JA Announces Promotions & New Hires
/SEATTLE, WA - Johnston Architects (JA) has promoted Jasmyn Flores and Jesse Davis to Associate. The firm has also hired Melissa Booth and Rob Kuentzel as Project Architects, and Christina Chen as Office Coordinator/Designer.
jasmyn flores / associate, senior marketing specialist
Jasmyn Flores earned her Bachelor of Arts in Apparel Product Development with a Minor in Interior Design from the University of Idaho. Since joining JA in 2019, she has leveraged her expertise in proposal management, award submissions, graphic design, and website development to advance the firm’s marketing initiatives. Flores has been instrumental in JA’s successful awarding of various projects, including the Sumner Library for Pierce County Library System, the Puyallup Library Teen Center Remodel, and the Camas Public Library Renovation. She crafted the winning submission for the Postmark Center for the Arts AIA Washington Council Civic Design Merit Award and supported award-winning entries for the Winthrop Library, including honors from AIA Spokane, AIA Seattle, AIA Washington Council, and WoodWorks. Jasmyn is also an active member of JA’s Firm Culture and Social Responsibility Committees, and volunteers on the DEI and Education Committees for SMPS Seattle.
jesse davis, aia / associate
Jesse Davis, AIA studied Sociology and Theology at Point Loma Nazarene University and earned a Master of Architecture from the University of Washington. He joined JA in 2020 with a vision to empower communities through the built environment, designing spaces that support communities to lead healthy and connected lives. Most of Jesse’s work is in the single-family sector, where he works closely with JA clients to design welcoming and inspiring spaces for them to call home, including projects in Twisp, Quilcene, and Kirkland. His commitment to balance beauty in the built environment is strengthened by his commitment to social causes and bettering the world around him. Passionate about housing justice, equity, and resilience, Jesse volunteers on the AIA Seattle Committee on Homelessness, the City of Seattle’s Columbia City Landmark District Review Committee, and is chair of JA’s Social Responsibility Committee.
melissa booth, ra
Melissa Booth, RA earned her Bachelor of Design in Architecture from the University of Florida and Masters of Architecture from the Harvard University Graduate School of Design. She joins JA with over ten years of experience, with a focus on workplace and civic design, and several completed exhibitions globally. She has been acknowledged with both individual and firm-wide awards, including first place at the Young Architects Forum Atlanta, 48 Hours Competition in 2018. Her recent work includes the Moss Adams San Francisco Office and The Net Market Hall in Seattle. At JA, she currently serves as the Project Architect on the Pierce County Library System’s new Sumner Library. She is also a member of the project team for the new library for Park County in Powell, Wyoming.
rob kuentzel, aia, weell ap
Robert Kuentzel, AIA, WELL AP earned his Bachelor of Science in Architecture and Master of Architecture from the University of Maryland’s School of Architecture, Planning & Preservation. Following his graduation, he served as an adjunct professor at both the University of Maryland and George Washington University, for courses on ‘Design Thinking and Making’ and ‘Sketching Architecture & Design.’ Kuentzel currently acts as a mentor for architecture students at his alma mater and the University of Washington. He joins JA with experience in residential and mixed-use projects, managing permit submissions with entitlements including ECA exemptions, steep slope setback relief, and shoreline relief. At JA, Robert is currently serving as the Project Architect and Project Manager for the new library for Park County in Powell, Wyoming.
chrsitina chen / office coordinator & designer
Christina Chen received her Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Design from the University of Washington, a program renowned for preparing students for firm roles in architectural design, development, management, planning, graphic design, and digital art. As Office Coordinator, she supports business, marketing, and operations initiatives at JA. She applies her experience in small business bookkeeping to assisting JA's Business Manager with invoicing and accounts receivable. As a Designer, Christina provides support for architecture and interior design projects and contributes to the firm's marketing efforts through project research, graphic design, and more. Christina is also a member of JA's Firm Culture Committee.
Johnston Architects was founded by Mary and Ray 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, community centers, commercial offices, single-family houses, multifamily and mixed-use developments, and hospitality projects throughout the Western United States. Recently completed projects include the Gladstone Library, The Villages at Ovation, Edmonds Library, and Shared Roof.