Business Details
Trusted Architects for Higher Education Facilities
JMZ Architects is a nationally recognized firm specializing in higher education planning and design. With over four decades of experience, we cultivate long-lasting client relationships built on trust, collaboration, and a deep understanding of institutional goals. Our team of accomplished architects and planners combines technical expertise with creative problem-solving to deliver transformative campus environments.As a Women-Owned Business Enterprise, we prioritize diverse perspectives and design excellence, creating spaces that enhance educational experiences while respecting historical context and embracing innovation. Our commitment to listening first and delivering on time and on budget has earned us recognition through numerous industry awards and enduring partnerships with institutions nationwide.
Services
Campus Master Planning
Space Utilization Studies
Facility Programming
Building Design
STEM Facility Planning
Student Housing Design
Historic Preservation
Sustainability Consulting
Academic Space Audits
Capital Project Management
Highlights and features
- Over 40 years of specialized experience in higher education architecture
- Integrated planning and design approach for strategic results
- Award-winning team with proven technical and creative expertise
- Client-centric process emphasizing collaboration and consensus-building
- Proven track record of delivering complex projects on time and on budget
Associations and certifications
- Women-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE)
What people say
True partnership
Exceeded expectations
Most professional
Creative problem-solvers
Data-informed analysis
Services
Campus Master Planning
We create comprehensive campus master plans that align with institutional strategic goals. Our process includes space audits, enrollment projections, and stakeholder engagement to develop visionary yet implementable plans. These documents guide capital improvements while addressing evolving educational needs and community expectations.
Space Utilization Studies
Our detailed space utilization studies assess current facility usage through data collection and stakeholder interviews. We analyze classroom efficiency, departmental adjacencies, and program requirements to optimize space allocation. Recommendations focus on improving operational efficiency while supporting academic priorities.
Building Design
We design functional, sustainable, and inspiring educational buildings tailored to client needs. Our approach balances aesthetic vision with technical precision, incorporating modern learning environments and accessibility standards. Projects range from new construction to adaptive reuse of existing facilities.
STEM Facility Planning
Our STEM facility planning addresses specialized laboratory and research space requirements. We conduct capacity analyses and develop programming for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics departments. Solutions emphasize flexibility, safety, and interdisciplinary collaboration to support evolving pedagogies.
Student Housing Design
We create modern student housing environments that enhance campus life and retention. Our designs prioritize community-building features, sustainability, and cost-effective operations. Projects include both new construction and renovation of existing residential facilities.
People
Tene R. Casaccio
Managing Principal
With over 30 years of experience, Tene leads campus planning initiatives for major universities. She specializes in strategic facility planning and has directed projects at Louisiana State University and the University of North Carolina System. Her expertise ensures practical yet visionary solutions for institutional growth.
Andrew Parsons
Managing Principal
Andrew specializes in campus space audits and STEM facility planning. He led a comprehensive space study at Louisiana State University and manages the Advanced Technology Education Center project. His technical expertise ensures data-driven solutions for complex institutional challenges.
George Green
Vice President
With 30+ years in educational architecture, George focuses on transforming complex programs into functional buildings. His work has earned 21 AIA design awards. He excels at balancing aesthetic vision with technical execution to create enduring campus landmarks.
Karin Kilgore-Green
Vice President
Karin brings three decades of experience in learning environment design. A LEED Accredited Professional, she integrates sustainability into projects while maintaining focus on budget and schedule. Her collaborative approach has delivered successful outcomes for numerous higher education clients.
Sandy Helmig
Vice President
Sandy combines architectural expertise with specialized lighting design knowledge. She manages complex renovations across SUNY campuses and ensures optimal resource allocation for project teams. Her attention to detail contributes to consistently successful project delivery.
Questions
What types of institutions do you work with?
We specialize in serving colleges, universities, and community colleges across the United States, from small institutions to large research universities.
How do you approach campus planning?
Our process begins with listening to stakeholders, analyzing existing conditions, and aligning recommendations with institutional strategic goals through collaborative workshops and data analysis.
What makes your firm unique?
Our dual expertise in architecture and planning, combined with 40+ years of higher education focus, enables integrated solutions that address both immediate needs and long-term vision.
Can you handle complex renovation projects?
Yes, we have extensive experience with phased renovations, historic preservation, and adaptive reuse projects that maintain campus operations while modernizing facilities.
How do you ensure project success?
We maintain strict quality control through all phases, employ experienced project managers, and prioritize transparent communication with all stakeholders throughout the process.
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