an opportunity to celebrate community impact, strengthen relationships and support a powerful cause.
LJC at the āPreparing to Winā Forum in Columbus, OH š
Last week, LJC and Clayco proudly co-sponsored āPreparing to Win,ā an economic development and policy forum, hosted by the Montrose Group. This forward-looking event gathered experts and industry leaders to explore strategies for building resilient, inclusive communities through thoughtful policy and design.
LJCās own Lesley Roth, AIA, AICP, joined the panel "Housing & Workforce: Challenges and Opportunities," sharing her expertise in a dynamic discussion on how architecture and development must evolve to meet the needs of our communities. From equitable housing access to workforce-driven design solutions, the conversation was rich with insight and vision.
LJC and Clayco Hits the Links for a Great Cause ā³ļøšš¼āāļø
Fore! LJC and Clayco team members Ashley Cissell, Christina Norbeck, Jackie Otto, and Laura Stock teed off at the NAWIC Scholarship Golf Tourney. The event, hosted by the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) St. Louis chapter, brought together industry professionals for a fun day on the greenāall in support of scholarship opportunities for future women builders.
Pickleball May Madness š„š
Our teams are taking it to the court! See how the teams are doing in the May Madness Tournament Bracket.
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 Elizabeth Zucker!
LJC Office: St. Louis
Title/Role: President
Focus: Leadership
School: Duke University
Professional affiliations: YPO, Arch Grants, St. Louis Sports Commission
What are you most proud of accomplishing in your life, NOT professionally, so far?
Being a parent. Each of my three children have very distinct personalities and perspectives on the world yet we all somehow āclick.ā They each have their own individual relationships with me but what Iām most proud of is how much they truly enjoy each other. I feel so fortunate they choose to spend time with me. Iāll take as much of it as I can get!
What was your first job, and what is most memorable about it?
I worked for Herman Miller in sales. It was an incredible organization, full of some of the smartest and most creative people Iāve ever come across until joining the Clayco enterprise last year. I am my best self when I am surrounded by the best and brightest. I love being challenged and learning every day. Thatās what I found at Herman Miller, where I spent the first eight years of my career and nowāI've found it again here! These past months, my brain has been on fire thanks to all of you.
What is something about you that you think would surprise your co-workers?
I attended Culver Military Academy for 6 weeks every summer from age 9-16. It had a profound impact on me as a leader. I was the first female camper ever to receive the highest rank possible when I was 13 years old ā regimental commander.
A close second leadership experience would be the honor of serving as the global chairman of YPO 2019-2020. YPO is a nonprofit dedicated to creating better leaders through lifelong idea exchange. I was the second female elected in YPOās 75-year history to serve my 36,000 CEO peers.
Say hey to Alan Barker!
LJC Office : Chicago
Title/Role: Principal, Residential Market Leader
Focus: Architecture
School: Tulane University School of Architecture (Masterās Degree)
Professional affiliations: AIA, ULI, Lambda Alpha International, Roscoe Village Zoning Committee
What is something about you that you think would surprise your co-workers?
I became interested in architecture at the age of seven when my dad, a spy for the federal government (now retired), built a passive solar timber frame house (by himself, not with a GC) on farmland outside of a town of 1,200 people. That's where I grew up and where my parents still live. There is still a farm field to the west of their house, and the town still does not have a stop light.
Whatās your most niche, non-work-related interest?
Running marathons and running in general. I started running (had never before run 10+ miles) in 2018 and have since run 16 marathons including Chicago 4x, Boston 3x, New York, and Paris. I hope to run the London Marathon in 2026. My fastest marathon is 2 hours and 55 minutes.
Whatās a book youād recommend to just about anyone? Why?
Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara. The book offers valuable insights for architects and designers because it emphasizes the transformative power of going beyond expectations to create memorable, meaningful experiences. Just as hospitality is about thoughtful, human-centered service, architecture and design are about shaping spaces that elevate how people feel and interact. The book encourages creative professionals to think not just about function and form, but about emotion, generosity, and the small details that turn good experiences into unforgettable onesāprinciples that align closely with great design. I have bought and given it away five or six times and recommended it a dozen more.
What are you most proud of accomplishing in your life, NOT professionally, so far?
Raising my two daughters, Anna (13) and Jane (11) to be smart, confident, curious and sassy young ladies. I am proud that they are willing to try new things and explore new places, learning to be confident and self-sufficient, and have interests that are outside of the norm for two girls living on the North Side of Chicago. And they push me outside of my comfort zone too. I'm now an expert on skin care routines, Taylor Swift, and decorating birthday cakes. They are avid baseball fans (Baltimore Orioles), STEM students, meditators, Korean language learners, and backed up their promise to "take care of him every day if you get us a puppy." His name is Brooks (Robinson).
Meet Ellen Eckert!
LJC Office: St. Louis
Title/Role: Principal/Project Manager
Focus: Interiors
School(s) you graduated from: University of Missouri - Columbia
Professional affiliations: NCIDQ, WELL AP
Whatās the most fun youāve had on a trip or vacation?
Traveled to Utah twice in the last six months to experience all the national parks. Hiking through rivers, exhilarating ATV rides, and unique permit only hike (Fiery Furnace in Arches National Park) were some of our highlights.
Whatās your most niche, non-work-related interest?
I love rolling up my sleeves and diving into hands-on house projects, whether it's building, fixing, or creating something new. I enjoy learning how the hands-on built world comes together, beyond renovating my own home, I have done many projects for family and friends.
What are you most proud of accomplishing in your life, NOT professionally, so far?
My husband and I personally gutted and renovated our entire home in five months with no previous hands-on experience! Our original, and very much untouched 1952 home, needed all the upgrades including an additional bathroom, laundry, workspace and more. This was a huge challenge for my husband and I but is what truly catapulted us to do even more projects.
Say Howdy to Lisa Nelson!
LJC Office: Chicago
Title/Role: Executive Assistant to the Executive Chairman and the CEO
Focus: Operations
School: Eastern Gateway College
What inspired your career goals?
As a child, I always dreamed of becoming a nurse. I genuinely enjoy helping others and making a difference in their lives and in the world. Though my nursing career didnāt unfold as I originally planned, I remain deeply committed to supporting others and making a positive impact in any way I can.
What is something about you that you think would surprise your co-workers?
Most of my co-workers would be surprised to learn that Iāve completed 15 half-marathons in 15 states, one full marathon, and a 51-mile relay race. The most memorable was the 51-mile relay from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama. The route essentially retraces the path of the historic Selma-to-Montgomery marches of 1965āa pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement and the fight for voting rights. Starting the race at the infamous Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma and ending on the steps of the Alabama State Capitol Building in Montgomery was incredibly emotional and humbling. Fitness is a significant part of my life; I stay active even when Iām not training for a race.
What does a perfect weekend look like to you?
For me, the perfect weekend would involve spending time with my 3-year-old granddaughter, Samiyah. She lives in St. Louis, Missouri, so I donāt see her as often as Iād like. She is my first grandchild, and I cherish every moment we share. I also love any opportunity to ride my motorcycleāthereās something so freeing and peaceful about being on the open road.
Who's Talking About our Work?
Take a look at some places we have popped up in the news!
Some LJC project mentions over the past month:
How the South Works quantum transformation is unfolding
SBIFF Film Center Bringing Renovation Plans to Historic Landmarks Commission
Transforming SBIFFās Downtown Film Center into a āMovie Palaceā
Development agreement OKād for 19-story South U high-rise in Ann Arbor
Affordable Housing's Next Frontier
CRG Breaks Ground on Nashville Industrial Park
Albion West End Goes Out For Bid. New Renderings.
Developers pitch college student housing complex at OfficeMax site along 400 South
60-Unit āPassive Livingā Affordable Housing Breaks Ground In West Humboldt Park
Beyond 9-to-5: How Office Conversions Are Reviving Downtowns
Meet Our Plum Line Team!
All Aboard! Meet the Minds Behind The Plum Line! š š§
Skylar Heaton, Lisa Koenig, Veronica Allen and Lauren O'Malley bring their creativity, insight and passion to every post. Stay tuned for fresh perspectives and thoughtful storytelling from our talented editorial team! Have any ideas for us? We are all ears! š
What are you working on? What events have you gone to recently? Any conferences coming up? What is the 411? Tell us everything.
The only way we can have a cool newsletter like the Plum Line is with information from YOU!
Keep us in the loop by emailing news@theljc.com
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