Play is Serious Business

At JJCA, we take our work seriously. We also take our play very seriously—and sometimes, that play leaves its mark in unexpected places, like our lighting system. The image you see here isn’t just a collection of rogue Nerf darts; it’s a testament to how we blend creativity, collaboration, and a bit of friendly competition into our daily routine.

In an industry where creativity is critical, keeping our minds sharp and our ideas fresh is vital. That’s where our Nerf battles come in. These spontaneous, high-energy games aren’t just about blowing off steam—they’re about opening our minds to new creative ideas. When dodging darts and strategizing on the fly, we engage parts of our brains that don’t always get used to traditional design work. Some of our best ideas are born in these moments of play.

But the benefits don’t stop at creativity. Movement is a powerful tool for re-energizing, especially when critical deadlines are looming. Throwing and avoiding darts gets our blood pumping, shakes off the mental fog, and helps us return to our workstations with renewed focus and energy. It’s amazing how a few minutes of play can shift our mindset and keep us on track.

Perhaps most importantly, these games build camaraderie among our team members. Everyone, from the newest intern to the most seasoned architect, participates. The result? A more potent, more connected team that works better together and delivers better designs.

Of course, sometimes the games get a little intense, and a few stray darts find their way into places they probably shouldn’t—like our lighting system. But even the cleanup process adds to the fun, giving us all a fresh stockpile of ammunition for the next round of energizing, safe play.

At the end of the day, our Nerf battles are more than just a break from the norm—they’re a vital part of what makes our firm a creative, innovative, and happy place to work. And we wouldn’t have it any other way.