James Guerrero - AIA, LEED AP, LFA
With 35 years of experience in south sound architecture, James Guerrero has both the expertise and the local commitment to craft designs that suit our clients' needs while melding into the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. After five years of work in a larger Tacoma firm, James Guerrero founded JGA to be able to form closer ties to his clients, coworkers, and fully explore the structural creativity and personal attention to detail that makes our firm shine. He is a proud graduate of the Washington State University College of Architecture.
Alongside fellow architects, draftsmen, and office administration, James Guerrero Architects also works closely with a tight group of local consultants including structural, civil, electrical, and mechanical engineers, landscapers, and various independent contractors. We are deeply invested in both the longevity and the viability our community, and we know that every project we undertake directly contributes to our neighborhood, city, county, and region. We strive to be innovative in our design so that we can enhance a project’s profitability and functionality alongside keeping true to our commitment to aesthetic creativity and environmental responsibility.
Rhene Johns, R.A., EcoPRO CPH
Rhene’s approach to design is first to observe that amenable spaces emerge from the presence of natural materials, sunlight, and connection to plant communities and wildlife habitat. She has 25 years of experience in residential, multi-family and commercial design. Before joining JGA, Rhene was a self-employed architect at her own firm.
Rhene brings an interest in ecological site design to her project work. She is a Certified Professional Horticulturist and obtained a low impact design certification at the Washington Stormwater Center. In 2018, she added an eco-pro certification to the CPH. In addition to architectural design, Rhene serves as a landscape designer.
A graduate of the University of Washington, Rhene is a member of the Washington State Nursery and Landscape Association and the NW Native Plant Society. Her goal is to provide a luscious and functional habitat for both humans and the ecological web that supports us.
Ricky Burns - OFFICE & PROJECT MANAGER
As a Project Manager at JGA, he is also our head of IT & BIM Standardization and working toward licensure in Washington State. With his well-rounded skill set, he brings passion, creativity, and commitment of excellence to his projects from schematic design to construction. Before joining JGA, Ricky gained a degree in Architecture, Engineering, and Construction Technology and worked three years at a Civil Engineering firm.
Ricky has a particular passion for Passive House design and has gained certification as a Passive House Consultant. He is passionate about creating energy-efficient buildings that provide clean, healthy air for the people who visit, work and live in them
Clare Whalen – Interior Designer
Clare joined the team at James Guerrero Architects in June of 2020, following graduation from Oregon State University where she received her degree in Interior Design. Born & raised in Lakewood, she interned for JGA during the summers of her college years, prior to officially joining the team. As an Interior Designer, she continually stays ahead of trends while striving to create functional and comfortable spaces for JGA clients. During her off-time, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her friends & family.
Sonja Hobson - ARCHITECTURAL DRAFTER
Sonja joined the team at James Guerrero Architects in October of 2019. She is a lifelong Washingtonian with 5 years of experience in Architectural Drafting and Project Management. In 2003 she obtained a degree in Interior Design from Clover Park Technical College and enjoys using her training to create pleasing, comfortable and efficient spaces within each residential or commercial project. When she isn’t working, Sonja enjoys spending time with her husband and three children..
Stephanie Fry – Architectural Drafter
Stephanie joined the JGA team in March of 2020. Originally from Austin Texas, she brings a unique perspective to design that focuses on permaculture landscaping, drought tolerant vegetation, combating food scarcity, and architecture that nestles into its natural surrounding features.
She holds a degree in Architectural Engineering Design from Clover Park Technical College, a certification in Construction Documents Technology, and is an active board member of the Mt. Rainier CSI Chapter.
Linda Shoemaker – Office Manger
Linda is involved in all projects from start to finish to ensure that the project team is meeting JGA goals and standards. Additionally, she tracks and reports progress of all current projects to the team, directs clients to relevant staff, and supports clients throughout each project with any questions regarding the contract and billing process.
As a Lakewood native, Linda has over 12 years of expertise supporting architects and clients throughout all phases of architectural projects. She is a people person who is highly organized, friendly, and accessible. In her off time, she enjoys skiing, watching live music performances, and traveling.
The Just Label is a transparency platform that is coordinated with the Living Future Institute, a non-profit working to build an ecologically-minded, restorative world for all people. It helps us to review how we treat our employees, where we make financial & community investments, identify ways that we can improve, and demonstrate our commitments to these issues.