Introducing our New Associates & Senior Associates!

SEATTLE – Johnston Architects has promoted Shane Leaman and John B. Simons to Associate, and Kathy Justice and Liz Wasson Coleman to Senior Associate.

Shane Leaman joined JA in 2017, and as Design Technologist he has applied his unique knowledge and skillset to elevate the firm’s innovative design solutions. This includes parametric modeling for complex façade assemblies and a 3D interactive website that allows users to configure a customized Accessory Dwelling Unit, called the Parametric Casita. Shane led the design and fabrication of a custom lighting installation, Digital Sky, as part of the Kirin mixed-use building lobby, recently featured in Multifamily Design + Construction Magazine. He has also created tailored workflows to integrate the DOE’s EnergyPlus analysis tool to produce visualizations and better integrate energy analysis into JA’s design process. As an Associate, Shane will continue to lead JA’s Technology Committee and champion data visualization, view and daylighting studies, and the development of online tools to support community engagement and data analysis.

John B. Simons, AIA came to JA in in the fall of 2019 as a Project Architect with ten years of experience. He is working with the City of Maple Valley on the design of the new Lake Wilderness Golf Course Clubhouse, which will include a restaurant and lounge, golf simulators, and a venue space available to be rented for private events. John’s other current projects include Oak Tree Village, an amenity campus for the Ovation at Oak Tree development in Lacey; Ponderosa, a planned recreation community in Lake Chelan; a multi-family building in Crown Hill; and several single-family houses. As an Associate, John is responsible for strengthening JA team connections by organizing internal project presentations, especially important as the firm provides a hybrid workplace and in-person charrettes have been reimagined to be virtual and more inclusive.  

Kathy Justice, AIA, LEED BD+C has over 25 years of design experience with a focus on multi-family and mixed-use projects. Kathy joined JA in 2016, was promoted to Associate in 2018, and has worked on numerous residential projects at the firm. These include Alta Arlo, a 240-unit mixed-use building in Columbia City, and Winston Townhomes, a collection of 16 townhouses in Seattle’s Ravenna neighborhood, both of which just finished construction, as well as DXU, which was honored by Built Green with a Green Hammer Award in 2020. At JA Kathy is currently working as Project Manager for Entitlements on the Redmond Senior Community Center, a collaboration with Opsis Architecture of Portland, as well as a 187-unit multi-family development on the Bremerton waterfront. As a Senior Associate she is focused on mentoring emerging designers to support technical excellence at JA.

Liz Wasson Coleman, CPSM joined JA in 2019 as Marketing Director and was promoted to Associate in 2021. She holds 18 years of experience in the Northwest AEC industry and leads JA’s marketing department, including project pursuits, award submissions, social media, public relations, and brand development. She recently contributed to the firm’s installation at the Bellevue Arts Museum, a collaboration with Facing Homelessness called The View From Here. As a Senior Associate, she collaborates closely with firm leadership to help shape JA’s strategic planning across multiple sectors. Liz is a Certified Professional Services Marketer and the current President of SMPS Seattle, the local chapter of the Society for Marketing Professional Services.

Johnston Architects was founded by Ray and Mary Johnston in 1991. Today, the Women-Owned firm participates in the International Living Future Institute’s JUST program and offers architecture, interior design, master planning, and technology-driven design solutions to clients throughout the United States. JA’s work includes libraries and community centers, single family houses, multi-family and mixed-use developments, hospitality projects, and creative offices. Recently completed projects include Kirin, a 95-unit mixed-use building in Lower Queen Anne, and Winston Townhomes in Ravenna. The redesigned Old Works Golf Clubhouse in Anaconda MT and brand-new Winthrop Library in the Methow Valley are opening this June.