Business Details
41 Years
experience
Expert Architectural Services in Flagstaff, AZ
Founded in 1985, JWA Architects has established itself as a trusted architectural firm serving Northern Arizona and beyond. Our team brings decades of combined experience in public sector projects, specializing in energy-efficient and sustainable design tailored to the unique challenges of high-altitude environments. With expertise in navigating extreme climate conditions and complex geology, we deliver innovative solutions for educational, healthcare, commercial, and civic facilities.Our commitment to quality control and client collaboration has fostered long-term relationships, evidenced by numerous repeat clients and successful projects like the NAU Conference Center and Navajo County Jail Expansion. As a LEED-certified firm, we prioritize environmentally responsible practices while maintaining a deep understanding of local building codes and regional needs.
Services
Architectural Design
Sustainable Design
Project Management
Facility Planning
LEED Certification
Details
- Year established: 1985
Highlights and features
- We offer 35+ years of Northern Arizona architectural expertise
- Our team includes LEED Accredited Professionals
- We specialize in climate-adapted design for extreme environments
- We maintain 90% repeat client retention
- Our staff understands local geotechnical challenges
Associations and certifications
- USGBC (LEED)
Services
Architectural Design
We create customized architectural solutions for commercial, educational, and civic buildings. Our process begins with understanding client goals and environmental constraints to develop functional, aesthetically pleasing spaces. Projects range from new construction to historic renovations, with expertise in adapting existing structures for modern use while maintaining energy efficiency.
Sustainable Design
Our sustainable design services focus on energy-efficient building systems and environmentally responsible materials. We implement passive solar design, natural ventilation strategies, and water conservation systems tailored to Northern Arizona's climate. This approach has resulted in two LEED-certified buildings on Northern Arizona University's campus through careful integration of sustainable technologies with functional design requirements.
Project Management
We provide comprehensive project management from concept through completion. Our services include budget development, contractor coordination, and quality control during construction. This includes preparing detailed construction documents that enable competitive bidding while maintaining design integrity, as demonstrated in our work with the Flagstaff Unified School District security upgrades.
Facility Planning
Our facility planning services analyze existing building conditions and develop adaptive reuse strategies. We specialize in repurposing older structures for new functions while addressing climate-specific challenges like thermal expansion and moisture control. Recent projects include transforming an automobile dealership into a transit authority facility while improving energy performance through facade upgrades.
LEED Certification
We guide clients through the LEED certification process for commercial and institutional buildings. Our services include assessing project eligibility, implementing sustainable design strategies, and documenting compliance with USGBC standards. This expertise was applied in achieving Silver LEED certification for NAU's Hotel and Restaurant Management renovation through energy-efficient systems and sustainable material selection.
People
Mitchell Walzer
Project Manager/Principal
Licensed architect with 40+ years experience specializing in public sector projects. Holds registrations in Arizona, Maryland, and New Mexico. Served on local building safety boards since 1984. Led major projects including North Country HealthCare facilities and NAU Conference Center.
Timothy Whiteside
Project Manager/Principal
Registered architect in Arizona and Colorado with 35+ years of experience. Specializes in commercial and educational facility design. Key projects include Flagstaff Aquaplex and Northern Arizona Center for Emerging Technologies. Holds dual degrees in architecture and business administration.
Nataani Jim
Project Architect
Flagstaff native with 15+ years of architectural experience. Specializes in technical documentation and consultant coordination. Expertise in educational and medical facilities. Notable projects include Navajo County Jail and NAU School of Hotel & Restaurant Management renovations.
Kerri Strunk
Graphic Designer & Office Manager
Manages marketing materials and client communications with 10+ years at JWA. Creates presentation visuals for proposals and community engagement. Coordinates office operations and project billing. Holds graphic design degree from Northern Arizona University.
Questions
What architectural services do you specialize in?
We specialize in public sector projects including educational facilities, healthcare buildings, civic structures, and sustainable design solutions tailored to Northern Arizona's unique environmental conditions.
Do you work outside Northern Arizona?
While based in Flagstaff, we complete projects statewide including Holbrook, the Grand Canyon, and areas requiring specialized climate-adapted design expertise.
Are you experienced with LEED certification?
Yes, our team includes LEED Accredited Professionals with experience achieving Silver certifications for Northern Arizona University projects through energy-efficient design strategies.
How do you handle challenging climates?
We specialize in high-altitude design addressing extreme temperature swings, UV exposure, and geotechnical challenges like expansive soils through proven construction methodologies.
What project phases do you manage?
We provide full-service architectural management from initial concept through construction documentation, including budget development, contractor coordination, and quality control oversight.
