Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Sacred Architecture & Design for Faith Communities
JNKA Architects is a full-service architecture and liturgical design firm with over 50 years of experience dedicated to serving religious institutions, schools, and faith-based communities. Founded in 1963, our firm specializes in creating spaces that support worship, education, community gathering, and residential living. Our collaborative design process emphasizes client needs, resulting in over 700 projects across 13 states. We combine creative design with technical expertise to deliver innovative solutions for new constructions, renovations, and historic restorations. Our team of 9 professionals maintains a balance of creativity, economy, and technical proficiency while fostering strong relationships with clients and contractors.We prioritize budget adherence through an integrated team approach involving construction managers and specialty consultants. Our work reflects each client's unique identity while respecting cultural and physical contexts. Recognized for award-winning designs, we focus on developing thoughtful spaces that enrich communities and achieve client goals. Our leadership team brings extensive experience in religious, educational, and residential architecture, ensuring personalized guidance throughout every project phase. We remain committed to advancing sacred architecture through continuous collaboration and dedication to excellence.
Services
Worship Space Design
Educational Facilities
Residential Architecture
Community Centers
Historic Restoration
Liturgical Furnishings
Master Planning
BIM Services
3D Renderings
Design Consultation
Details
- Year established: 1963
Highlights and features
- We have over 50 years of specialized experience in sacred architecture.
- Our collaborative design process ensures client needs drive every decision.
- Award-winning expertise in diverse project types from worship spaces to senior living.
- Proven success delivering projects on time and within budget through integrated teams.
- Leadership team combines generational experience with innovative design approaches.
What people say
Listens and collaborates effectively
Design expertise evident
Successful project delivery
Strong client relationships
Award-winning details
Services
Worship Space Design
We create worship spaces for diverse faiths including churches, synagogues, mosques, and retreat centers. Our designs balance spiritual significance with functional needs through collaborative planning. Each project incorporates liturgical requirements while respecting architectural context and budget constraints.
Educational Facilities
Our educational architecture spans preschools to universities with spaces that enhance learning environments. We design flexible classrooms, administrative offices, and communal areas tailored to educational philosophies. Projects integrate safety features and accessibility standards while maintaining aesthetic quality.
Historic Restoration
We specialize in preserving historic religious and community buildings through careful assessment and adaptive reuse. Our approach maintains original character while updating systems for modern functionality. Services include material analysis, code compliance, and phased restoration planning.
Master Planning
Our master planning services create comprehensive roadmaps for facility development. We assess current needs, future growth, and budget parameters to develop phased implementation plans. This strategic approach ensures long-term viability for religious and educational institutions.
Liturgical Furnishings
We design custom liturgical furnishings that enhance worship spaces while meeting functional requirements. Our work includes altars, pulpits, iconography, and devotional spaces. Each element integrates with overall architecture to create cohesive sacred environments.
People
David C. Kuhlman
President and Director of Design
AIA-certified architect with over 30 years of experience in sacred architecture. Specializes in religious and educational projects, leading design teams from concept through construction. Recognized for balancing creative vision with technical execution.
Kimberly Z. Kuhlman
Vice President
LEED-certified architect and former Navy Civil Engineer Corps officer. Brings expertise in project management and sustainable design. Oversees technical aspects of complex renovations and new construction projects nationwide.
Susan A. Maish
Principal & Director of JNKA-Florida
Licensed architect with extensive experience in Florida's religious and educational architecture. Manages regional projects while contributing to national design standards. Known for client relationship management and project delivery excellence.
Thomas M. Dietz
Associate Principal
Certified WELL AP and LEED professional with expertise in sustainable design for faith-based institutions. Leads technical design teams and specializes in integrating green building practices with traditional architectural forms.
Cesar Ceballos
Director of Nevada Office
AIA-certified architect managing JNKA's Nevada operations. Focuses on western U.S. religious and community projects. Combines modern design approaches with traditional architectural principles to meet regional needs.
Questions
What types of projects does JNKA specialize in?
We specialize in architecture for faith-based communities including worship spaces, schools, residential facilities, and community centers. Our expertise extends to historic preservation and liturgical design.
How does JNKA approach the design process?
We use a collaborative process involving client interviews, visioning sessions, and interactive design reviews to create spaces that reflect each community's unique identity and needs.
Can JNKA handle complex renovation projects?
Yes, we have extensive experience with historic restorations and adaptive reuse projects, maintaining original character while updating systems for modern functionality and code compliance.
Do you work outside the Chicago area?
We operate nationally with offices in Illinois, Texas, Florida, and Nevada, serving clients across the United States through virtual collaboration and regional project teams.
How do you ensure projects stay on budget?
We employ an integrated team approach with construction managers and consultants to develop accurate cost estimates and implement value engineering when needed.
What sets JNKA apart from other architecture firms?
Our specialized focus on faith-based architecture, 50+ years of experience, and commitment to collaborative design create spaces that truly serve religious communities' spiritual and practical needs.
