Working In a People-First Firm
/JA’s diverse project portfolio means that our work touches many sectors - and we’re incredibly busy. Our unique, Women-Owned Partnership is currently seeking Project Designers, Architects, and Interior Designers to join our unique firm.
Recognized for our flexible workstyle and people-first culture, Johnston Architects was founded on the values of Mary and Ray Johnston while they were busy parents of two young children. Thirty years later, their design ethos and approach to firm practice have helped us transition to remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic, set us apart as a voice for women in design and working parents, and led to JA being honored as one of Washington’s 100 Best Companies to Work For in 2021!
Want to hear more about what it’s like to work at Johnston Architects? Here are some of our talented staff members sharing their JA stories.
jasmyn flores joined ja in early 2019
“I was first hired at JA as an Office Manager, seeking a stable job and regular work hours to combat the three jobs I was balancing. And now three years later, I’m a valued and essential part of the Marketing Department, receiving opportunities to expand my skillset and career. I’m grateful leadership saw my potential, intuition, and drive to be successful in this role, and for encouraging and fostering my growth within it.”
“Since joining JA, I’ve been able to achieve my personal objective of integrating my passion for architecture and the natural environment as well as build more meaningful relationships with end users. JA shares a collective devotion to sustainable design that is inspired and integrated into nature. My favorite thing about JA is that the firm embodies the idea that design is for everyone - no matter the project scale, typology, or demographic circumstances.”
sarah burk, aia, joined ja in january 2020
“My favorite things about JA are the open and collaborative firm culture, transparency of knowledge sharing, and flexibility and respect given to team members. The beautiful work drew me to JA, as well as the well-balanced aesthetics of our designs, which echo the culture and nature of the Pacific Northwest. One thing that is different about JA than other places I have worked is how we prioritize living environments, users, and humanity in our practice.”
maggie ciaccio, AIA, LEED GREEN ASSOCIATE, joined ja in 2021
“JA truly cares about their employees’ happiness. Folks look after one another and are there when you need support. The fact that this hasn’t diminished since we started working remotely is a true testament to the culture and values of the firm. I also wanted to work for a women-owned firm with women in true leadership roles. I had been following JA for years through social media, so when I saw there was an opportunity to work here, I pounced on it! Definitely no regrets.”
Siyao Zhang, leed green associate, joined JA at the start of 2019
DANA (and her dog potato!) joined JA as an interior designer in 2021
“My career has always focused on leveraging technology to help produce the best possible design. We’re at an interesting point in this profession, with new apps and platforms emerging, but a strong legacy tradition of how to design and document buildings. At JA I have the chance to focus my efforts on the process of architectural design. What I love about our firm isn’t just the technology we adopt, but our culture of collaboration and openness to change. Not every firm recognizes the impacts of creating more efficient processes and won’t dedicate resources to support staff in this way, but JA does and I’m proud to be a part of it.”
“Before I started here, I read an article on the JA blog that Mona Zellers wrote, ‘What Women Need Employers to Know,’ and it confirmed this is the right place for me. JA has a culture that recognizes - instead of penalizes - people who prioritize their families and lives outside of work and there is a flexibility to the work environment that caters to every individual’s needs. Compared to past firms I’ve worked at, everything is different and the transparency is amazing! JA is always striving to do and be better and puts employee wellbeing first. Realistic deadlines and expectations are set for the employees which make it easier to succeed and not have a stress fest at every deadline. I also love that we can work from home or anywhere you please, and when we do want to come into the office, we can bring our dogs! Makes for a much happier, fluffier environment.”
jesse joined ja as our bim manager in mid-2021