JCJ Architecture reorganizes to improve its operations

Real Estate Weekly, Nov 26, 2008

JCJ Architecture, an award-winning design firm with offices in six cities, has reorganized its structure to better serve its clients and to create a stronger mechanism for sustained growth, reports Peter Stevens, president of the firm.

The reorganization creates and implements systems to provide more efficient client service, better take advantage of the strengths of its personnel, coordinate the firm's national practice, push the creative designs of the firm forward, and create enhanced leadership opportunities for JCJ's design professionals, says Mr. Stevens said.

The Hartford-based firm's diverse clients include Foxwoods Resort Casino, the University of Connecticut, and the United States General Services Administration. The new structure encompasses ten discrete "studios," with diverse capabilities, and located among the firm's six offices. This structure allows the studios to more efficiently serve the range of JCJ Architecture clients in regions across the country. Each studio will be headed by a design professional, notes Mr. Stevens.

In addition, the reorganization clearly defines staff responsibilities and roles, in order to more rapidly address clients' needs and share information between studios.

"Our revised structure reflects and reinforces our deep respect for our clients," says Mr. Stevens. "The reorganization integrates into one structure JCJ Architecture's strengths in both the business and the design facets of the practice." Of course, as the reorganization is rolled out, the framework will continue to be refined.

"In sum, we have developed a structure that provides a solid-platform from which the staff and the firm can continue to grow--and our clients can be better served."

"JCJ has built a reputation on service, sensitivity, and response to the needs of its clients and the public at large," according to Prof. Michael Crosbie, Chair of the Department of Architecture at the University of Hartford. "Its commitment to the architectural profession and the education of future architects is, in my opinion, unmatched. Moreover, our architecture department has benefited greatly from its generosity."

In accordance with the reorganization, several JCJ design professionals have been named to the position of director, including: Christophe Cornubert, Conceptual Planning and Design; Robert Burling, Corporate Interiors; Douglas Hyde, College & University; James LaPosta, Educational Design; Robert Nicholson and Greg Smolley, Educational Planning; William Dow, Hospitality Development; Brian Davis, Hospitality Design; Kristina Robinson, Native American Design; Stewart Jones, Performing Arts Design; and David Barkin, Science and Technology Design.

The management committee of JCJ Architecture now consists of: James LaPosta, chief architectural officer; Scott Celella, chief operating officer; Ann Iseley, chief financial officer; and Kirsten Sibilia, chief marketing officer, an industry veteran, who recently joined the firm as its very first chief marketing officer.

The 72-year-old firm's reorganization was made after nearly a year of planning and internal discussions that focused on ways to ensure that client focus is paramount in all of JCJ Architecture's activities and decisions.