Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Sacred Architecture & Liturgical Design Services
Founded in 1963, JNKA Architects is a full-service architecture and liturgical design firm dedicated to serving religious institutions, schools, and faith-based communities. With over 700 projects completed across 13 states, we specialize in creating sacred spaces, educational facilities, residential communities, and gathering spaces that reflect each client's unique identity and values. Our collaborative design process emphasizes active listening, thoughtful dialogue, and technical expertise to deliver innovative, budget-conscious solutions. Led by President David Kuhlman, our team of 9 professionals brings decades of combined experience in architectural design, historic preservation, and LEED-certified projects.We prioritize client relationships, maintaining continuity from initial visioning through construction completion. Our work spans classical to contemporary styles, honoring both the functional needs of communities and the cultural context of each project. Recognized for our national award-winning designs, we remain committed to fostering spiritual growth, educational development, and community engagement through purposeful architecture. Our values center on professionalism, creative problem-solving, and stewardship of client resources while achieving beauty and excellence in every project.
Services
Worship Spaces
Educational Facilities
Residential Design
Community Centers
Administrative Centers
Athletic Facilities
Cemetery Structures
Liturgical Furnishings
Historic Renovations
Handicap Accessibility
Details
- Year established: 1963
Highlights and features
- We have over 60 years of experience in sacred architecture since 1963
- Our collaborative design process includes personalized visioning sessions
- We specialize in both traditional and contemporary religious architecture
- Our team includes LEED-certified and AIA-member professionals
- We maintain project continuity from initial design through construction completion
What people say
Listens well to client needs
Design and presentation skills
Impressed with design details
Strong leadership
Navigates complex projects
Services
Worship Spaces
We design worship spaces for diverse faiths including churches, synagogues, mosques, and interfaith centers. Our team creates meaningful environments that enhance spiritual experiences while meeting functional needs. From traditional cathedrals to modern worship centers, we incorporate liturgical requirements and community identity into every design.
Educational Facilities
Our educational facility designs include preschools through higher education institutions with special attention to faith-based learning environments. We create flexible classrooms, worship spaces, and community areas that support educational missions while meeting safety and accessibility standards for students of all ages.
Residential Design
We develop residential communities for seniors, students, and families with a focus on creating supportive environments that align with faith-based values. Our designs include affordable housing, dormitories, and private residences that balance functionality with spiritual comfort and community interaction.
Community Centers
Our community center designs create welcoming environments for social interaction and outreach programs. We incorporate multipurpose rooms, hospitality areas, and accessible facilities that serve both religious and secular community needs while maintaining architectural harmony with existing structures.
Cemetery Structures
We specialize in mausolea, columbaria, and cemetery structures that provide dignified spaces for remembrance. Our designs respect cultural traditions while incorporating modern accessibility features and sustainable materials to create lasting memorials that serve communities for generations.
People
David C. Kuhlman
President and Director of Design
AIA-certified architect with over 30 years of experience in sacred architecture, David has led JNKA Architects since 2012. He specializes in religious, educational, and senior living projects, bringing technical expertise and creative vision to every design while maintaining continuity from concept through construction.
Kimberly Z. Kuhlman
Vice President
LEED-certified architect and former U.S. Navy Civil Engineer Corps officer with extensive project management experience. She oversees complex projects and construction logistics, applying military precision to ensure timely delivery of high-quality architectural solutions that meet client needs and budget constraints.
Susan A. Maish
Principal & Director of JNKA Architects-Florida
NCARB-certified architect with deep expertise in Florida-specific design challenges. As a Principal since 2021, she manages southeastern projects with attention to regional climate considerations while maintaining the firm's commitment to creating meaningful spaces that reflect client identities and community contexts.
Thomas M. Dietz
Associate Principal
Certified architect with expertise in sustainable design and building certifications. He leads technical aspects of projects, ensuring compliance with environmental standards while balancing creative vision with practical implementation through his comprehensive knowledge of construction systems and materials.
Cesar Ceballos
Director of Nevada Office
AIA-certified architect managing western regional operations from Las Vegas. He specializes in adapting sacred design principles to southwestern architectural styles while maintaining the firm's collaborative approach and commitment to delivering innovative solutions that meet client expectations across diverse geographic and cultural contexts.
Questions
What types of projects does JNKA specialize in?
We specialize in sacred architecture including churches, synagogues, mosques, and other worship spaces, plus educational facilities, senior living communities, and faith-based gathering spaces.
Do you work with non-religious institutions?
While our focus is faith-based communities, we also design educational facilities and residential projects for secular organizations and private clients.
How does your design process work?
Our collaborative process includes visioning sessions, customized questionnaires, and interactive design reviews to ensure projects reflect client identity and values.
Are you experienced with historic renovations?
Yes, we have extensive experience in historic preservation, adaptive re-use, and restoration of existing sacred spaces and buildings.
Do you handle projects outside the US?
While our offices are in the US, we have worked on projects in multiple states and can collaborate with international clients through virtual consultations.
How do you manage project budgets?
We use an Integrated Team Approach with construction managers and consultants to develop accurate cost estimates and maintain budget control throughout the project.
