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Women-Owned. JUST Organization. Creating exceptional spaces through intelligent, conscientious, and sustainable design.

10/10/2026

“What Would a Neurodivergent-Friendly Public Space Actually Look Like?”

In a thoughtful new Forbes article, Palumbo brings together perspectives from several fields to question conventional standards of accessibility. She asks us to consider how architecture can move beyond physical access to better support sensory, cognitive, and communication differences; ultimately, creating a space that provides meaningful choices that help more people feel comfortable in public spaces.

JA Partner Jack Chaffin has been leading a Neurodiversity Research Group at Johnston Architects, working towards "creating spaces that are easier to comprehend and offer meaningful options for those who use them."

This work is being developed in close collaboration with our research partner, Tracy Meyer
DNP-FNP, ARNP, RN, BSN, BAS, whose expertise and leadership have been foundational to the project.

Read more at Read more at https://www.forbes.com/sites/jenniferpalumbo/2026/08/26/what-would-a-neurodivergent-friendly-public-space-actually-look-like/

10/05/2026

JA Partner Mona Johnston Zellers will be participating as a speaker in a Library Journal Webcast: Future Foundations: Building & Design Insights, moderated by Emily Puckett, Director of Space Management, University of Arkansas.

Future Foundations: Building & Design Insights will highlight how human-centered design can create spaces that are both inclusive and adaptable.

Join this webinar on Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at 2:00 PM ET / 11:00 AM PT! Register with link in bio.

Speakers:
Amy Hardin, Senior Project Manager, Gresham Smith
Darren Schretter, Principal, Library Studio Director, Studio GC
Mona Johnston Zellers, AIA, Partner, Johnston Architects

Moderator:
Emily Puckett, Director of Space Management, University of Arkansas

10/01/2026

We’re excited to announce that the Redmond Senior & Community Center has been honored with a 2026 AIA Oregon Merit Award!

The LEED Platinum Redmond Senior & Community Center serves as an active resource with recreational and cultural spaces for programs serving a range of generations. It pairs stewardship with human connection to create an enduring civic place for Redmond.

The center uses all-electric systems, mass timber construction, and rooftop solar panels to set a precedent for sustainability. A green roof and vegetable garden extend the building’s commitment to health and environmental stewardship into the surrounding park along the Sammamish River.

Congratulations to the City of Redmond, our project team, and all the community members who were involved in creating this active, shared space!

Architect of Record: Opsis Architecture
Contractor: Absher Construction
Structural Engineer: Lund Opsahl LLC
Civil Engineer & Environmental: Herrera Environmental Consultants
M/E/P & Technology: PAE Consulting Engineers
Lighting: LittleFish Lighting, Inc.
Geotechnical: Associated Earth Sciences, Inc.
Landscape Architect: Groundswell Studio
Signage/Environmental Graphics: Mayer/Reed
Operations: Ballard*King & Associates
Surveyor: True North Land Surveying, Inc.
Cost: DCW Cost Management
Envelope: Morrison Hershfield & Stantec
Specifications: M. Thrailkill Architect
Mass Timber Subcontractor: Carpentry Plus Inc.
Mass Plywood Panel Manufacturer: Freres Engineered Wood
Muralist: Mauricio Ramirez
Photography: Lara Swimmer

09/24/2026

This Saturday, September 26, South Park Library will be celebrating 20 years!

The completion of South Park Library in 2006 ended the 98 year wait for a permanent library in the neighborhood; the community had started asking for a neighborhood library in 1908.

Even after 20 years, this 5,000 SF library continues to receive big community support despite being one of the smaller branches within the Seattle Public Libraries.

The red stucco exterior and sun-filled courtyards pay homage to the neighborhood’s cultural identity. We are excited to see how South Park Library continues to be a space to gather, connect, and celebrate community life.

Read more about the library's history and celebrations occurring this Saturday on the Seattle Public Libraries blog.

https://blog.spl.org/2026/09/09/happy-20th-birthday-south-park-branch/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAcGRvZgRzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAwyNTYyODEwNDA1NTgAAad4ziFk8y4iqLxqns_uZBQgLUwqGrVzG4gPBhFgj0PvxcArMmQEA6GRNFyBCQ_aem_l2CYSa_N_-PqFLbe6iV8qA

General Contractor: Cope Construction
Structural/Civil Engineer: Coughlin Porter Lundeen
Mechanical Engineer: Ecotope
Electrical Engineer: AES
Landscape Architect: Lando & Associates
Photography: Will Austin

09/18/2026

JA is featured in Dwell+ "Budget Breakdown: First Came the Gear Loft. Then Came the $1M Washington Home" by Stacey McLachlan. Read more about the design process and cost breakdown of Second Gear. The 1,490 SF residence stands alongside Gear Loft and a carport, "connected by circulation paths built for people constantly in motion."

Thank you Stacey McLachlan and Dwell for the story! Link in bio.

General Contractor: Chris Charters
Structural Engineer: Quantum Engineering
Landscape Design: Windy Valley Landscaping
Kitchen and Bath Cabinetry: Kerf Design
Photography: Benj Drummond

09/03/2026

We are excited to share that Oak Lodge Library has been selected for the 2026 American Libraries Showcase!

We’re honored to see the project recognized for its strong connection to the surrounding landscape: “Expansive windows in the main reading room and direct park access keep the focus on the surrounding natural environment, while a roof system made of dowel-laminated timber adds warmth and texture throughout the open layout.”

Celebrate all 15 beautiful libraries at 2026 Library Design Showcase | American Libraries Magazine - https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2026/09/01/2026-library-design-showcase/

Read more about Oak Lodge Library on our website at johnstonarchitects.com

Architects: Johnston Architects + Opsis Architecture
General Contractor: P&C Construction
Structural: Catena Engineers
Civil: KPFF Engineers
MEP: Interface Engineering
Photographer: Christian Columbres

09/02/2026

JA Partner Jack Chaffin was interviewed for "What Would a Neurodivergent-Friendly Public Space Actually Look Like?" by Jennifer Jay Palumbo!

The articles offers great insight into the current state of accessibility vs. the goal to create spaces that are "easier to comprehend and offer meaningful options for those who use them."

Read more at https://www.forbes.com/sites/jenniferpalumbo/2026/08/26/what-would-a-neurodivergent-friendly-public-space-actually-look-like/

08/26/2026

We’re happy to celebrate International Dog Day with our team here! We believe deeply that all dogs, pets, and animals deserve to be loved, cared for, and have an opportunity to find their forever homes. For the past 35 years, JA and our project partners have collaborated to develop resources supporting the ongoing work of animal welfare organizations across the region.

JA has a special place in our hearts for the canine companions among us, with our office brightened and enlivened by the energetic day-to-day escapades of five dogs on staff that consistently keep us on our toes. We’re excited to observe this special day for our four-legged friends and continue our work in the important areas of animal shelter and veterinary clinic design and development. We hope you enjoy the day with your special ones!
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Meet our barkitecture team!
1. Bob - Materials Samples Inspector
2. Cheddar - Chief Security Officer
3. Lilly - Employee Wellness Liaison
4. Scout - Communications Manager
5. Poppy - Workplace Experience Specialist
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Read more about each of them on our website at johnstonarchitects.com/the-team

08/13/2026

National Book Lovers Day was this past weekend! Swipe to see reading in action at some of our favorite library spots!
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Featured Projects:
Oak Lodge Library / Oak Grove OR / Christian Columbres + Nicholas Kielbasa
Winthrop Library / Winthrop WA / Benj Drummond + Lara Swimmer
Edmonds Library / Edmonds WA / Andrew Storey
Capitol Hill Library / Seattle WA / Benjamin Benschneider & Will Austin
Gladstone Library / Gladstone OR / Christian Columbres + Sally Painter
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Read more about the projects on our website johnstonarchitects.com. For inquiries, please email [email protected]

08/11/2026

Laurelhurst is in Custom Builder! In "His Architect, Her Builder, and a House Designed As It Was Built," read about architecture firm Johnston Architects and general contractor McKinstry Stauffer Yang Construction's collaborative process to bring this project to life.

JA Principal Genevieve Theriault says, it was a "great collaborative process, where everyone cares about the end result and is working together for that vision."

General Contractor: McKinstry Stauffer Yang Construction
Interior Designer: Christie Grove Interiors
Landscape Designer: Cambium
Windows and Doors: Fleetwood
Photography: Andrew Giammarco, Rafael Soldi

Address

3131 Western Avenue Suite 510
Seattle, WA
98121

Telephone

+12065236150

Website

http://www.johnstonarchitects.com/

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