Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Award-Winning Architectural Design in Kentucky
At JRA Architects, we are singularly focused on transforming client visions into functional, transformative, and inspirational spaces. Our collaborative approach combines multidisciplinary expertise with a hands-on interactive design process, ensuring every project reflects the unique needs and aspirations of our clients. With a legacy dating back to 1946, we have built a reputation for creating enduring architecture that enhances communities and elevates the human experience. Our work spans educational, healthcare, civic, and commercial sectors, driven by a commitment to sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity. We prioritize true partnerships with clients, believing that meaningful design emerges from listening, understanding, and creative responsiveness.Our team of award-winning professionals brings decades of experience to every project, ensuring results that transcend mere aesthetics to deliver lasting value. From small civic projects to large-scale commercial developments, we approach each task with the same enthusiasm and dedication to excellence. Our LEED-certified experts specialize in integrating sustainable principles, as evidenced by groundbreaking projects like the nations first LEED Platinum hemp processing facility. With offices in Lexington and Louisville, Kentucky, we serve clients across the Commonwealth and beyond, shaping spaces that inspire, endure, and improve lives.
Services
Architectural Design
Sustainable Design
Interior Design
Historic Preservation
Commercial Architecture
Educational Facilities
Healthcare Architecture
Industrial Design
Urban Planning
LEED Certification
Details
- Year established: 1946
Highlights and features
- We offer 75+ years of architectural expertise with a collaborative client-focused approach.
- Our team includes LEED-certified professionals specializing in sustainable design.
- We deliver innovative solutions for projects ranging from $500K to $5M+.
- Our work consistently earns design awards and repeat client partnerships.
- We prioritize inclusive, conversational design processes that elevate client visions.
Associations and certifications
- LEED AP
Services
Architectural Design
JRA Architects delivers tailored architectural solutions for educational, healthcare, and commercial projects. Our process emphasizes collaboration, sustainability, and functionality, ensuring spaces meet client needs while enhancing community impact. With expertise in LEED certification, we create enduring designs that balance aesthetics with practicality.
Sustainable Design
Our sustainable design services integrate eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient systems, and LEED-certified practices. Projects like the nations first LEED Platinum hemp processing facility demonstrate our commitment to reducing environmental impact while delivering innovative, future-ready spaces for clients.
Historic Preservation
We specialize in preserving architectural legacy through meticulous restoration and adaptive reuse. Projects like the Louisville Water Company Gatehouse highlight our ability to honor historical significance while modernizing structures for contemporary functionality and longevity.
Interior Design
Our interior design services focus on creating inspiring, functional environments that align with client branding and operational needs. From educational institutions to corporate offices, we craft spaces that enhance productivity, comfort, and aesthetic appeal through thoughtful layouts and material selection.
Urban Planning
JRAs urban planning expertise shapes vibrant, sustainable communities through strategic master planning and zoning analysis. We collaborate with municipalities and developers to design mixed-use spaces that balance growth with environmental stewardship and public accessibility.
People
Rob Deal
President
Rob Deal leads JRA Architects with a focus on innovation and client collaboration. A licensed architect and LEED AP, he has driven 30% firm growth since 2013 through strategic vision and a commitment to inclusive design practices.
Marty Merkel
Principal
Marty Merkel, a LEED-certified architect, specializes in sustainable industrial design. His work on the Ecofibre U.S. Headquarters demonstrates expertise in integrating eco-friendly systems while meeting aggressive project timelines and client goals.
Michael Nett
Executive Vice President
Michael Nett oversees JRAs Louisville office, bringing decades of experience in commercial and healthcare architecture. His leadership emphasizes client partnerships and delivering projects that align with community needs and modern design standards.
Questions
What architectural services does JRA Architects offer?
We provide full-service architecture, including design, historic preservation, sustainable solutions, interior design, and urban planning for educational, healthcare, civic, and commercial clients.
Does JRA Architects specialize in sustainable design?
Yes, our LEED-certified team integrates sustainable practices like geothermal HVAC, solar panels, and rainwater collection systems, exemplified by the Ecofibre LEED Platinum facility.
How long has JRA Architects been in business?
Founded in 1946 as Brock and Johnson Architects, we have over 75 years of experience shaping Kentucky’s architectural landscape.
Can JRA Architects handle large-scale projects?
We manage projects from $500K to $5M+, with expertise in complex assignments like the University of Kentucky Jacobs Science Building and Louisville Free Public Library renovations.
What areas does JRA Architects serve?
Headquartered in Lexington and Louisville, Kentucky, we serve clients statewide with a focus on civic, educational, and commercial architecture.
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