Architecture & Design Firm Announces New Higher Education, Technology Leaders

Architecture, interiors, landscape, and planning firm Carrier Johnson + Culture (CJ+C) recently announced that it has filled two significant leadership roles within the company. Nash Reyes, Assoc. AIA, will serve as the new Director of Technology; and Craig Atkinson, AIA, NOMA, DBIA, LEED AP, as the new Director of Higher Education, according to a news release. Both will work out of the firm’s office in Los Angeles, Calif.

Reyes comes from the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) sector and has served in technology direction roles at Gensler, HMC, and HDR. The news release discusses his vision to foster collaboration between technology and design teams, boost technical skills, stay on top of emerging trends, and matching technology solutions to client needs.

“Carrier Johnson + Culture’s commitment to innovation and reputation as a forward-thinking firm aligns perfectly with my vision for integrating technology into the architectural processes,” said Reyes. “I believe technology is a transformative force that will enhance our design capabilities, streamline operations, and increase client satisfaction. Together, we will revolutionize AEC through tech-driven innovation such as sustainable technology, AI-driven design solutions, and collaborative virtual environments.”

Meanwhile, Atkinson’s 30-plus-year career has centered largely around designing educational facilities like universities, community colleges, K–12 facilities, and more. His educational spaces incorporate elements of his experience in civic facility design like security, mobility, and greenery. He also serves as a member of the American Institute of Architects and as the President of the Southern California Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects.”

“I've always found that educational facilities enrich their surrounding communities,” said Atkinson. “A gymnasium can double as a polling place; a lecture hall as a town hall; a library as a public book reading. Each project is an opportunity to cultivate this symbiotic relationship.”

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • Wold Architects & Engineers Announces Acquisition of JJCA

    Wold Architects & Engineers, based in Minneapolis, Minn., recently announced that it has acquired JJCA, an architecture firm based in Nashville, Tenn., according to a press release. JJCA specializes in healthcare and education design; the partnership allows both firms to expand their presence across the country while building on existing strengths.

  • University of Pennsylvania Releases Design of Future Physical Sciences Building

    The University of Pennsylvania (Penn) in Philadelphia, Penn., recently released renderings of an upcoming 350,000-square-foot Physical Sciences Building, according to news release. The facility was designed by CO Architects and will unite the university’s departments of Physics and Astronomy, Mathematics, and Earth and Environmental Science.

  • University of Pittsburgh to Build New Residence Hall

    The Board of Trustees from the University of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, Penn., recently approved the construction of a new residence hall for first-year students, according to university news.

  • GeoCam and UCLA: Modernizing Campus Accessibility Mapping

    In early 2025, UCLA partnered with GeoCam to capture and modernize its pedestrian infrastructure data. The goal was ambitious but clear: to produce a high-accuracy, imagery-backed digital map of every sidewalk, pathway, ramp, and ADA-related feature on UCLA’s 419-acre campus.