Letter from the Editors
A Year to Remember…
This past year has truly been an extraordinary one for us at JMA, filled with a dynamic mix of conferences, engaging events, and enjoyable times within our office walls. It's been a pleasure to see so many of our projects come to life and to kick off new ones as the seasons changed. As we look forward to 2024, we're excited about the possibilities it holds. Our team's camaraderie, seen in everything from volunteer activities to hikes and social happy hours, has played a key role in shaping JMA's identity in the Seattle architectural community.
Let's take a moment to reflect on our achievements and milestones of the past year. Here's to a happy, prosperous new year ahead!
featured
900 Rainier apartment project nears completion
Submitted by Che Fortaleza
900 Rainier is rapidly approaching a major milestone, with the 'topping out' expected in just a month! Currently, work is underway on the eighth and top floor, with the installation of floor joists and sheathing. We anticipate the completion of roof sheathing by the end of January 2024. Following the site demolition at the end of 2022, construction has swiftly advanced through 2023. This includes finishing three levels of concrete in October and nearing completion of four wood levels as we move into 2024. Given the current pace, we're optimistic about achieving a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO) by March 2025, which is two months ahead of our initial schedule.
Congratulations to the entire team for their exceptional management and execution of the construction process. This includes everyone from the owners at NSCO, the architects, engineers, designers, consultants, to the general contractor, VGC. Jackson | Main Architecture is thrilled to be a part of such an exciting venture, which is touted as Seattle's largest MHA performing project to date!
Featured above: The construction process weathers through the spring and fall seasons, captured in these photos.
JMA Celebrates two projects nominated for naiop’s night of the stars awards
The 2023 NAIOP Night of the Stars gala was a night to remember! It was particularly exciting for us as we had two of our projects in the nomination lineup and had a blast attending the event.
Nomination #1: Located in Seattle’s vibrant uptown neighborhood of Lower Queen Anne, Roystone Apartments is an impressive 8-story mixed-use mid-rise structure. With its prime location and excellent public transportation access, the 74,096 square foot development prioritizes pedestrian and retail activity. Offering 93 residential units, the building also features attractive amenities and inviting roof decks that contribute to the community’s liveliness.
Nomination #2: HERE Seattle is a transformative mixed-use project designed to revitalize the University District community. Its strategic location offers exceptional walkability to key destinations, including the University of Washington campus, University Way (The Ave), the farmers market, and the Sound Transit Link light rail station, providing convenience and accessibility for both residents and shoppers.
jma in the press
Venture Magazine
JMA's Senior Principal, Robin Murphy, recently gave Venture Magazine an in-depth look into the world of entitlement processes, sharing valuable insights from an architect's viewpoint. Covering aspects from design and planning to the intricacies of building codes and adaptability, Robin delves into the vital role architects play in steering these complex processes. For a more detailed understanding, be sure to read the article linked below!
To access and download the article, please click the button below.
Modern storage media (msm) & inside self storage (ISS) - Self Storage Articles
Discover insightful perspectives on self-storage design in Robin Murphy's latest published articles. Dive into "Designing for Sustainability," featured in MSM, where Robin explores eco-friendly and sustainable design practices in self-storage. Then, enhance your understanding of current trends with "Sketching out your Project," published in ISS Magazine. This piece delves into essential design considerations for architects and developers embarking on new self-storage projects. Both articles offer valuable guidance and innovative approaches, making them must-reads for industry professionals.
To explore the articles, simply click on the images below.
insightful read: The Modular Construction Approach
In the rapidly changing landscape of construction, the shift from traditional to modular methods is pivotal. JMA's Principal, Matt Laase, sheds light on this transition in his white paper featured in Woodworks. He focuses on the importance of early collaboration among project team members, a crucial aspect for maximizing the advantages of modular construction. This white paper serves as an invaluable resource for those eager to expand their understanding of modern building techniques.
To delve into this insightful piece, simply click the button below.
Speaking of modular, Matt Laase was featured as a guest on the Mainstream Modular podcast, where he discussed Union 93, a modular mixed-used apartment complex taking shape in Meridian, Idaho. To hear more about this and other exciting developments, visit our Videos + Podcasts page, where you'll find a wealth of engaging content JMA has shared over the past year.
Interested in learning more about JMA's expertise in Modular Design? Click here to download a copy of our brochure.
JMA in the wild
conferences & events
In 2023, the post-pandemic world welcomed back in-person conferences and events, and we were not just attendees but proud sponsors of some of these gatherings. The opportunity to network face-to-face and create new connections in the industry was an exhilarating experience we eagerly embraced.
Below, you can explore just some of our favorite events attended and see what made them so memorable.
Northwest Retail Professionals 2023 / RECon Bayley Dinner – Las Vegas, NV
2023 Product Runway – Tectonic Shift, Seattle, WA
Produced by IIDA Northern Pacific Chapter
Photos courtesy of Erica Sciarretta at www.sorellaphotos.com
Belden Club – Labour Temple Tour, Seattle, WA
Evergreen Goodwill – Impact for Good (A Century of Impact), Seattle, WA
HDC 2023 Annual Member’s Meeting, Seattle, WA
SSA-WA Conference – Tacoma, WA
Habitat for Humanity – NW African American Museum Cocktail Reception, Seattle, WA
“Fore” the Golfers
Sand Traps and Sponsorships
At JMA, our golf outings are about so much more than just a game! We take pride in sponsoring and attending events that not only uplift organizations within our industry but also resonate with the communities they serve. Our support extends beyond mere participation; we are committed to being active allies in breaking down stereotypes, including those associated with golf.
We invite you to check out some of our past golf events to see how we blend professional networking with support for inclusivity, equality, and opportunity for all.
The Pro Shop: “Playing Through” Movie Premier, Egyptian Theatre, Seattle, WA
The Pro Shop is a nonprofit organization with the mission to empower women in architecture, engineering, and construction into greater positions of influence, through the game of golf.
Playing Through is a fictional film honoring the life and legacy of Ann Gregory, a pioneering female athlete and civil rights advocate. Ann was the first black woman to play in the United States Golf Association. The Pro Shop helped to bring this movie event to Seattle, hosting a red-carpet and VIP experience for attendees.
DCI’s Golf Tournament for Childhaven, Newcastle, WA
This year, DCI Engineers once again hosted their annual event at the Golf Club at Newcastle, featuring a Wonderland-themed tournament. Impressively, the event succeeded in raising $92,000 for Childhaven. This remarkable organization is dedicated to strengthening families, preventing childhood trauma, and laying the foundation for children's lifelong well-being.
NAIOP Summer Social – Wild Wild West, Newcastle, WA
Saddled up for a blast at the NAIOP Summer Social with its Wild Wild West theme, right at the scenic Golf Club at Newcastle, WA. As sponsors, we loved the chance to unleash our creativity in this laid-back, fun-filled networking event. Plus, we got to enjoy the beauty of both courses at Newcastle – a perfect backdrop for our wild western adventure!
The Pro Shop: Group Lesson, Seattle, WA
Dani Karr, JMA's dynamic Digital Marketing Designer and a key figure in the Pro Shop as a volunteer and Marketing Co-chair, recently led one of the Pro Shop's monthly group lessons at Seattle's Interbay Golf Course. Her energetic guidance is part of what makes these events so enjoyable and successful.
Masonry institute of washington (miw) Golf Tournament, auburn, wa
Each year, construction industry leaders from across the Puget Sound gather for the MIW tournament at the Washington National Golf Course. At JMA, our outings are always a highlight, as evidenced by our team's enthusiasm in photos, like Alex's impressive mid-air jump with his club triumphantly raised overhead – a perfect snapshot of the excitement and energy we bring to these events.
The pro Shop: The League
The Pro Shop introduced a monthly opportunity for their members to meet up for a round of golf, snacks and networking. It was a great space for golfers of all skill levels to learn more about the game and hone their skills on the course.
Office Updates
Welcome to the Team
Qin gong
In 2023, JMA was thrilled to have Qin Gong join our team as the new Financial Controller. We're also delighted to extend our congratulations to Qin, who recently welcomed a beautiful baby girl, Lila, into her family in 2024!
JMA Welcomes Summer Interns
At JMA, we're quite selective about our annual intern additions, aiming to bring in individuals who truly resonate with our values and work ethic. This year, we were delighted to have Kana Takagi and Kiae Shin join our team. They displayed excellent teamwork and a knack for integrating smoothly with our seasoned professionals, enhancing our work environment with their positive and supportive approach. It was particularly gratifying to see them continue to engage in JMA's internal outings and activities even after their summer internships ended, their presence has certainly enriched our team.
edible blueprints
Black Manhattan
Submitted by Dani Karr
If you’re looking for a cocktail to warm you up on chilly winter evenings, this spin on a Manhattan is the perfect concoction for you. Grab the ingredients below (and a warm blanket) and get ready for a cozy Netflix N’ Chill session.
Ingredients
2 ounces rye whiskey (or whatever whiskey you have on hand)
1 ounce amaro
1 dash angostura bitters
1 dash orange bitters
Cocktail cherry, for garnish
Instructions
Add the whiskey, amaro, and bitters into a mixing glass with ice and stir until well-chilled. Strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a cocktail cherry (or two) and enjoy.
Happy New Year from all of us at Jackson | Main Architecture!