NJA strives to design spaces uniquely defined by a sense of place and purpose, where each project is shaped by its site context, the client’s values, and the local community. The firm aims to enhance users’ connection to their surroundings—whether through the built or natural environment—by emphasizing attention to detail and craftsmanship. This allows us to create spaces that are both memorable and inviting.
At NJA, sustainability is integrated early in the design process. We are continually seeking ways to decrease the consumption of non-renewable resources, reduce waste, and build healthy, productive environments. Achieving sustainability goals requires careful consideration of factors such as material selection, energy efficiency, and the long-term impact of design decisions.
Our expertise also extends to the design of pre-engineered metal buildings, which offer significant advantages, including cost savings, faster construction timelines, and flexible design options tailored to diverse project needs.
Whether small- or large-scale, NJA believes architecture should be an immersive experience for everyone who encounters it. Our work goes beyond aesthetics—it’s about crafting spaces that foster connection, spark inspiration, and enrich everyday life.
The office operates as an open studio environment that allows for creative, collaborative, and progressive ideas to flow freely. We are led by a culture where individuals with diverse talents, backgrounds, and perspectives come together, sharing a common goal —to craft remarkable and dependable structures that test the limits of design.
During our design process, we keep sustainability and the environment at the forefront of our minds. We are constantly seeking ways in which we can help to decrease the consumption of non-renewable resources, reduce waste, and build healthy, productive environments. It is well within our reach to create sophisticated designs while simultaneously minimizing negative environmental impacts in the resulting build. Whether it be thoughtfully placing windows based on sun orientation or utilizing native landscaping to reduce irrigation needs, we are actively reflecting on different avenues of responsible design.
Taking into consideration all the factors and circumstances that affect the intended outcome of a design, site plays a large role. Recognizing and understanding the geography, surrounding buildings, and a sense of place makes for a purposeful and artful design. This is a necessary component to transform a vision into the physical existence of a building.
Our weekly “crit” is more than just a review of one project each week. We use this time to collectively step away from our desks, gather around the table, and connect, all while creating an easygoing environment for sharing ideas. Usually accompanied by libations and food, we dedicate an hour each week to a single project where we sketch, present, and discuss ways to better our designs.
Jac has a passion for place-making and believes in the transformative power of design to improve our shared spaces and strengthen communities. As a Principal Architect at NJA Architecture, with over 20 years of experience, he has success leading diverse teams to realize complex project types. Specializing in public work and higher education, Jac has completed projects with public agencies and universities across the country from New York to South Carolina, and Rhode Island to Michigan. Extensive knowledge of the reporting and documenting process for public agency projects makes him an invaluable asset to the team. Jac is well-attuned to broad planning implications and adept at navigating design and construction to shepherd projects through completion. He brings design sensitivity, a focus on detail, and practiced expertise to his work including master-planning, healthcare, hospitality, higher education, and public project in the Bay Area and throughout the Central Valley Region.
Nick is an Owner and Architect at NJA Architecture with a love for creating unique experiences through design. From his small town roots to his fascination for the built environment he has worked on several project types from varying market sectors including: commercial, community, public, hospitality, residential, education, medical & master planning. Nick’s passion is to experiment with innovative architecture in diverse environments and seek new design possibilities through the use of building materials, collaboration of assembly and sustainable design solutions.
As an Owner and Design Principal of NJA Architecture, John’s passion in architecture centers to enrich its sense of place and strengthen its local communities. He has a longstanding interest in the way people engage and interact through their surrounding environments, both built and natural. From wineries, museums, performance and community centers, historic renovations and mixed-use projects, John’s work strives to make each architectural project an inspiring experience that is site specific to its place. His educational background in architecture started when he was young traveling from jobsite to jobsite with his dad who was a builder. John studied architecture at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. There he studied abroad in Japan, placed first place in two AIAS national competitions, honored best of show for his vellum furniture, and gained best of show for his 5th year thesis. After graduation from Cal Poly, John worked for Olson Kundig Architects in Seattle – an architecture firm John cherishes for their value in art, craft and nature. John then came back to his hometown in the Central Valley where he worked for a design–build firm with his Dad – specializing in pre-fab metal buildings. After years of design build experience, John founded, with partner Nick Seward, NJA Architecture.
