JCJ Architecture

09/02/2026

As part of our 90th anniversary celebration, we’re proud to spotlight our Phoenix Studio this week and, more importantly, the people who make it what it is.

Our Phoenix team was asked a few questions about the places, experiences, and local favorites that make Arizona special: What should everyone do at least once in Phoenix? What’s your favorite local restaurant? And what’s your favorite Arizona road trip?

The answers were as varied as our team, but a few favorites stood out: the Grand Canyon (possibly twice, according to Rick Marencic), the Desert Botanical Garden, the MIM, and the Colorado River.

For a road trip, the route from Phoenix to Flagstaff and down to Sedona was a favorite, showcasing the incredible range of the region from desert landscapes to forests and iconic red rocks.

And when it came to the important decisions in the “This or That” game? The team unanimously chose scorpions over snakes, and tacos over hotdogs. Obviously.

More than anything, these answers offer a glimpse into the personalities and perspectives that make up our Phoenix Studio. From their knowledge of the region to the places they love to explore, our team brings the character and spirit of Arizona into everything they do—helping shape the culture, energy, and perspective that make our Phoenix Studio unique.

08/27/2026

Please join us in recognizing the five talented interns who joined JCJ this summer! From design and interior design to human resources, our interns brought fresh perspectives, curiosity, and enthusiasm to our studios and teams across the country.

We asked our interns, “What has interning at JCJ taught you?” Their responses offer a glimpse into the hands-on experiences, meaningful responsibilities, collaboration, and learning opportunities that shaped their summer with JCJ.

Please join us in recognizing:

Emma Tommell, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute - Design Intern, Hartford, CT
Akaash Vincent, Southern Connecticut State University - Human Resources Intern, Hartford, CT
Melvin Villegas, Oklahoma State University - Design Intern, Tulsa, OK
James Paluzzi, Syracuse University - Interior Design Intern, Boston, MA
Darby Bender, Northern Arizona University - Interior Design Intern, Phoenix, AZ

We’re grateful for the energy, ideas, and perspectives each of you brought to JCJ this summer. Thank you for being part of our team!

08/27/2026

Our Hartford Studio got creative right here in the office with a Paint & Sip Night, painting a beautiful lighthouse scene! 🎨🌊

Thank you to our ESOP Committee for organizing a fun evening of creativity and connection with our team. 🖌️✨

08/26/2026

JCJ began working in Indian Country in 1992, partnering with the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation to transform their high-stakes bingo operation in southeast Connecticut into the first large-scale, destination Tribal Resort Casino in the United States. Over the course of our relationship, JCJ has delivered design on 5.7 million square feet of space.

Those early days working at the forefront of Indian gaming became the foundation for our work today – spanning relationships with 90 Tribal Nations and including projects that support economic development, government services, public safety, justice, wellness, recreation, cultural preservation and education.

Each of these Tribal Nations are unique. Our experience has reinforced the importance of understanding each community’s specific priorities, aspirations, and vision. Our work has ranged from large-scale resort master planning to planning for Bureau of Indian Affairs restorative justice facilities, from renovation of corporate office space to cultural repositories, and from spas and wellness centers to early childhood learning. From projects that have won awards for excellence in design to those that have been recognized as international destinations of significance, the scope, scale, variety and complexity of the work exemplify our core commitment to balancing expertise in commercial and community-focused practice areas. Today, we are happy to share a brief video of just some of our projects over the last three decades.

The leadership and commitment to self-determination exhibited across Indian Country continues to shape our understanding of what is possible. We look forward to continuing these partnerships and serving the generations to come.

08/19/2026

Spotlight: Scott Celella, President

This week we are very proud to feature JCJ’s President, Scott Celella. With over 30 years of service to the firm, Scott served as our Director of Construction Administration before taking up the position of Chief Operations Officer, a role he held for 20 years. Scott has been a member of the leadership team during a time of extraordinary change, and, as President, he brings a deep understanding of our approach to practice.

In today’s spotlight, Scott shares reflections on several projects that have been meaningful throughout his career, along with thoughts on the qualities that have helped JCJ thrive for 90 years.

We hope you enjoy this spotlight and hearing from Scott!

08/05/2026

At JCJ Architecture, one of the greatest privileges of our work is partnering with Native Nations to create spaces that support long-term vision, opportunity, and community.

Over the years, we've had the honor of collaborating with the Pechanga Band of Indians on projects that span hospitality, education, cultural preservation, and workplace environments, including hotel suite renovations, a pool bar, the Chámmakilawish Tribal School, and a Repository.

Each project serves a unique purpose, but together they reflect a contribution to economic opportunity, investment in future generations, a celebration of culture, and support of the Tribe's continued growth and self-determination.

We are grateful for the trust our partners have placed in us over the past 90 years and remain committed to creating thoughtful, enduring places that honor each client’s vision, while supporting a legacy of success for generations to come.

08/03/2026

JCJ’s Fawn W. Pellegrini, AIA, LEED AP, MCPPO, shares insights in Spaces4Learning on how K–12 design can create a more continuous learning experience through flexible spaces, shared design strategies, and district-wide planning.

Through her work at JCJ with school districts across the Northeast, Fawn sees firsthand how thoughtful environments can support students as they grow, creating a sense of connection from elementary school through high school graduation.

Read the full article here: https://spaces4learning.com/articles/2026/07/14/k12-schools-continuous-learning-experience.aspx?Page=1

Most students move through three or more separate facilities during their K-12 journey, yet the built environments they encounter at each stage have traditionally been designed in isolation, with little continuity in spatial language, learning philosophy, or physical resources. Each new school is a....

07/29/2026

As part of our 90th anniversary celebration, we’re proud to spotlight our Tulsa studio this week!

Tulsa is a city with a personality all its own, and that spirit comes through in the people who call it home. Our team describes Tulsa as a hidden gem, and it’s easy to see why. From its vibrant culture and architecture to its great food, strong sense of community, and, of course, Oktoberfest, there’s a lot that makes Tulsa special.

For our Tulsa team, some of the city’s favorite spots and traditions include walking through the Gathering Place, exploring the Cathedral District, and spending time with family at the Tulsa State Fair. As JCJ’s Randy Hull shared, Tulsa is “one of the largest small towns you’ve ever been.”

Of course, no conversation about Tulsa would be complete without mentioning the weather, which can change at any minute and occasionally bring an “ice-nado” along with it.

These are the people and places that help shape our Tulsa studio. Tulsa’s unique mix of history, culture, creativity, and community influences how our team collaborates, approaches design, and creates spaces that feel authentic to the people and communities they serve.

For our Tulsa team, it’s more than a place to work. It’s home, it’s inspiration, and apparently, it’s the place to be every October! 🍻

07/22/2026

As we celebrate 90 years of JCJ Architecture, we’re reflecting on the many ways the industries we serve have evolved, and the importance of designing for what comes next.

Commercial gaming has entered what could be defined as a reinvestment era.

As markets mature and competition intensifies, many of the industry's most impactful investments are happening within existing properties - repositioning proven assets to meet evolving guest expectations and strengthen long-term competitiveness.

The transformation and repositioning of Harrah’s New Orleans to Caesars New Orleans is an excellent example. More than a renovation or rebrand, it represents a strategic reinvestment in an iconic property - introducing the elevated Caesars Entertainment brand, enhanced amenities, refreshed gaming environments, and a guest experience aligned with one of the world's most recognized hospitality brands.

Projects like this demonstrate how thoughtful design can extend the life of an asset, reinforce brand identity, and create renewed excitement in established markets.

As we look toward the future, and the next 90 years of design at JCJ, we believe the commercial gaming industry will increasingly measure success not only by the destinations it builds, but by the destinations it chooses to reinvent. The operators who continually evolve their properties while remaining true to their brand and their guests will be well-positioned to thrive in an increasingly competitive marketplace.