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

  • Illinois State University Breaks Ground on College of Fine Arts Transformation

    Illinois State University in Normal, Ill., recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for the Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts transformation project, according to university news. The series of new constructions and renovations will upgrade spaces in Centennial East, the Center for the Visual Arts, and the Center for the Performing Arts, as well as replace the existing Centennial West facility with a new Commons Building.

  • Hawaii Elementary School Breaks Ground on New Classroom Building

    Kealakehe Elementary School in Kailua, Hawaii, recently began construction on a new, $16-million classroom building for its campus, according to a news release. The 13,000-square-foot building will stand two stories and connect the existing upper and lower campuses.

  • Pitzer College

    Designing for Change in Higher Ed Learning Environments

    Higher education will continue to evolve, and learning environments must evolve with it. By prioritizing adaptable infrastructure, thoughtful reuse, strong energy performance, and wellness-centered design, campuses can create spaces that support learning today while remaining flexible for the future.

  • DFW-Area District Opens New Replacement Middle School

    The Eagle Mountain-Saginaw Independent School District near Fort Worth, Texas, recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new replacement middle school campus, according to a news release. The new facility for Wayside Middle School, originally established in 1964, was built on the site of the former district administration building and funded through Bond Proposition A in 2023.