A Fresh Chapter Begins—With Familiar Faces

At JJCA, we believe leadership isn’t just about titles—it’s about trust, teamwork, and a clear path forward. That’s why we’re thrilled to share a big (but natural) step in our firm’s story: the expansion of our leadership team. Three longtime team members—Linda Mark, Michael Speck, and Jason Putnal—have been named principals, and Stephanie Pielich is stepping into an expanded leadership role. These are people you already know and trust, and they’re helping us build a future grounded in the same values that brought us here.

Meet Our New Principals: Linda Mark, Michael Speck, and Jason Putnal
These three aren’t new to JJCA. They’re homegrown—starting their careers here right out of college and staying because of the people, the mission, and the culture we’ve built together.

Jason Putnal reflects on what the new role means to him:
“The opportunity to grow from the strong foundation that David and the founding partners built—alongside teammates I deeply respect—is what excites me most.” Jason’s focus has shifted from drawing lines to orchestrating entire processes. His leadership centers on nurturing relationships, both with clients and with emerging professionals at JJCA.

Michael Speck adds, “I’m excited for our clients to see the work my fellow principals have been doing for years. This role lets us step forward together and lead from a place of shared purpose.”

For Linda Mark, it’s about continuing a legacy of thoughtful, responsive design in education. “I’m passionate about creating architecture that enhances learning. This role gives me the chance to do more of what I love—leading our teams and expanding our reach.”

Stephanie Pielich’s Role Expands, Too
Stephanie, who’s taken on a broader leadership role, emphasizes the importance of building the next generation. “We’re creating space for others to grow. If we don’t grow ourselves, we don’t make room for the amazing talent behind us.” She sees the expansion as a way to sharpen expertise, especially in rural and behavioral health—areas where need is great and JJCA has proven strength.

Why Now? Why This Team?
This team brings decades of hands-on experience, deep institutional knowledge, and a shared vision for where we’re headed next. They’ve seen the industry change and have adapted alongside it—always with the goal of creating better outcomes for clients and better opportunities for our people.

David Johnson sums it up: “This move isn’t about stepping back—it’s about stepping forward together. We’re making room for talented leaders who have grown with JJCA to shape its future. It shows our team and our clients that we’re serious about continuity, opportunity, and lasting relationships.”

Leading by Listening
If there’s a common thread in how these leaders operate, it’s this: they listen. Whether it’s to clients, teammates, or the subtle shifts in healthcare and education trends, they lead with curiosity and empathy. As Linda puts it, “Even though we’re experts, we learn the most when we really listen to what our clients are telling us—sometimes even between the lines.”

Looking Ahead
Our industry keeps evolving—technology, financing models, and educational needs are all shifting fast. But our response remains steady: listen carefully, work hard, and lead with empathy and expertise. This leadership team knows the terrain and is ready to guide JJCA forward, one thoughtful decision at a time.

Because great design isn’t just about buildings. It’s about the people who use them—and the people who create them.