Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Sacred Architecture & Design Services
JNKA Architects is a full-service architecture and liturgical design firm with over 50 years of experience dedicated to serving religious institutions and faith-based communities. Founded in 1963, our firm has completed more than 700 projects across 13 states, specializing in facility assessments, master planning, and comprehensive design services for new buildings, renovations, and historic restorations. Our collaborative design process emphasizes listening to clients, defining their unique vision, and creating innovative spaces that reflect their identity while respecting budgetary constraints. We pride ourselves on maintaining continuity throughout all project phases, from initial concept to construction completion, ensuring steadfast guidance and professional dedication.Our team of 9 professionals includes licensed architects, LEED-certified designers, and experienced project managers who bring technical expertise and creative problem-solving to every project. We work closely with community leaders, building committees, and contractors to deliver sacred spaces that enrich lives and achieve noble beauty through thoughtful stewardship of resources. Our portfolio spans classical to contemporary styles, reflecting the diversity of our clients' needs while maintaining a commitment to quality, sustainability, and cultural context in every design solution.
Services
Worship Spaces
Educational Facilities
Residential Design
Community Centers
Historic Restoration
Liturgical Furnishings
Master Planning
Feasibility Studies
3D Renderings
Design Animations
Details
- Year established: 1963
Highlights and features
- We have over 50 years of experience in sacred architecture and liturgical design
- Our team includes licensed architects and LEED-certified professionals
- We maintain continuity from design inception through construction completion
- We have completed 700+ projects across 13 states
- Our collaborative process ensures designs reflect each client's unique identity
Associations and certifications
- AIA
- LEED
- NCARB
What people say
Listens to client needs
Strong attention to detail
Collaborative design process
Experienced professionals
Delivers on promises
Services
Worship Spaces
We design worship spaces for diverse faith communities including cathedrals, churches, synagogues, and mosques. Our team creates sacred environments that reflect each community's unique identity while incorporating liturgical furnishings and devotionals. With expertise in both classical and contemporary styles, we ensure spaces foster spiritual growth and community engagement through thoughtful design.
Educational Facilities
Our educational facility designs serve preschools through higher education institutions with a focus on faith-based learning environments. We create functional classrooms, worship centers, and community spaces that support educational and spiritual development. Our designs integrate modern teaching technologies while maintaining traditional architectural elements that reinforce institutional values and identity.
Historic Restoration
We specialize in preserving historic religious buildings through careful restoration and adaptive reuse projects. Our approach maintains architectural integrity while updating structures to meet modern standards. Services include facility assessments, master planning, and implementation of preservation strategies that respect historical context while ensuring functional longevity for future generations.
Community Centers
Our community center designs create welcoming environments for social interaction and hospitality. We incorporate accessible design elements, multipurpose spaces, and functional layouts that accommodate diverse activities. These spaces serve as extensions of worship environments, fostering community connections through coffee shops, meeting rooms, and recreational facilities tailored to each institution's specific needs.
3D Renderings
We provide advanced 3D rendering and animation services to help clients visualize final designs before construction. These tools facilitate stakeholder presentations, fundraising efforts, and design refinement. Our digital visualization capabilities include realistic lighting studies, material selections, and virtual walkthroughs that enhance communication and decision-making throughout the design process.
People
David C. Kuhlman
President and Director of Design
AIA, ALA, NCARB licensed architect with over 25 years of experience in sacred architecture. Leads all project phases from concept to completion while maintaining design excellence and client relationships.
Kimberly Z. Kuhlman
Vice President
Associate AIA, LEED Green Associate with naval engineering experience. Manages complex projects and brings technical expertise in construction management and facility planning to the firm's projects.
Susan A. Maish
Principal & Director of JNKA Architects-Florida
ALA, NCARB licensed architect with extensive experience in religious architecture. Oversees Florida operations and contributes to project design and client management across multiple office locations.
Thomas M. Dietz
Associate Principal
LEED AP and WELL AP certified architect specializing in sustainable design solutions. Provides technical expertise in building systems integration and code compliance for complex religious facilities.
Cesar Ceballos
Director of Nevada Office
AIA licensed architect managing Las Vegas operations with focus on southwestern regional design considerations and client relationships in western US markets.
Questions
What types of projects does JNKA specialize in?
We specialize in sacred architecture for religious institutions, including worship spaces, educational facilities, residential communities, and community centers.
Do you work with different faith traditions?
Yes, we design for all faiths including Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox, Jewish, Islamic, and non-denominational communities across various denominations.
How long has JNKA been in business?
We've been serving faith-based communities since our founding in 1963, with over 50 years of experience in sacred architecture.
What services do you offer beyond design?
We provide master planning, feasibility studies, facility assessments, 3D visualization, and construction management services throughout all project phases.
Do you handle historic preservation projects?
Yes, we specialize in historic restoration and adaptive reuse of existing religious buildings while maintaining architectural integrity.
Where are your offices located?
We have offices in Illinois, Texas, Florida, and Nevada, serving clients across 13 states with regional design considerations.
